Some Relief in Sight.

As you can see from the map on the right, basically the western half of our state remains in a very serious drought situation. Although we are in much better shape on this side of the state, we are drying out rather quickly as well. In fact, evaporation rates are running about 1/3 inch per day with this early season heat wave and the vegetation is also pulling a lot of water out of the ground. This is a process known as evapo-transpiration which is the combination of moisture removed by evaporation and by vegetation. Bottom line is that these conditions can dry things out rather quickly and we are starting to get dry once again.

We have introduced a chance of rain into the forecast, but those showers and storms that do occur look to be rather spotty. A weak frontal boundary still looks like it will make it into the northern part of the state by late Friday and into the day Saturday. This system will not only bring with it at least a slight chance of showers and storms but also at least a brief break in the heat.

Between now and then, the upper level ridge responsible for this early season heat wave will be breaking down enough to allow temperatures to level out or perhaps drop off a few degrees. Make no mistake, we will still be much warmer than normal at night as well as during the day with temperatures still running nearly 10 degrees above normal. But, there is at least some hope for a few showers or storms by Friday and into the day Saturday. It also appears that we will get at least a brief break in this early summer heat wave, but not for long as the heat will likely be building back by early next week.

We will also have rather brisk southerly winds over the next couple of days which is providing decent ventilation but which also contributes to the evaporation rates. If that boundary does make it down here, the more E to NE winds on Saturday and the clouds along with at least some shower activity should hold daytime temperatures into the 80s for a change. Then, the heat starts building back for early next week.

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

Dick Faurot