Well, the heat wave was as bad as expected over the last few days. Real temperatures ranged from 100-105 degrees across our region. Heat index values were in the 110 to 125 degree range. I did see a few scattered unconfirmed reports of 130 degree heat index values. Most likely those were near corn fields (which tend to allow dew points to pool even higher).
I recorded a heat index value of 121 degrees yesterday afternoon here at the Weather Observatory in Massac County, Illinois. It was the most amazing feeling - quite sickening to be honest. It was not pleasant - to say the least.
Big thank you and applause goes out this morning to the local media, meteorologists, National Weather Service, and others for spreading the word concerning heat safety. I believe that lives are being saved through awareness. Also thank you to all of the local school districts for responding to the heat.
Now down to business - what everyone wants to know - what is next.
We have a small window of opportuntiy for a break in the extreme heat. However, I want you to know that the heat is going to return, and possibly with a vengence, on Sunday and will continue into next week. We will once again see some 100+ readings in our local counties. Heat index values will also top 110 degrees next week.
A front system is currently draped across our region. This has sparked a few early morning severe thunderstorms in Missouri and Illinois - see radar. Some wind damage was reported over southeast Missouri. I have not read any reports of damage in southern Illinois - however, a few reports of winds gusting over 40 mph were received by our friends over at the National Weather Service.
Meteorologist Jim Rasor (on Facebook), WSIL, reported a gentle rain in Carterville with winds around 30-35 mph.
Additional showers and storms will develop and move through our region today. Locally heavy storms - isolated severe storms - are possible. The Storm Prediction Center has outlined their risk area for the day - it does include a few of our counties. Not everyone will see rain - unfortunately. But, for a few counties we may see rainfall totals in the 1/2 to 1" range (quick - torrential downpours).
A few storms will be left over tonight in our region. They should move out by tomorrow morning. However, the frontal system could continue to spark some showers/storms across Tennessee.
Friday and Saturday - lower dew points will bring down the heat index readings. Also temperatures will return to a more seasonal level. High temperatures are expected to be in the upper 80s to near 90 degrees perhaps a few lower 90 degree readings. Not bad after our recent near record or record heat.
The bad news - temperatures will begin to rise on Sunday - back into the 90s with higher dew point values. Heat index on Sunday may approach or exceed 100 degrees.
Dangerous/deadly heat is expected on Monday through Thursday of next week. Real temperatures will be in the 98 to 104 degree range. Heat index values will once again rise above 110 degrees.
Needless to say - the heat wave is not over. Yes, a temporary break - but it isn't over yet.
I am watching the tropics. Our best hope to break this dry weather (drought in some of our local counties) would be for a tropical system to come up through Texas or Louisiana/Mississiippi. Of course that would not be good for them. But, in order to break this dry streak we are going to have to bring in a lot of moisture. Many droughts, in the past, have been broken by hurricanes and tropical storms. So, we will continue to watch for development in the Gulf of Mexico. It has been my believe that we would see a dramatic upsurge in tropical weather after August 8th or 9th.
Try to stay cool out there and let's continue to get the message out concerning heat safety. Please visit your local National Weather Service web-site for more information. The Paducah office has put together this page of safety tips for dealing with the heat.
- Beau Dodson
You can find me on Facebook and Twitter under Beau Dodson - for more frequent updates on the weather.
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