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Wednesday June 11, 2008 at 9:54 am
Refreshing! Really??
posted by Adam Caskey: Meteorologist


"Refreshing," really?!?  Not often do I find myself thinking high temperatures in the upper 80s is refreshing, but in the wake of our recent heat wave, 88 for a high sounds fantastic to me.  The past four days were above 90 degrees and the hottest so far this year.  The first heat wave of the year is always a little harder to get used to than a surge of heat in August, but that doesn't make it any more enjoyable.  On Saturday, which was our hottest day with a high of 98, I had to clear a downed tree from last week's severe weather, and the heat/humidity sure made it a rigorous job.  At one time, I started to get very dizzy and realized I needed to be more careful and pace myself.  By the way, thanks Nate (my older, balder brother) and Anthony (my cousin-in-law) for the help.  

Even before the heat wave struck, I was looking forward to today (Wednesday) because the computer guidance indicated a pattern shift by now.  Sure enough, a cool front moved through last night causing the pattern shift and northerly winds.  The north wind today has dropped dewpoint temperatures from near 70 degrees into the upper 50s in about 12 hours, which is very significant in terms of sensible weather.  It feels far more comfortable today mainly due to the lack of humidity compared to the past several days.  Over the years I have realized that dewpoints in the 50s don't last long this time of year.  Typically about 24 hours or so, so enjoy it and take advantage of the lower humidity while it lasts.  The humidity will rise a bit over the next few days, but it won't be as oppressive as the past several days, and as a matter of fact, the long range computer guidance indicates a significant cooling trend possible early next week.  After this past weekend, next Tuesday might feel downright cold with highs in the upper 70s!  Now, we wait and see if this materializes (and I cross my fingers hoping so).

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Comments on Refreshing! Really??
Adam Caskey
Instability relates to the atmosphere on certain days, often in the spring and summer, when air can rise rapidly due to the vertical temperature profile. These are days when air cools at a sharp rate with increasing height. Basically, it means storms are likely especially when a triggering mechanism is present such as a cold front or upper level energy. However, simple daytime heating can be enough of a trigger if the air is unstable enough.

Mark Kelly
All the weather people have been using the word "instability" lately. What is instability?

coreyriggins@yahoo.com
HELLO TO YOU ALL MY COMMENT IS THIS SUMMER IS IT REALY GOING TO BE HOT

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