Back in 2006, I remember there were news reports like this, however, it only hit like a few states and that was it(ie-California). IOW, it's much different now.http://www.weather.com/news/weather-forecast/record-heat-triple-digits7/7/12
We're now approaching a two-week spell of record-smashing heat which first built in the Rockies and High Plains, then spread into the rest of the nation's heartland, then surged into the Southeast and parts of the Mid-Atlantic States.
The number of record highs tied or broken across the nation is staggering. Below are the latest tallies over the past 30 days from NOAA's National Climatic Data Center:
How significant is this heat, in historical context?
We've had a potential new state record for South Carolina (113 at the Univ. of S.C. in Columbia and in Johnston) and a near-miss of the state record for Tennessee (Lewisburg reached 112 on July 2).
Atlanta, Ga. has reached the "century mark" 4 times since June 29. It had been just under 5 years since they had last hit 100 degrees, and hadn't done so in the month of June since 1954!
Friday, St. Louis tied July 1936 for the second longest streak of 100-plus degree days on record, with its 9th straight day. While the record of 13 straight days will not be eclipsed, the mere fact we're in the territory of the "Dust Bowl" speaks magnitudes!
Chicago tied a record triple-digit streak of 3 days from Aug. 1947 and Jul. 1911 Friday. Parts of Chicagoland were as hot as 105 degrees Thursday!
The Badger State also seared in heat not seen in decades Thursday. With a high of 104, Madison, Wisc. had its hottest day since July 10, 1976. Only a pair of "Dust Bowl" days (Jul. 13 & 14, 1936) were hotter there. Highs topped out at 106 degrees in Kenosha, Wautoma, and Middleton Thursday.
The triple-digit heat just rolls on into the weekend in the Central Plains, Ohio Valley, and Mid-Atlantic States.
But it's not just triple-digit heat, in some locations all-time record highs may be threatened Saturday, including...
- Washington, D.C. (106 most recently on Jul. 20, 1930)
- Pittsburgh (103 most recently on Jul. 16, 1988)
- Louisville (107 most recently on Jul. 14, 1936)
Only one other day since the "Dust Bowl" has Washington, D.C. seen a high of at least 105 degrees (Aug. 17, 1997). Triple-digit heat may spread as far north as New York City, as well.
The National Weather Service in Pittsburgh noted that forecast temperatures a few thousand feet above the ground for Saturday were at levels never seen before at that location. The last 100-degree high in the "Steel City" was almost 17 years ago (July 15, 1995).
Saturday could also see temperatures not seen since the "Dust Bowl" in Cincinnati. Only July days in 1936, 1934, or 1901 have seen highs reach 105 degrees in the "Queen City".
Sunday may still feature some lingering heat from the Mid-Atlantic States to Georgia, and some muted heat in the Plains and Ohio Valley. With that said, keep the faith. Significant heat relief is on the way to kick off the new work week!
