From near flash drought to flash flood, our northwestern areas have been removed from the Abnormally Dry (D0) status.
Also, rainfall in far southwestern Warren & Fountain counties has allowed for removal of Abnormally Dry conditions.
The rest of the area, overall, is considered D0 & could use some more rainfall.
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Lows this morning ran 63-70 & highs this afternoon reached 86-91 with heat indices peaking at 88-99. The most humid weather was in our western counties.
We are looking at a stretch of at least 11 days at or above 90 at Greater Lafayette. Some locations in the area will end up with 14 days.
Since 1945, 1983 has held the post for the longest stretch of 90 or greater at Greater Lafayette at 23. 1995 & 1995 are second with 13. 2012 & 1980 are third with 11.
Hot upper ridge dominates through the weekend & well into next week. 90s will occur daily. A few upper 90s highs are possible.
Lows in the upper 60s to mid 70s are likely.
Dew points will be held down just a hair Friday through Saturday in the 60s to 70 (still rough, but not oppressive).
However, 70s dew points should overspread area later Sunday & through next week, resulting in very oppressive conditions.
The highest heat indices of up to 110 will occur early next week.
Purple color in image equals dew points well into the 70s.
A few isolated to spotty storms are possible Tuesday-Wednesday, but better storm coverage will occur Thursday, followed by a couple/few rounds of storms (MCSs?) late Friday to Saturday with some MARGINAL to SLIGHT severe weather risk (based on current parameters forecast).
This will occur as ridge breaks down a bit & shifts more west of our area.
Mid to late next week may also feature a tropical system in the southeast.
If it gets pulled too far westward on the Gulf Coast, it will be pulled into Texas & then remnants moisture transported up into our area (to enhanced storms Friday-Saturday).
Otherwise, it looks to avoid the eastern flow around the ridge & meander from Florida to coastal North Carolina.
There continues to be signs of hot upper ridge re-building eastward in mid to late July, leading to more intense heat.
However, upper pattern shows ridge breaking down some & us turning cooler in the first days of August.
Image shows projection of upper level winds with strongest winds in light green to yellow color.