Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Unofficial start of summer and the official start of hurricane season

The unofficial start of summer occurs on Memorial Day weekend, however the meteorological start of summer IS today as we in the weather business define summer for climate records as June-August. Though the summer solstice, and official start of summer, are still 3 weeks away, looking at the coming week's forecast would indicate otherwise!

Today's high temperatures have reached into the lower 90s across the region with enough low-level moisture to push the heat index into the upper 90s. The same weather pattern continues tomorrow so expect more of the same. On Thursday afternoon and evening, we'll see a cold front move into the region but not all the way through, so look for scattered thunderstorms, a few of which could produce a damaging wind gust or hail. The front looks like it might linger around Friday, so another chance of thunderstorms is possible. Clouds will keep temperatures near 90 degrees for highs.

Heading into the weekend, hot high pressure rebuilds over the region and temperatures will respond accordingly. Heat indices could top 100 for the first time this year on Saturday and Sunday as temps reach well into the 90s. Another frontal system could move in early next week, bringing another chance of storms.

Today is also the beginning of the Atlantic hurricane season. Though storm formation is not imminent, MemphisWeather.net will have the latest information on each storm when what is expected to be an active season gets into high gear. MWN's Tropical Page is up and ready for action! Read more about the potential of the 2010 season, and why many coastal residents are on edge, in my previous blog post on the subject. You'll also want to bookmark two other sites for tropical weather information this summer: the National Hurricane Center, and one of my favorites - StormPulse.

----
Get the latest weather conditions and much more by checking out MemphisWeather.net on Facebook and Twitter!

No comments: