The Heat Goes On!

Notice the map on the right. It is what we refer to as the QPF(Quantitative Precipitation Forecast) valid through this coming Wed. You can clearly see the expected precipitation along the path of TS Don as it moves through the Rio Grande Valley. You can also clearly see the lack of any expected precipitation for the state of Oklahoma. That is not to say that we will not have any rain at all. But, the showers or storms we do receive will only provide localized relief from the heat and drought and the areal coverage is expected to be no more than 20% for Saturday and even less than that for Sunday. So, if you happen to catch one of those showers or storms, count your blessings. Keep in mind some locally gusty winds will also accompany those that do manage to form.

Other than that, the heat just goes on. In fact, the pattern is setting up to be down right brutal for much of the coming week. What moisture is available for Sat and Sun will provide partly cloudy skies during the day and a few cooling showers or storms that may occur. But, for most of us, there will be plenty of sunshine to put temperatures back to near triple digits for Saturday, lower triple digits for Sunday, and well into triple digits during the coming work week.

Ridging aloft is expected to become even more dominant during the coming work week. As a result, what little moisture is trapped under the ridge will provide little more than a few clouds and perhaps an isolated storm in the terrain favored locations. That means temperatures should really soar, especially if our winds become more from the SSW as it now appears may occur. As hot as we have already been, if that scenario does indeed play out, then temperatures close to the 110 mark will be possible by the middle of the week.

By the way, temperatures so far this summer, from Jun 1 through today continue to be on pace for the hottest summer ever. Up to this point we are running ahead of those brutal summers of 1980, 1934, and 1936 with no relief in sight. Hopefully, there will be a break in the pattern after the first week in August, but don't bet the farm on that just yet.

So, stay cool, stay tuned, and check back for updates.

Dick Faurot