The rain is gone, but the heat is back like always! We’re over a week from the Summer solstice and it’s rearing its ugly head already. Considering all the water that’s on the ground from the constant rain, we’ll have some high dewpoints to contend with which means the humidity will add to the heat index. A strong high pressure system over the southeast will contribute to the heat and also some sea breeze thunderstorms during the afternoon. It also looks like the 4th of July is going to be another hot one, so be careful when you’re outside grilling or shooting fireworks!
Today
We’re starting off the work week with a hot one today. Highs are in the low to mid 90s for most of us and the heat index is progged to reach around 105-110. Dangerous heat, y’all! Stay hydrated and keep your sunscreen on because you’re going to get burned. Very few clouds are expected in the daytime, and the wind is pretty calm as well. Afterwards, temperatures will only reach the mid 70s for the low.
Looking at the 500mb anomaly map, we can see a massive ridge over the eastern US. The trough in the west (left) will eventually break down later in the week and the ridge will grow larger under it.
Tomorrow
Another hot day is on the horizon tomorrow with temperatures in the mid 90s again. A very slight chance of afternoon thunderstorms is possible in the evening coming from the east, however most of these storms look to dissipate by the time they cross the MS/AL border. Otherwise, it’s just another hot summer day. Lows will be in the low to mid 70s.
Wednesday
By Wednesday, temperatures will go down a couple of degrees, but the heat index will still be in the upper 100s. Sea breeze thunderstorms move in by the mid-afternoon bringing some rain to give us a bit of relief by the evening. Highs will be in the low to mid 90s and lows in the low to mid 70s.
The Weekend
America’s 250th birthday is coming up soon, and it’s turning up the heat! It’s still going to be hot (no surprise there) and humid. A few more chances of afternoon thunderstorms are possible through the weekend, so keep the grill under some cover just in case. Otherwise, southern summer weather is raging into Independence Day and later. Expect the heat index to hit the mid 100s and rain to cool it off afterwards.
