It's Heating Up...

We are beginning a run of 90° days, and today got started with a bang. We recorded a high of 93.3°F today, with a maximum heat index of just under 100°F. So, just what's behind this?

A ridge of high pressure is controlling the area's weather. To put it simply, typical mid-summer conditions can be expected the next several days. This means highs in the upper 80's to the middle 90's, and dew points in the upper 60's to middle 70's. With plenty of morning sunshine destabilizing the atmosphere, diurnal convection is firing in the afternoon, especially across the mountains.

With the hot temperatures and high humidity, heat indexes (er, indices?) are running dangerously high. When working outside, take plenty of breaks and drink plenty of fluid. As always, sunscreen is a must. As with most hot periods, haze will be a problem, especially in populous areas and surrounding mountains. Air quality is on the decline as well, though it will be significantly healthier in areas that receive rainfall.

This pattern looks to hold strong for the next week plus. The only foreseeable saving grace is to get an established flow going. If this were to occur, more moisture would stream into the area, providing more "juice" for convection. However, this is not expected to set up.

8/1/07-9:23 PM