Boundaries Are The Key During The Summer Season

Today begins "Meteorological Summer" which, climatologically, is the Warmest/Hottest months of the year for us.  I've been stressing the importance of boundaries regarding how & where storms develop.  Today is a good case in point.  There is a well defined upper swirl over Illinois with a trough extending down into the eastern Gulf.  East of the trough axis, there are numerous showers & T-Storms.

Upon closer inspection, there is a boundary across south Louisiana moving to the north while down over the Gulf is an outflow boundary (from earlier storms) moving to the SSW.  As we get deeper into the Hurricane Season, we will need to pay attention to these boundaries that form inland and move offshore.

NHC doesn't seem concerned yet, but the most concentrated lightning strikes are well south of the Florida beaches.  If we were in August (like Alicia in 1983), I'd be watching for this area to start seeing some rotation.  So far nothing and hopefully it'll be gone by tomorrow?!!!  Since we are in Hurricane Season now, there is one area that has also caught my attention.

There has been a stubborn upper trough across the Caribbean that today has become more concentrated.  I've circled where there might be a mid-level swirl and the color IR confirms there is a cluster of T-Storms.  Again, NHC does not have it in their outlook, and it would not be our concern even if it did develop.

Earlier the boundary was over the South Shore, but this afternoon storms are now firing over the North Shore.  The local office of NWS commented on how difficult it is to forecast where these boundaries will set up.

You can easily see where it's raining as temps are much cooler.  The really juicy (high dew points/humidity) air is along the northern Gulf coasts from Texas to NW Florida.  Note Tampa still has the drier , lower dewpoint air.  Expect more of the same on Sunday before a drying trend begins next week.

You already know fewer showers will mean hotter temperatures, but I promise not to harp on how hot it feels.  It's a long time until August and I'll find something else to keep you interested.  Stay tuned!