After a record warm spring across much of the central, southern, and Mid-Atlantic regions, record heat continues into early summer. A very strong upper-level ridge of high pressure has remained the dominant feature over the central and eastern U.S., producing very warm temperatures. This ridge has also suppressed thunderstorm activity, which is resulting in worsening drought conditions for much of that region. Large wildfires are now burning near populated areas of Colorado, including Fort Collins, Boulder, and Colorado Springs. Both today and yesterday, Denver tied its all-time record high temperature of 105º - to tie that record once is rare enough, but two days in a row is
extremely unusual. Later this week, temperatures are expected to climb to or exceed 100º across a wide swath of the country from Texas northward to Michigan and east to the Atlantic. 100º temps are quite rare for the northern Midwest, especially so early in the summer season.
One factor resulting in the hot temperatures is very dry ground/soil in the central U.S. Dry ground warms and cools much faster than wet ground (and water surfaces). However, the lack of rainfall and dry ground also results in lower humidity levels. So, while air temperatures may be near 100º, humidity levels will not be terribly high. This summer is showing some similarities to the summer of 1988, which was a very hot, dry season for the central U.S.
The tropics continue to be unusually active, with four names storms already occurring in the Atlantic. Currently, Tropical Storm Debby is crossing Florida (see satellite image on right), producing very heavy rains and a few tornadoes. The silver lining there is much of Florida was experiencing drought conditions, so Debby's rains are not entirely unwanted. Debby will continue tracking northeastward away from Florida and across the Atlantic.
A strong upper-level trough of low pressure has been anchored along the West Coast, resulting in cooler-than-normal temps and unusually heavy rains for June in the Pacific Northwest. This trough has helped to mix out the marine layer and fog for the past several days, so locations along the coast (like San Francisco) have had more sun recently than is typical for June.
After a record warm spring across much of the central, southern, and Mid-Atlantic regions, record heat continues into early summer. A very strong upper-level ridge of high pressure has remained the dominant feature over the central and eastern U.S., producing very warm temperatures. This ridge has also suppressed thunderstorm activity, which is resulting in worsening drought conditions for much of that region. Large wildfires are now burning near populated areas of Colorado, including Fort Collins, Boulder, and Colorado Springs. Both today and yesterday, Denver tied its all-time record high temperature of 105º - to tie that record once is rare enough, but two days in a row is extremely unusual. Later this week, temperatures are expected to climb to or exceed 100º across a wide swath of the country from Texas northward to Michigan and east to the Atlantic. 100º temps are quite rare for the northern Midwest, especially so early in the summer season.
A strong upper-level trough of low pressure has been anchored along the West Coast, resulting in cooler-than-normal temps and unusually heavy rains for June in the Pacific Northwest. This trough has helped to mix out the marine layer and fog for the past several days, so locations along the coast (like San Francisco) have had more sun recently than is typical for June.