Good Saturday morning, folks! We are currently sweltering, and look to be for the next couple days. No matter! Relief from the intense heat is on the horizon, and I couldn’t be happier about it.
Excessive Heat Warning Continues
An Excessive Heat Warning remains in effect for the entire region through Sunday evening at 8 pm.
Today will be very similar to many of the past several days: miserably hot and humid. We are still underneath a fairly strong ridge of high pressure, fostered by a very intense jet stream across the northern Plains.
This is forecast to break down over the next several days, but today will be more of the same. Look for highs to reach the low and mid 90s, with partly cloudy skies developing this afternoon.
An isolated/scattered storm is possible, and that is the only hope to cool us down. Peak heat index values will be in the 100ºF-110ºF range, creating dangerous conditions to those outside.
If you have to be outside for any extended period of time, stay hydrated, take frequent breaks, and wear light clothing. Heat exhaustion can set in quickly, and can turn into heat stroke if you aren’t careful.
Scattered Storms Sunday
The first signs of relief are expected to show up on Sunday afternoon/evening, as scattered storms arrive on the scene and really look to impact many of us.
These should form in the heat of the afternoon, and could be in association with weakening storms moving in from the north. Either way, we are look at improved storm chances!
Now, this will be a tough forecast, because depending on where you are will depend on how bad the heat is. For many of us, the unbearable heat will still look to stick around for *just* one more day.
If you get underneath a storm, relief will come. Expect highs in the lower 90s, with Heat Index values around 100ºF. Any storm will be capable of lightning and heavy rainfall.
As temperatures cool down, storms should decrease in coverage a bit.
Relief Coming to Start the Week
Praise the Lord – a cool down is heading for us as we get into the new week!
It won’t be immediate, but the beginning stages of it will be felt on Monday. A cold front will be situated to our north by Monday morning, and will push southward throughout the day.
Expect scattered to numerous thunderstorms to develop along and ahead of the front. Some of these may be strong, with gusty winds being a primary threat. Outside of that, heavy rain and lightning are expected to be the main threats.
An expected increase in cloud cover will help to keep our temperatures down (compared to recently at least) into the upper 80s. Storms and the front look to be through the region by early evening, allowing for a nice overnight of cooling!
Behind this front will be a wonderful airmass. Temperatures look to be far below normal, with highs possibly not even reaching 80ºF Tuesday afternoon.
It is very exciting, and will be a welcome sight to sore eyes.
Well, that is all I have! Have a fantastic weekend, folks! Be sure to follow @wxornotBG on Twitter and Facebook for the latest information.