Spring-like temperatures in July in Southeast Missouri

Anyone who has experienced one knows that late July in Southeast Missouri is just about the height of uncomfortable-weather season.

Excessive heat and humidity, combined with cloudless sunny skies changing in a snap to downpours that cause the streets to steam, are usually enough to keep most people holed up in the closest room with an air conditioner.

But a reprieve from the misery is here -- and will stay for at least the next few days, according to forecasts.

Jairo Meza takes advantage of the unseasonably cool temperatures to do some fishing Thursday, July 25, at Cape County Park North. (Adam Vogler)

This weekend is shaping up to be one the nicest of the summer so far. Cape Girardeau's predicted high temperature for today, Saturday and Sunday is only in the low 80s.

"Get outside while you can," said Jim Packett, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Paducah, Ky. "It's definitely not common for this area at this time of year."

By comparison, highs during the same week in July last year ranged from 93 to 100 degrees, according to the Southeast Missourian's archives. Just more than a week ago this year, on July 18, the temperature at Cape Girardeau reached 96. Heat advisories remained in effect for the region for several days.

Packett said waves of cooler, drier air are the result of several fronts coming one right after the other. The pattern is expected to continue into early next week. Highs Monday and Tuesday are forecast in the low 80s.

The National Weather Service forecast for Wednesday shows a bit of a warm-up, with a high of 87 degrees.

Lows through the weekend and Monday and Tuesday are expected to be in the upper 50s to lower 60s. No strong chance of rain is expected, with a slight chance of thunderstorms forecast today and Saturday.

Many people took advantage of a cooler Thursday afternoon to shop at the Cape Girardeau farmer's market on Independence Street. Nancy Gilliard of Jackson, who was selling honey, said people seemed to stay longer because they didn't have to escape the heat.

"It definitely makes it easier to be out here, and it makes it easier to socialize," she said.

Another advantage for Gilliard: The bees she and her husband keep are calmer during mild weather.

"They get angry when it rains and when it's too hot and humid," she said.

eragan@semissourian.com

388-3627

Pertinent address:

2001 Independence St., Cape Girardeau, MO

High temperatures at Cape Girardeau Regional Airport, July 2012

July 24 100 degrees

July 25 100 degrees

July 26 99 degrees

July 27 94 degrees

July 28 92 degrees

July 29 83 degrees

July 30 94 degrees

Source: Southeast Missourian archives, National Weather Service

Recorded and forecast high temperatures at Cape Girardeau Regional Airport, July 2013

Source: Southeast Missourian archives, National Weather Service

July 24 84 degrees

July 25 83 degrees

July 26 82 degrees

July 27 82 degrees

July 28 81 degrees

July 29 84 degrees

July 30 83 degrees