Thursday, June 27, 2019

Oh What a North Wind Brings...

Growing up in NW Indiana (Hammond/Whiting), I remember all the TV weather forecasts in the summer would have "cooler by the lake" after the predicted high temperature.  In fact, one July 4th fireworks display had the winds roaring in from the north with temps in the 50s.  Burrr!!!  Lake Michigan rarely got to 70 degrees so when the winds blew in off the Lake, it was like turning on the air-conditioner with temps sometimes falling from the 90s into the 70s within minutes.   No such relief here as north winds blowing off Lake P. does little for cooling us.  In fact, it keeps night time lows 80+.  What the north winds today did do is bring in slightly drier surface air (dewpoints in the 60s) that allowed highs to heat into the mid to upper 90s.  Wow was it hot! (96 at MSY)  Any relief coming the next 3-5 days will come, not from Lake P., but from an increase in showers & T-Storms.  Model guidance does indicate the upper levels will become more favorable (unstable) for those daily storms before we see less activity as we approach the July 4th holiday.

During my round of golf today I went through two 12 oz. bottles of Powerade Zero.  Still I began to feel really drained as we reached hole 15th and realized this was one of the hottest days of June so far.    It reminded me of the real dangers of the summer heat if you work or play outside.  You must stay hydrated and keep drinking liquids even if you are not thirsty.  Stay tuned!

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