By RICK KRON
Leader staff writer
Every day in June saw temperatures higher than the 30-year meteorological average. Couple that with higher humidity than normal and the month was the warmest June in five years.
With rainfall below the 30-year norm, the month was also one of the driest Junes in several years.
The average high temperature of 90.5 was the warmest since 2012, the average low temperature of 71.6 was the warmest since 2011 (and the fifth warmest lows on record), and the average daily temperature of 81.1 was the warmest in seven years and the eighth warmest on record.
The high humidity caused the temperature to feel 10 to 15 degrees warmer most June days, meaning the heat index was often over the century mark.
Four low temperature records were broken or tied with new higher lows.
June 15th’s low temperature of 78 degrees tied the record set in 1925; June 23rd’s low temperature of 79 degrees was warmer than the 78-degree record set in 2010; June 24th’s low temperature of 79 was one degree warmer than the record set in 2010 and 1930; and the low temperature of 79 degrees on June 26 was one-degree higher than the record warm lows set in 19801 and 1902.
The month saw 22 days where temperatures surpassed 90 degrees.
Total rain for the month came to 2.76 inches, almost an inch below the average of 3.52 inches.
As the heat continues through July, the National Weather Service reminds everyone that heat is the number one weather-related killer across the United States (more than hurricanes, floods, lightning and tornadoes).
On a dry day, sweat evaporates into the air, which creates cooling. Adding moisture, or humidity, to the atmosphere cuts down on evaporation. Over time, the body temperature rises and shuts down.
The heat index considers the effects of the temperature and the humidity. When these variables combine to make it feel like 105 degrees or greater, it is considered dangerous.
When heat index values meet or exceed 105 degrees for several hours over a fairly large area the National Weather Service will usually issue a Heat Advisory.
When heat index values reach 115 degrees for one hour over a fairly large area an Excessive Heat Warning may be posted.
