The Lazy, Hazy (and Dry and Hot) Days of Summer
It’s been almost two weeks since I’ve had a chance to post some weather news. This time of year is pretty slow as far as weather goes … it’s a little too early for any real tropical weather activity, and except for the occasional thunderstorm, the forecast is typically hot and humid.
But, the weather does move in patterns, and now it looks like we’re back into the same type of weather we saw in late May, which you may remember was highlighted by a lack of rainfall, with high pressure off the Atlantic keeping any moisture well to our west.
We got somewhat of a break from the dry pattern as the first half of the month ended, although it took an unusual storm from the northeast to do it. And, even then, rainfall was spotty, depending on whether a thunderstorm passed through your neighborhood. Since the first of the week, we’ve seen temperatures in the 90s and low dewpoints, which makes outdoor activity bearable, but keeps the raindrops away.
The Weather Service issued its forecast for July, and the three month outlook for July through September last week, and as indicated by the title of this post, for the Southeast, it’s likely to be hot and dry. July’s outlook proffers warmer than normal temperatures for the east and west coasts, and cooler than normal weather for the nation’s midsection. The Plains states are likely to be the only place in the country with more than average rainfall, although there’s an equal chance of above or below normal precipitation everywhere else except for the mountain west.
The three month outlook amplifies the heat, especially in the southwest. Most of the eastern part of the country has a 40% likelihood of warmer than normal temperatures. Expected tropical weather brings a better chance of rain form much of the east coast during the latter half of the summer.
Tropical storm Barry, along with the recent rains further north have provided some drought relief, particularly for south Georgia and Florida. At right is the drought outlook from mid-May, and the latest outlook, issued last Thursday.
While the portion of the map showing a chances of improvement keeps moving north and west, the drought is spreading north as well, with much of Ohio and Indiana moving into a persistent drought. While I wish no ill will towards our friends in the rust belt, perhaps this movement of the center of the drought northward might mean some relief for the southeast.
Maps Update
You might have noticed the new 12 hour regional forecast on the home page, as well as in the map section of the site. I’ve added the ability to click on the map to view a seven day forecast for the location clicked on, much the same way as clicking on a weather warning map displays active warnings for that location. The forecast map, along with many others, can now be animated, showing the changes in the weather over a several day period.
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