Wednesday, May 23, 2012

And the Heat Rises..Again

Good Evening!  After a cooler, seasonal, and refreshing Monday and Tuesday, temps are on the rise once again.
High Temps for Monday and Tuesday were at normal values in the mid 70s and morning lows in the low to mid 50s, near normal. The weather pattern is changing after the 2 day stint of cool air, temps will trend on the high side. This started today as winds shifted from the north to a southerly air flow. High pressure continues to remain in control which allows plenty of sunshine and dry air. Todays daytime heating increased, bumping our temps up to a 4pm unofficial high of 79°. This is about 5° warmer than yesterday. We stay dry and sunny for Thursday and Friday, as well. Also, another change is the humidity levels. This also is creeping upwards. Although the plus side to this change is the positive impact it makes on decreasing pollen count, it will be quite uncomfortable. In fact, as temps reach 90s, heat index values may reach triple digits. This will be the case this coming Race Day weekend. This adds fuel to the fire which will make this a dangerous weekend outside. Thats if you don't take the necessary steps to keep you safe. Such as drinking plenty of WATER (highly recommended fluid choice or Gatorade), wear loose clothing, and take plenty of breaks. Get in the shade to help cool off faster.  I created a short section on Health Safety in The Heat that I have been copying and pasting in previous recent blogs. Its important to take special care in times like this to prevent heat related injuries, illnesses, or even fatalities. Once again I've added it below.
The Weekend in the 90s could also challenge a few records as well. The Record Highs for Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday is 93° (1965), 94° (1911), 94° (1911), and 96° (1911), respectively. I'm going with a forecast high of 89° Friday, 91° Saturday, 92° Sunday, and 89° Monday. There is a small chance for an isolated shower or non severe thunderstorm Friday Afternoon into Saturday Morning but I will not be surprised if some spots remain quiet and dry, particularly 1-70 and North.
Beyond the weekend more rain chances will begin to exist starting Monday evening lingering to Thursday Afternoon. I think Tuesday and Wednesday is the best chance out of the four days. Long range charts are hinting another cool off to seasonal temps. This cool down looks to last for next week (May 29-June 2) then another warm up looks to begin after June 2nd lasting about a week. More details in the days to come.

Health Safety In The Heat
As we approach warmer temperatures and higher humidity this adds to the dangers for hazardous health conditions that can damage your body or lead to fatalities without taking extra precautions of safe, proper care/treatments. Make sure you are hydrating by drinking plenty of water or some sport drinks. Avoid drinking carbonated and/or alcoholic beverages that could lead to heat cramps. As sun does contain some Vitamin D for your for body, avoid prolonged exposure as this could damage your skin. If engaged in outdoor activities leaving you with prolonged exposure to the sun, wear sunglasses and suncreen.
Vitamin D maintains normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus in the human body and can possibly help prevent osteoporosis, high blood pressure, and even depression. The recommended exposure time to sunlight without sunscreen is only 10-15 mins per day, 2-3 times per week between 8AM-4PM. Longer unprotected exposure can lead to skin cancer. Currently, FDA has mandated new labels for sunscreen and manufacturers have until early fall to comply with the new label requirements. The main thing you need to know is Sunscreen is good for atleast 2 hrs and then you must reapply. If your in and out of water it may be good for 40-80 mins. SPF 30 is recommended but 45 is highly recommended especially if your outside for a longer period of time.
Wear loose clothing and get in the shade to cool off faster, if possible.
Also, keep in mind, childrens and pets should not be left in the vehicle in the heat. This is dangerous and could lead to death as well especially during long periods of time and inadequate cool ventillation. About 400 people are killed and 6200 people hospitalized every year in the U.S. due to excessive heat Please follow safe precautions this summer. Don't become a part of this statistic. For more information on Heat Safety click HERE.

10 Day Detailed Forecast

Tonight-Clear. Low 60.

Thursday-Sunny, Breezy & Warmer. High 85.
Thursday PM-Partly Cloudy. Low 66.

Friday-Sunny. Humid. Chance of Isolated Showers/T'Storms. High 89.
Friday PM-Partly Cloudy. Chance of Isolated Showers/T'Storms. Low 69.

Saturday-Mostly Sunny. Humid. High 91.
Saturday PM-Partly to Mostly Clear. Low 73.

Sunday-Sunny. Humid. High 92.
Sunday PM-Partly Cloudy. Low 71.

Memorial Day-Mostly Sunny. Chance of Afternoon Showers/T'Storms. High 89.
Monday PM-Mostly Cloudy. Chance of Showers/T'Storms. Low 69.

Tuesday-Partly Cloudy, Some Sun. Chance of Showers/T'Storms. High 83.
Tuesday PM-Mostly Cloudy. Chance of Showers/T'Storms. Low 63

Wednesday-Partly Cloudy, Some Sun. Chance of Showers/T'Storms. High 82.
Wednesday PM-Partly Cloudy. Chance of Showers.T'Storms. Low 60.

Thursday-Mixed Sun & Clouds. Isolated Showers/T'Storms. High 78.
Thursday PM-Partly Cloudy. Low 56.

Friday-Sunny & Seasonal. High 77.
Friday PM-Partly Cloudy. Low 56.

Saturday-Sunny & Seasonal. High 78.
Saturday PM-Clear. Not as Cool. Low 62.

Temperature Data for May 1st-22nd
MAY 2012 AVG HIGH---77.7°. This temperature is 4° above the normal avg high of 73° for May.
MAY 2012 AVG LOW----55.7°. This temperature is 2° above the normal avg low of 53° for May.
MAY 2012 AVG TEMP--66.7°. This temperature is is 3° above the normal avg temp of 63° for May

Precipitation Data
Precip since MAY 1----2.20". This is 2.85" below normal for month.
Precip since MAR 1----9.70". This is 2.72" below normal for season.
Precip since JAN 1-----14.56". This is 2.93" below normal for year.

Snowfall Data
Snowfall Since MAY 1----NONE
Snowfall Since MAR 1----0.7"
Snowfall Since JAN 1-----7.5"
Snowfall Since NOV 1-----9.8"

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