Highs today reached 86-90 with heat indices 89-102. The dew points actually dropped into the low to mid 60s in our northeastern counties this afternoon. Other areas stayed in the 70s, especially in the west over wetter soils with actively-growing corn & lush vegetation (from recent adundant rainfall).
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The longest stretch of 90s since 2012 is ahead in this forecast. The potential is there for some observation sites to have 14 consecutive days of 90 or better.
So far, we have seen 13 days at or above 90 at our WLFI ob site & at the Purdue University Airport since late May.
After 4 consecutive morning lows at or above 70, we finally dropped below that number this morning (67).
At the WLFI ob site, it was the warmest June since 2012 (records back to 2009 with no records June 2015-June 2018, however).
At the Purdue Ag Farm, it was the hottest (preliminary) June since 2012.
At the Purdue Airport, it was the hottest (preliminary) June since 1944 (though 1991 was a hot June & that data is missing).
Rainfall at the WLFI site was below normal with the highest evaporation rates from the heat & low humidity (& the wind) since 2012.
The consistent warmth really began in late May. Most days have been above normal temperature-wise since that time.
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An isolated storm is possible this evening & then tomorrow midday to early afternoon. We then look very capped.
A couple isolated storms may pop through the cap Tuesday & Wednesday of next week in the afternoon-evening.
Heat indices will run 95-110 with highs generally 92-99.
The cap shows up well in a snapshot forecast sounding from the heart of the viewing area early Sunday afternoon.
Next good potential of storms would be at the end of next week to next weekend.
Thing is, hot upper ridge should rebuild after that. Another long stretch of 90s to even 100 is possible with heat indices upper 90s to 100s.
Temperature anomalies for first half of July:
Temperature anomalies for second half of July:
July overall looks to feature below normal rainfall. However, above normal rainfall will be just south & southwest of our area. That heavy rainfall will continue to lead to wet soils there, which will tend to bring us some bouts of especially oppressive heat.
The first half of August looks overall warmer than normal for all of the Lower 48.
The first half of August is still looking to feature below normal rainfall here (unless a couple of tropical systems can come through & really dump the rainfall).
