Storms Chances To Weaken Some, and Temperatures to Spike

Warm Conditions continue along with the storm chances. We had a few storms pop up earlier today after reaching peak heating. If you take a look a 9pm surface analysis you can see the stationary boundary positioned overhead in Indiana and that will sit there throughout the weekend. Not only will temperatures continues to stay on the warm side but also keep a threat for some storms in the state. Not every one will see these pop storms and there will be many many dry hours. I think Sunday and possible even Monday looks the driest with temperatures pushing mid to upper 80s!



Here's a look back at temps this week. What a journey! From only a high of 57 on Sunday jumping to 85 on Wednesday but a slight drop to 79 for both Thursday & Friday. Those 2 80s this week was the 4th & 5th 80° days of 2013 thus far and now the tally is up to 20 days this year with temp 70+.


As the heat and humidity rise, there are some things you should know:
First, humidity is the amount of water vapor (gas phase of water) in the air. In the Spring, Summer, and Early fall months, when you combine the humidity with the actual temperature you get a "feels like" temperature referred to as Heat Index. The heat index temperature, when there is one, is higher than the actual temperature. High humidity is muggy and to your body feels sticky. First off, sweating is your body's way of cooling you off and high humidity is not conducive to that process.
Another key thing thing is Dew Point Temps which is a measure of the amount of moisture in the atmosphere. The higher the number the more heavy the air will feel. If your going to be engaged in outdoor activities in just about any summer, you might feel you'll be sweating more but the thing is with dew points 60° and above, the atmosphere is not all that conducive (helpful) to the evaporation process your body takes to keep you cool (same as high humidity levels). Dew Points go hand and hand with Actual Temps and Relative Humidity Levels when factoring the Heat Index Values.
So with the higher humidity and hotter temperatures 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 (#1 choice) or some sport drinks (such as Gatorade or Powerade). 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 which leaves you with prolonged exposure to the sun, wear sunglasses and sunscreen.
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. Last year, FDA mandated new labels for sunscreen and manufacturers were to comply with new label requirements by last fall. 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 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. I will have more details and graphics in a future blog.


TODAY/TONIGHT
The official high went down as 79° for today and a morning low of 63°. Some storms moves through Indianapolis International Airport between 3pm-5pm dropping 0.31" of rain and cooling temps back to 65°. Afterwards, some clearing allow some sunshine to return and warm temperatures back up to 72° by 6pm holding til 7pm.
By 8pm, storms were retreating to the North and by 9pm diminishing. There was a heavy rain report of 1.70" in Alexandria in Madison County at 5:35pm.
Tonight, we should be under mostly cloudy skies and little hazy but scattered storms should diminish. Some areas could be foggy and temperatures will drop down into the lower 60s. Here's a LIVE continuous loop of radar...



SATURDAY
The severe threat will be out west. Here in Indiana, we are only looking at scattered showers and storm chances. There will be some dry hours. Not everyone will get wet. Temperatures again, remain on the mild side with highs in the upper 70s, lows 80s.



SUNDAY
Storm chances will be at its lowest Sunday over atleast the next 5 days. We should see plenty of sunny & dry hours. Temperatures could reach the mid to upper 80s for the state.



***8 DAY OUTLOOK***

 SATURDAY'S AVG HIGH: 73° | SATURDAY'S AVG LOW: 53°| SUNRISE: 6:28AM | SUNSET: 8:56PM

MAY 18	MAY 19	MAY 20	MAY 21	MAY 22	MAY 23	MAY 24	MAY 25
SATURDAY	SUNDAY	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY
SCT'D T'STORMS	PARTLY SUNNY	PARTLY SUNNY	CHANCE OF T'STORMS	T'STORMS LIKELY	SHOWERS LIKELY	PARTLY SUNNY	PARTLY SUNNY
MILD	MILD	HOT!!	HUMID	MILD	NOT AS WARM	COOLER	BELOW NORMAL
78	85	86	81	74	73	70	69
63	67	68	65	58	55	52	52