It's a cold day in July - should we expect flying pigs next?
Last year at this time, we were seeing record-high temperatures. Now we're seeing near-record cold temperatures.
We haven't set any record lows, but Paducah did set a record minimum high yesterday. The mercury only reached 73°F, shattering the previous record of 77°F set in 1943.
The high was only 75°F yesterday at Cape Girardeau, but weather records are sketchier here, so I can't tell whether that is a record or not. It's certainly unusual: the normal high temperature for this time of year is 89°F.
We can thank a very persistent area of upper low pressure for bringing the clouds and cool air. Cut off from the jetstream, the low is actually retrograding, or moving backward, as it spins slowly to the west and north. It's like a distant cousin to a tropical storm, moving erractically as it brings spiral bands of rain showers.
The low pressure will soon leave the region, setting the stage for somewhat more normal weather for July 4th. It will still be pleasant with temps in the mid-80s. Meanwhile, the computer models are hinting that another stubborn area of low pressure could emerge by next weekend, keeping things cloudy, rainy, and somewhat cooler than normal.
Looking ahead, the 8-14 day forecast is calling for cooler-than-average temperatures for next week:
I'm not complaining, of course. Let's enjoy this break from the heat and humidity before we start baking again.
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