Chilly forecast may break record low

This is July?

Well, according to the calendar it is. But the weather this weekend will be more like fall, with cool, dry nights and mild days that could set records for chilly summer weather, said Robin Smith, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Paducah, Ky.

The predicted low for Saturday morning is 56, which would break the record of 58 set July 18, 1976. On Sunday morning, the low is again expected to be 56, which would tie the record for the date set in 1984.

"It is just a strong, cool Canadian high pressure system," Smith said to explain the unusual temperatures.

Along with record cool nights, the daytime highs -- expected to be in the mid 70s, could set marks for being the coolest maximum temperatures recorded on each date as well, Smith said.

Unlike cool temperatures on July 5, when the high was 78, this weekend's cool temperatures won't be the result of cloud cover preventing the sun from heating things up, Smith said. Instead, the weekend will have bright sunny days with only a chance of a sprinkle of rain on Sunday.

rkeller@semissourian.com

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