Better days ahead
The heat dome that was forecast to visit our region arrived in Southwestern Pennsylvania on June 29 when we experienced our first 90 degree day of the summer season.
This was quickly followed by five more consecutive days of 94, 95, 96, 97, and back to 96 on the fourth of July. Along with the heat, it was also humid, and this made our “feel like” temperatures close to 100 degrees on each of these days.
Feel like temperatures are a combination of the actual air temperature and the dew point temperature that measures the amount of moisture in the air. The higher the moisture content the more oppressive the heat becomes.
We also saw night time temperatures remain in the 70s, and this added to the oppressive feeling of the air. Lastly, the longer the heat dome stays put, it suppresses the formation of clouds and cooling breezes.
This past week was a little better, as the temperatures dropped into the mid 80s, however, the humidity remained uncomfortable. Rainfall through this period was also interesting, as some areas received flooding rains, while others only had minor amounts.
The heat was tough on those who must work outside and those without air conditioning. Sadly, there were heat-related fatalities, not only in our area, but throughout a large portion of our country. Most of these are elderly folks or people who just cannot afford air conditioning. It is a bit of a shame that in a country like ours this has to happen.
Simply put, we can do better. Heat is the No. 1 weather killer in the United States, and much of the world.
Much of this can be blamed on our warming planet. There have been heat waves in the past, however, they seem to be much more common and occurring more frequently. The past two decades, especially, have been much warmer than average.
Not only is the United States affected, but the majority of the world is experiencing more heat, and June saw an unprecedented heat dome over Europe, leaving new heat records for much of the area that normally does not see temperatures like they just experienced.
Just two years ago, Alaska reported its first 100 degree day.
Although many of the heat records are recent, the summer of 1936 was one of our country’s worst.
Many of the records still stand, including the Pennsylvania record of 111 near Philadelphia that occurred on July 10, 1936, which was the actual air temperature.
Uniontown and Pittsburgh had highs of 102 degrees in 1988.
Probably the worst city in the world for heat and humidity is Bangkok, Thailand, where the temperatures average 90 or better every day of the year, and the feel-like temperature is frequently above 120 degrees.
We will certainly see more 90 degree days this summer, however, the intense heat and humidity when a heat dome comes to visit may not return for a while. Southwestern Pennsylvania does get visits from heat domes, however, the deep south experiences this type of weather most of the summer.
Enjoy the 80s and remember those frigid days of this past winter.