I remember growing up back in the 50s & 60s in NW Indiana (Hammond) where we could go up to the fountains at Douglas Park and get a cold drink of water. I mean it really was cold since it came from a crib located 2 miles out into Lake Michigan. The Lake water near shore rarely got much above 70 and farther out it usually stayed in the 50s. Ummmm, it was refreshing indeed. Today I was taking some of my daily supplements and took water from the tap. Yikes! It tasted so warm that I went back to the “fridge” to get my cold bottled water. I looked up lake Pontchartrain’s water temps and it’s 90+ in spots. Our tap water comes from the Mississippi River, which must be near 80. I’m surprised we have not seen widespread fish kills with such warm waters. My nephew in town from Indiana went on a swamp tour to see “da gators” and was told they would be lucky to see any with our recent heat wave. ( they did see a couple) We all suffer to some extent with our long hot summers. But I’ll still endure that over the North’s long, cold Winters.
The upper low over Georgia is not coming our way, but the center of the upper ridge has shifted back farther to the west. This might allow a few stray showers the next several days, but as David indicated tonight, the chances will remain slim to none. This is not a typical summer pattern. In fact, across the tropical Atlantic there are no major waves coming off of Africa at a time when the “Cape Verde” season should be getting started. SST (sea surface temps) remain below normal and the African dust keeps flowing westward. Add in an unfavorable MJO and the odds of tropical activity are near zero into August. The real question is…will this pattern last through the heart of hurricane season (Aug. 15-Oct. 10th)? Too soon to know, but I’m liking the signs so far.
Of course I’m hoping for better wind flow for the Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo Thursday- Saturday. The strong west winds that have been blowing for over a week should finally relax and that could allow the fish to really turn on for the Rodeo. Remember, by just registering ($25) for the Rodeo gives you an opportunity to win a 21’ boat with a 175 mercury motor & trailer. A second prize is a $3,500 Garmin GPS unit. Go to www.tarponrodeo.org. You don’t need to be present to win. Jim Henderson & I will be handing out prizes Saturday night in the Air Conditioned pavilion on the east end of the Island. We have free shrimp on Thursday night with free music every night. Come on down and spend a day or the weekend on Grand Isle.
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