Carry an AM Radio to Detect Lightning from Approaching Storms

Another round of potentially strong thunderstorms is possible this afternoon as an approaching cold front plows into a very warm and humid air mass over southwestern Connecticut. In fact, daybreak temperatures were in the upper 70s, and the dew point was close to 70 degrees making it downright tropical outside.

If you're going to be outside later this afternoon and especially this evening, you'll need to keep an eye to the Western sky. Lightning can be a killer. However, if you don't have access to the latest radar, one of the easiest ways to detect nearby lightning is with an AM radio. Ever since I was a child, I have been fascinated by the sound of static on AM radio during thunderstorms.

Each stroke of lightning sends out an electromagnetic radio wave that creates a "static crash" on your AM radio receiver. When you hear these static crashes on the radio, you are actually listening to the lightning in real time. In addition, when you hear thunder outside, you are listening to the time-delayed sound of the lightning.

When I was a child, I was glued to the AM radio. It was the only source of popular music, live sporting events, and local newscasts "back in the day." We didn't have any of the modern technology of today. I quickly learned that I could hear many powerful stations East of the Mississippi River late at night. That's when I'd listen to baseball games from Cleveland, Atlanta, and Pittsburgh.

What struck me as bizarre was that I could hear static from lightning in other parts of the country even though the weather was clear where I lived. That's because lightning is propagated as radio waves by the Earth's ionosphere. So, when I heard static on KDKA in Pittsburgh, I instantly knew why the Pirates' game was being delayed by rain and thunderstorms.

When thunderstorms arrive later this afternoon, why not give it a try. You can hear the sounds of lightning best on the lower frequencies of the AM radio band. Try to find a clear spot on the dial where you can't hear any signals from any radio stations. They will interfere with your listening for static on the radio.

Then, listen for the sounds of static. Radio scientists and engineers call these sounds "static crashes." They are actually the sounds of the lightning. Watch for lightning outside. You will notice that you hear lightning on your AM radio at the exact same time you see the lightning flashes. This is because radio waves and light both travel at the speed of light, which is about 186,000 miles per second.

Fortunately, we won't hear any static on the AM radio this weekend, at least locally. It will be mostly sunny, hot, and moderately humid tomorrow and Sunday with daytime highs in the upper 80s to close to 90 degrees and nighttime lows near 70. Believe it or not, I'll still have my AM radio with me when I take my daily walks. Some habits are hard to break.

Have a good weekend.

Paul

Viewer's Photos Tell the Weather Story

A powerful cold front, as expected, pushed through southwestern Connecticut late yesterday bringing two rounds of intense thunderstorms. The storms delivered locally heavy rain and gusty winds. Nearly one inch (0.80") of rain fell at Sikorsky Memorial Airport in Stratford, bringing the monthly total close to two inches (1.81").

The high temperature climbed to 89 degrees at 3:14 p.m. before the storms brought gusty Northwest winds of 25 to 30 miles an hour and a peak wind gust of 36 miles an hour. As a result, the temperature dropped nearly 20 degrees in five hours. One of our viewers, Lori, took this photo of a rainbow in the Black Rock section of Bridgeport following the first thunderstorm.

The second round of thunderstorms brought heavier rain during the late-eveing hours. Once the storm exited, skies cleared and a Northwest wind delivered much drier air. Dew points dropped into the upper 50s at daybreak this morning, and it was certainly more comfortable. Another viewer sent this photo of a beatuful sunrise behind the sparkling water fountain at Commons Park at Harbor Point in Stamford.

Today will be the best day of the week. We will enjoy mostly sunny skies, lower humidity, and a warm afternoon with daytime highs in the low-to-mid 80s. Tonight will be clear to partly cloudy and mild with a low in the 60s. Tomorrow will become partly sunny and a little more humid with a high in the mid 80s. Thunderstorms are likely tomorrow night and early Friday in advance of hotter air which will arrive by the end of the week.

Paul

A Summer Reality Check

It finally hit me last night while taking a walk around the neighborhood. The Sun was setting a little earlier and slightly closer to due West. Yes, the days are getting shorter. Last Thursday marked one month since the Summer Solstice, and you've probably already begun to notice the subtle changes across southwestern Connecticut.

Here's another point to ponder. This Thursday marks the midway point of Summer vacation for schoolchildren across southwestern Connecticut. How is that possible? It seems like only yesterday we were helping them celebrate the last day of school. That was five weeks ago Thursday. In just a little more than five short weeks, the students and teachers will be heading back to the classroom once again.

The days are indeed getting "shorter." In fact, we have lost over a half-hour (35 minutes) of daylight since the first day of Summer. Sunrise on June 21st happened at 5:19. This morning's Sunrise was at 5:41, 22 minutes later. Sunset is now at 8:17, 13 minutes before the latest Sunset, at 8:30, on the Solstice.

By the end of the month, Sunrise occurs at 5:47, while the Sun sets at 8:10. Two weeks later, by mid-August, the shorter days become even more pronounced, with Sunrise and Sunset times at 6:02 and 7:51, respectively. The "shorter" days have to do with the Earth's revolution around the Sun, and the 23.5 degree tilt on its axis. By the end of September, the Autumnal Equinox begins a six-month period of longer nights and shorter days in the Northern Hemisphere.

Need further proof that we're moving through Summer rather quickly? NFL owners and players agreed early today to the terms of a deal to end the lockout. If players sign off on the agreement, NFL clubs would be able to start signing 2011 draft picks and rookie free agents tomorrow, and training camps would open for 10 of the 32 teams this Wednesday.

Today's weather will be quite different from last week's heat wave. Some showers and a possible thunderstorm are likely today as an East wind keeps the temperature in the 70s. More showers and a thunderstorm are possible tonight with lows of 62 to 68. Tomorrow will be partly sunny and warmer with a high near 85 degrees. The heat and humidity will build before the end of the week. Remember, it's still Summer!

Paul

Excessive Heat Warning in Effect for Entire Region

An Excessive Heat Warning and an Air Quality Alert are in effect through this evening. Today will be the hottest day of the year with high temperatures expected to climb between 94 and 100 degrees this afternoon. The heat index, or the measure of what it actually feels like, may reach or exceed 105 degrees. Use extreme caution if you have to be outside.

Heat is the number one weather-related killer in the United States, resulting in hundreds of fatalities each year. In fact, on average, excessive heat claims more lives each year than floods, lightning, tornadoes and hurricanes combined. Heat disorders generally have to do with a reduction or collapse of the body's ability to shed heat by circulatory changes and sweating or a chemical imbalance caused by too much sweating.

When the body heats too quickly to cool itself safely, or when someone loses too much fluid or salt through dehydration or sweating, his or her body temperature rises and heat-related illness may develop. Studies indicate that the severity of heat disorders tends to increase with age. Conditions that cause heat cramps in a 17-year-old may result in heat exhaustion in someone 40 and heat stroke in a person over 60.

More than 1,250 people died in a disastrous heat wave in 1980. In the heat wave of 1995, more than 700 deaths in the Chicago area were attributed to heat. Between 1999 and 2003, heat-related deaths increased by 54 percent across the United States. During this time, 3,442 deaths resulting in exposure to extreme heat were reported for an average of about 688 deaths a year.

There are several risk factors to take into account. People who have access to three hours of air conditioning a day are less likely to die. Poor health, obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease are all factors for heat-related deaths. Older people need to be careful since changes in physiology affect how a person responds to heat as he or she ages, and older people don't sweat as much as younger people.

Take it easy today and tomorrow. Children, seniors, and anyone with health problems should stay in the coolest available place. Certainly dress for Summer by wearing lightweight, light-colored clothing to reflect heat and sunlight. Drink plenty of water or other non-alcohol or decaffeinated fluids. Your body needs water to keep cool.

Some relief is expected by the latter half of the weekend when daytime temperatures reach the mid 80s, and Monday will feature a high temperature close to 80 degrees, which is more in line with this time of the year. However, look for the mercury to climb back to the upper 80s by the middle of next week. It's still July!

Paul

Summer's First Trimester Report Card

Summer officially began one month ago today. Now, the first heat wave of the season is upon southwestern Connecticut as temperatures soar into the lower 90s and the heat index approaches 100 degrees this afternoon. The hot and humid weather is expected to last through Saturday before some relief arrives by the end of the weekend.

Today's weather video and photos come from Ralph Fato in Norwalk. He wrote, "Many times this year the Sun is failing to burn through the layers. I took some pictures and video this morning with my Kodak Z990." You can almost feel the heat and humidity looking at these. The video can also be found on my Facebook page at facebook.com/piorek12.

So, how have we fared weatherwise since the Summer Solstice 30 days ago? The start of Summer was slightly cooler-than-normal with four of the first five days of the season featuring below normal average temperatures. In fact, the daytime high June 24 was 67 degrees, and the the mercury didn't reach 80 degrees the first five days of Summer.

This month has been a different story, however. Daytime highs reached 91 and 95 degrees, respectively, June 11 and 12, marking the only time we've hit the 90s this year. All but four days this month have been warmer-than-normal, and that trend will certainly continue over the next three days, boosting the 77.4-degree average temperature this month.

The last 30 days have been especially dry. In fact, only seven of the days brought more than one-hundredth of an inch of rain to the region. There was no measured rain over an eight-day stretch from June 30 through July 7, and there have been just two days in the last 12 with more than one-hundredth of an inch of rain.

July and August are traditionally the hottest months of the season with average daily temperatures of 74 and 73.1 degrees, respectively. We experienced a heat wave at the end of August last year. Both months average about three-and-a-quarter inches of rain, but we're nowhere near that this month. Let's see how the final two months of Summer play out.

Paul

First Official Heat Wave of Summer is Forecast for Region

The first official heat wave of the season will affect southwestern Connecticut tomorrow through Saturday as temperatures climb well into the 90s. Technically, a heat wave happens when the temperature reaches 90 degrees or more for three consecutive days. However, as dew points climb into the 70s by tomorrow afternoon, the heat and oppressive humidity will make it feel like 100 degrees or hotter each of the next three days.

An Excessive Heat Watch has been issued for Northern Fairfield and New Haven counties from Thursday afternoon through Friday evening. You'll need to take extra precautions if you're going to be outside for any length of time. You may want to reschedule certain activities to the early-morning or evening hours. Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible. Drink plenty of water, too.

The mercury has topped the 90-degree mark only twice this Summer at Sikorsky Memorial Airport in Stratford, the official recording station for the National Weather Service. Daytime highs of 91 and 95 degrees were recorded July 11 and July 12, respectively. The temperature reached 88 degrees July 13, just two degrees shy of an official heat wave.

The last heat wave to hit southwestern Connecticut happened over a four-day stretch from late August through early September last year. The high temperatures for August 29 through September 1, 2010, were 91, 91, 94, and 93 degrees, respectively. The mercury topped 90 degrees four times last August, helping to push the average daily temperature for the month to 75.1 degrees, two degrees above normal.

Thus far this month, the average temperature is 76.4 degrees, which is 3.1 degrees warmer than normal. That's just two degrees shy of the hottest July on record (78.4 degrees), which happened in 1994. All but four days this month have delivered warmer-than-normal temperatures. The average daytime high temperature is 85.1 degrees, and the average nighttime low temperature is 67.7 degrees. The coolest temperature was 59 degrees on July 1.

In case you're wondering, the average temperature last July was 78 degrees, less than a degree shy of the monthly record. July of 2010 featured an unforgettable Independence Day weekend heat wave which featured high temperatures of 97, 93, 98, and 95 degrees from July 4 through July 7, respectively. In fact, there were seven days with high temperatures in the 90s.

Today will be mostly sunny with some puffy clouds and a high temperature in the mid 80s. Tonight will be mild and muggy with patchy fog developing and a low of 66 to 71 degrees. The heat wave begins tomorrow and will continue through the start of the weekend. Daytime highs will be in the 90s and nighttime lows will hold in the lower 70s. Stay cool.

Paul

Potential Heat Wave May Limit Outdoor Activity

Today will be another hot day with the mercury reaching for 90 degrees this afternoon. Although it will become slightly less humid late in the day, the temperature will be well above the 82-degree normal for this time of the year. If that's not bad enough, a potential heat wave is in the works for the end of the week with forecast highs of 90 or better Thursday through Saturday.

I like to walk at least two-to-three miles every day. However, the heat and humidity can take its toll quickly if you're going to be outside for any length of time in mid July. The first rule of thumb, naturally, is to avoid any strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day. That’s generally between 11 a.m. through 3 p.m. when the Sun’s rays are the hottest. The early morning and evening hours are the best time to exercise outside. Obviously, you’ll want to avoid any outdoor exercise when there is an Air Quality Alert or the air pollution is especially high.

When you exercise in the Summer heat you need to protect your body from overheating. Be sure to take precautions for a safe summer workout. Exercising outside in the Summer heat can be dangerous, or even fatal, to your health if you don’t use common sense. Of course, the logical alternative is to work out indoors in cool temperatures. But if you must exercise in the heat, here are some guidelines, courtesy of suite101.com.

Although keeping hydrated is important regardless of the temperature, it’s even more crucial in the hot Summer months. Besides drinking a basic requirement (at least six eight-ounce glasses) of water daily, include sports drinks both before and after a workout. Staying hydrated is especially critical if you plan to exercise for an extended period. Runners should always carry a water pack. Failing to do so could put you in jeopardy of circulatory failure.

As for clothing, wear light fabrics such as synthetics and silks that don’t retain heat, as well as release moisture from your body for good airflow. As for colors, select clothes with light colors, avoiding darks. Select fabrics that “breathe,” allowing moisture to be released from your body. Not only do hats shield your skin from the sun, but they also shield the sun from heating up the blood vessels lining your scalp. When wearing a hat in the heat, occasionally take it off to let the heat escape.

If your choice of exercise is a sport such as tennis, be sure to take short, frequent breaks. By doing so, you allow your body parts that are working hard to rest, reducing your odds of injury. Also, pay close attention to your body. For example, if you’re in the middle of a run and your body tells you to rest, then take a break.

When you feel the least bit faint or nauseous — which could be red lights for heat exhaustion — stop exercising. Failure to not rest in the shade and hydrate until you recover could result in a heat stroke or even worse conditions. If you work out for more than an hour, be sure to have some carbohydrates handy to eat because carbs are quickly metabolized in the heat. Some sports drinks also contain carbs.

Use precaution and common sense when exercising in the water. A pool or lake may cool you off on a hot Summer day. But you can still get dehydrated and overheated. If you’re planning a rigorous water workout, check the water temperature (75 to 78 degrees Farenheit is ideal). A pool temperature higher than 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26 degrees Celsius) is too hot and not suitable for a workout. Take breaks, drinking sufficient water to make sure you stay hydrated.

Stay cool.

Paul

Wonderful Weekend Weather Pattern Continues

We've been quite lucky with our weekend weather recently. Aside from just one-hundredth of an inch of rain each of the last two weekends, there has been only one weekend washout since the end of May. Our fair weather stretch will continue this weekend under mostly sunny skies, warm temperatures, and slowly increasing levels of humidity.

After looking at our weather record book this morning, I noticed that a little more than half of the weekends (54%) this year have been dry. Thirteen of the 28 weekends since January 1 have featured measured rain at Sikorsky Memorial Airport in Stratford. The last complete washout happened the weekend of June 11 and 12 when over an inch (1.19") of rain fell.

In case you're wondering, there were five consective weekends without any measured rain from March 12/13 through April 9/10 of this year. The worst stretch of weekend weather happened in mid-to-late April with back-to-back washouts the weekends of April 16/17 (1.57") and April 23/24 (1.25"). Although there were three straight wet weekends in May, two of the weekends delivered only five hundredths of an inch of rain.

January, March, and June featured three dry weekends each while May delivered three wet weekends. Only two of the months (March and June) had just one wet weekend. Here is the month-by-month summary of our weekend weather this year:

• January: 2 wet, 3 dry
• February: 2 wet, 2 dry
• March: 1 wet, 3 dry
• April: 2 wet, 2 dry
• May: 3 wet, 2 dry
• June: 1 wet, 3 dry
• July: 2 wet, 0 dry
• Total: 13 wet, 15 dry

If your weekend plans include the beach, the golf course, a backyard barbecue, or gardening, you'll like the forecast. We can expect sunny skies and seasonably warm temperatures tomorrow and Sunday. However, the humidity will build by the end of the weekend. Daytime highs will reach the middle 80s and nighttime lows will hold in the mid-to-upper 60s to close to 70 degrees.

Have a great weekend.

Paul

Full Buck Moon Will Shine Brightly Tonight

I had company on my way to work this morning. Yes, the nearly Full Buck Moon smiled directly at me from a fairly low angle above the horizon as I drove westbound along I-95 in the middle of the night. And what a sight it was. You, too, may have noticed the light of the Moon filtering into your window last night.

In case you’re wondering, the Full Buck Moon happens at 2:40 Friday morning. July is normally the month when the new antlers of buck deer rush out of their foreheads in coatings of velvety fur. It is also often called the Full Thunder Moon, since thunderstorms are common during this time of the year. Another name for this month’s Moon is the Full Hay Moon.

Full Moon names date back to Native Americans in what is now the Northern and Eastern United States. The tribes kept track of the seasons by giving distinctive names to each recurring Full Moon. Their names were applied to the entire month in which each occurred. There was some variation in the Moon names, but in general, the same ones were current throughout the Algonquin tribes from New England to Lake Superior.

A Full Moon rises at about the same time the Sun is setting. Since the length of daylight is about 14 hours and 54 minutes today, the Full Moon will rise later and set earlier this time of the year. In addition, the Full Moon will appear lower in the sky since it won’t be visible nearly as long as during the mid-Winter nights.

For example, the Moon rises at 7:57 this evening and sets at 5:54 tomorrow morning. That means the Moon will be visible for nine hours and 57 minutes. Conversely, six months from now in January when the amount of daylight is at a minimum, the Full Wolf Moon will appear higher in the sky and be visible for about 17-and-half-hours. That’s over eight hours longer than this time of the year!

We'll enjoy a clear view of the Full Moon tonight as temperatures fall into the 50s inland and lower 60s along the immediate shoreline. Nice weather is expected to continue through much of the upcoming weekend with daytime highs in the low-to-mid 80s and nighttime lows in the upper 50s to mid 60s. Watch for the Full Buck Moon tonight!

Paul

Lawn Tips for Hot Summer Weather

How is your lawn doing? My lawn is beginning to feel the effects of the strong July sunshine and hot weather over the past couple of days. A record high temperature of 95 degrees was recorded yesterday at Sikorsky Memorial Airport, breaking the previous mark of 94 degrees set in 1966. Monday's high temperature was 91 degrees, nearly 10 degrees above normal for this time of the year.

To make matters worse, we've only had one day with more than one-hundredth of an inch of rain this month. Exactly a half-inch of rain fell last Friday when a cold front swept across the region. This month's rainfall total (0.52") is well below the normal (1.44") through today. Aside from an isolated shower or thunderstorm this afternoon, it should remain dry through the upcoming weekend.

The brown spots and dried-out grass are becoming more widespread on my lawn. I've started to water the lawn every day for the last week. According to allaboutlawns.com, the best time to turn on your sprinkler is about 5 o'clock in the morning. Why? "Early morning watering is best due to the lack of evaporation that takes place, low winds that can blow you lawn dry, high humidity, and morning dew that adds to the moisture.

"Early morning watering helps to prevent lawn diseases that can be caused by watering at night because it gives your lawn time to dry by night fall. Obviously, this can be best accomplished with a sprinkler system, unless you just can't sleep, especially during the Summer months."

Here's another tip. Try watering a day before you plan on mowing your lawn if you dislike the browning that forms on the tips of the grass afterwards. This will allow your lawn to recover from the cutting and help it to look nicer as a result. Did you know that during the hottest Summer months, the surface of your closely cropped lawn can easily climb two dozen degrees above the outdoor air temperature? Heat is a killer.

So is moisture loss, which occurs when the lawn is cut too frequently during high temperatures. Heat-stressed, dry lawns are extremely susceptible to insects, spotting, weeds, and root disease as they try to heal from literally being scalped. Many of my neighbors hire lawn cutters who appear at the same time every week to mow the lawns, whether they need it or not. I haven't cut my lawn nearly two weeks, and I'm glad I've waited this long.

According to allaboutlawns.com, it's important to realize that mowing actually creates a routine lawn injury. You can minimize the damage by using sharp blades and mowing in cooler morning or evening hours, but only when the lawn is dry. In the Summer months, you may have to mow more frequently, but always mow at a higher cut. If you're cutting more than 1/3 of the total height of the grass, you're scalping it.

Take care when mowing your lawn this Summer. Properly mowed lawns retain moisture, fostering deeper root growth, and the healthy blades of grass produce more of the nutrients necessary for your lawn to thrive in difficult conditions. So, even in the driest and warmest time of the year, it is possible to keep your lawn watered regularly and cut when needed.

Paul

Today Marks Fifth Anniversary of Greenwich Tornado

A Heat Advisory is in effect from 12 noon through 9 o'clock this evening for heat index values of 100 degrees or better. The hot and humid weather will continue for one more day before much less humid air arrives by tomorrow. This time of the year is ripe for severe weather. In fact, one of the most unforgettable storms occurred late in the day on Wednesday, July 12, through early Thursday, July 13, 2006.

A "tornadic-like" thunderstorm roared through the region late in the afternoon, delivering strong winds, heavy rains, and violent lightning. Meteorologists from the National Weather service confirmed that a tornado touched down in Greenwich. The photos below show the damage produced by the storm in "The Gateway to New England."

The most severe damage in southwestern Connecticut occurred on John Street in Old Greenwich. That's where residents said they saw a tornado touch down. Trees and utility poles were toppled, blocking access to John Street and several other roads, including Round Hill Road.

One witness says she looked out her window and saw a funnel cloud tearing its way through Riversville Road. The fallen trees created quite a mess in the area, forcing some residents to leave their cars on the roads and walk home. Crews remained on the scene for quite some time attempting to clear out the fallen trees.

Although a thunderstorm is possible later this afternoon as a cold front approaches from the West, it shouldn't be too severe. The front will usher much less humid air into southwestern Connecticut. The rest of the week and the beginning of the weekend will be just about perfect for this time of the year. It could be a lot worse, though. Just think back five years ago today.

Paul

Heat Wave Hit Region One Year Ago Today

An Air Quality Alert has been posted from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. today by the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection for ozone levels which may approach or exceed unhealthy levels. The temperature may top 90 degrees inland this afternoon with increasing levels of humidity. The mercury has reached 85 degrees each of the last two days, but it won't be as hot as the scorching heat wave exactly one year ago.

The official high temperature at Sikorsky Memorial Airport in Stratford one year ago today reached 98 degrees, marking the first heat wave across southwestern Connecticut in nearly two years. The last time the mercury climbed to 90 degrees or better three consecutive days was July 18 to July 20, 2008. A month earlier, an unusual late-Spring heat wave surprised the region from June 8 to June 10, with high temperatures of 90, 97, and 96 degrees, respectively.

Some local communities topped 100 degrees a year ago today. Viewer Robert Marshall of Stamford wrote, "Tuesday (July 6, 2010) was a rough day here on the east side of Stamford. My backyard thermometer registered a high temperature of 104 degrees at around 3:00 P.M. About an hour later we lost our power, but fortunately it was restored about two hours later. (I) drove to Darien for a truly good iced coffee."

He added, "Driving back through Noroton, I saw News 12 cameraman preparing to do a video spot on the Post Road. Driving through Stamford's east side to pick up, uh, some other adult beverages, I saw Frank Recchia on Cove Road, talking with residents about the power outage. I recorded my thermometer's reading with a photo."

A 103-degree scorcher set a record at the Stamford Museum and Nature Center, according to Pat Standaert, who works in the nature center's education department and operates the weather station. The nature center has kept weather records for 60 years. The previous record was 102 degrees, which was established June 26, 1952, and July 15, 1995. The next-hottest July 6 in Stamford was in 1999, when the mercury hit 100 degrees.

The temperature reached 95 degrees one day later, Wednesday, July 7, 2010, marking the fourth straight day of temperatures well into the 90s. After carefully reviewing my record book, I could not find a four-day stretch of 90-degree-plus weather over the previous five years! Sure, it will be a hot and moderately humid day across southwestern Connecticut, but it won't be quite as bad as one year ago today.

Stay cool.

Paul

Despite Heat, Sun Farthest From Earth on Independence Day

Independence Day was sunny and hot with an afternoon high temperature of 85 degrees at Sikorsky Memorial Airport. That's four degrees above the normal high temperature for the date. I took my two sons and their friends to Rye Playland yesterday, and we certainly felt the heat. It was a typical Summerlike day.

Believe it or not, despite the hot weather Monday, the Sun was at its farthest point from the Earth than at any time during the year. If you looked indirectly at the Sun yesterday, it might have appeared a little smaller than usual. That's because the Earth reached a point called Aphelion during its annual orbit around the Sun.

Earth at Aphelion is farthest to Sun, while it is closest to Sun at a point called Perihelion. Though our planet typically reaches Aphelion and Perihelion in July and January respectively, the actual dates vary from year to year. Aphelion happened yesterday when the Earth was 94,511,923 miles away from the Sun. Perihelion was on January 3, when Earth was 92,955,807 miles from the Sun.

Sunlight is roughly about seven percent less intense in July than it is at our closest approach to the Sun in January. You may be left wondering why we still feel the intense Summer heat in July if we're actually farther away from our nearest star. That’s because Earth’s seasons are determined by the tilt on its axis and not by its distance from the Sun.

All planets in our solar system travel around the Sun in elliptical orbits, and that causes the four seasons and the length of daylight. Our days are actually getting shorter now that we've reached the first week of July. In fact, since June 21, the Summer Solstice, we've lost seven minutes of daylight. Sunrise was at 5:25 this morning, as opoosed to 5:19 on the first day of Summer.

Another sunny and quite warm day is in store as the mercury climbs into the mid and upper 80s this afternoon. Tomorrow will be mostly sunny, hot, and more humid with a high of 85 to 90. A front will arrive Thursday bringing scattered showers and thunderstorms, and they will linger into Friday with highs in the low-to-mid 80s. The weekend, though, should be mostly sunny and warm.

Paul

Wet & Warm June Draws to a Close

Wet and warm. That's the best way to describe our June weather. The official statistics were tabulated just after midnight, and last month was a soaker, to be sure. Over a half-foot of rain (6.54") fell across southwestern Connecticut, which was more than double the norm, and the average temperature was one-and-a-half degrees above normal.

June was punctuated by two pronounced wet streaks. The first featured a stretch of seven wet days out of nine from June 9 through June 17. Three of the days --- June 17 (0.89"), June 11 (0.85"), and June 9 (0.66") --- delivered more than a half-inch of rain. Just about three inches of rain (2.99") drenched the rain gauge from June 22 through June 24, with the June 23 deluge (2.41") resulting in serious flooding problems on Naugatuck Avenue in Milford.

Last month's average temperature was 69.5 degrees, which was warmer than the 68-degree normal average for June. The hottest stretch happened from June 7 through June 10 when the daytime highs reached 86, 89, 87, and 83 degrees, respectively. Only nine of the 30 days (30%) were cooler-than-normal, including a three-day streak from June 23 through June 25.

The warmest temperature recorded last month at Sikorsky Memorial Airport in Stratford was 89 degrees on June 8, while the coolest temperature (53 degrees) happened on the mornings of June 3 and June 5. Fourteen days featured daytime high temperatures in the 80s, while there were only five days when the high temperature stayed in the 60s.

July will begin under mostly sunny skies, warm temperatures, and fairly low humidity. A weak system will pass just to our East this afternoon, and then warmer and more humid weather is expected tomorrow and Sunday. A cold front will likely tigger thunderstorms Sunday, but Independence Day will be partly-to-mostly sunny, warm, and slightly less humid with a high near 85.

Have a happy and safe holiday weekend.

Paul