August 12, 2010: Heat wave

At 11 am this morning the temperature was already 99 degrees.  The heat index here at the Weather Observatory was 119 degrees.  Quite amazing.  Living near a field causes the relative humidity to be higher than some other areas.  This causes the heat index values to be several degrees higher than within the city limits.

High temperatures today across our region will range from 96 to 103 degrees.  Heat index values will be in the 105-115 degree range.  Areas near corn fields or crops will be even higher.

Scattered showers and heavy thunderstorms will develop late this morning and into the afternoon hours over our local counties.  Some of the storms will produce heavy rain, frequent lightning, and gusty winds.  An isolated severe cell is possible.

The heat will continue into Saturday and Sunday.  Then a cold front will pass through our region on Sunday.  This will help lower temperatures and humidity levels.  Highs will be closer to seasonal levels the first part of next week.  Thankfully.

Latest data indicates that humidity levels may once again rise towards the middle/end of next week.  So heat index levels could once again approach or exceed 100.  We will monitor the trends.

Paducah, Kentucky has experienced 24 consecutive days of temperatures 90 degrees and above.  If they make it to 28 then they will tie the record consecutive number of days of 90 and above.  For more information on the records please visit the NWS web-site - located here.

Your six day forecast can be viewed here.

Our tropical depression/system continues to move into Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.  Gusty winds and torrential rains will impact those areas.  Rainfall totals of 5-10" will be possible.  The NHC did downgrade the system last night.  Although, the system looks better this morning than it has during most of its life cycle. 

Keeping a close eye on next weeks weather pattern for the potential of heavy rain.  It appears to be a low chance at this time.  But, will monitor. 

The tropics will likely become more and more active in the coming weeks.  Hints of a system off the southeast coast next week as well as the Gulf of Mexico. 

For up to the minute information/radar/current conditions please visit http://www.weatherobservatory.com/


- Beau Dodson

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