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The 90-degree day that I forecasted last Thursday didn't quite
materialize, (But it did hit 89 degrees, so what's a degree among
friends?) and so June will end without a single day with a high of 90
degrees. The normal number of 90-degree days in June is FIVE, and not
since 1992 have we experienced a June without any 90-degree days.
Surely, July will bring the arrive of some sustained heat...right?
Yes, I do think we'll hit 90 degrees multiple times in July, but we
may need to wait a week or more for that to happen. Here's why.
The pattern that's dominated since the beginning April just will
not break down. Don't ask me to give you a precise reason why (but it
probably has something to do with changing sea-surface temperatures
and a "quiet" sun), but the jet stream continues in a very Spring-like
configuration with strong disturbances tracking along the US-Canadian
border and then digging into the Northeastern US with cold fronts in
tow. The result has been cooler-than-normal daytime highs in the mean,
as well as an above normal number of showers (and total rainfall). The
next system will dig into the Northeast for a visit lasting tonight
through early Thursday, so expect lots of clouds, cooler temps, and
passing showers from time to time.
Some improvement is likely later Thursday into the start of the
weekend as this system lifts out of the northeast....and before
another system possibly arrives late in the weekend. Therefore, I will
speculate that Friday and the 4th of July could turn nicer with sunny
skies, moderate humidity, and highs in the low 80s. This, of course,
is not a "lock"--not in this pattern! Check back on Wednesday for the
next update.
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