August Traditionally Hot & Tropical

The heat and humidity are about to climb just in time for the start of August. Believe it or not, July was the 17th straight warmer-than-normal month across southwestern Connecticut with an average temperature of 77.5 degrees, which was 3.1 degrees above normal. It looks like August will begin in much the same fashion.

You may recall that August of 2010 was much warmer than normal. We experienced a heat wave the last three days of the month, and the average monthly temperature (75.1 degrees) was less than one degree from the record of 76 degrees set in 1955. Six years ago, we christened August with a heat wave when the first three days established record high temperatures of 95, 96, and 97 degrees, respectively, at Sikorsky Memorial Airport in Stratford.

Traditionally, August is the second warmest month of the year with a mean average temperature of 73.1 degrees, just behind July's average of 74 degrees, based on 40 years worth of data. The mercury has actually climbed to 100 degrees twice --- on August 9, 2001, and August 27, 1948. In fact, the daily record highs for the month never dip below 90 degrees. The warmest August on record (1955) featured two of the most potent rainstorms on record.

However, there are subtle signs that Summer is in decline over the next four weeks. The normal high temperature falls from 82 degrees on August 1 to 78 degrees by the end of the month. The overall mean temperature drops from 75 degrees to 70 by August 31. In fact, the record low temperature on August 29 is 44 degrees!

Daily sunshine continues to dwindle, too. We'll enjoy 14 hours and 21 minutes of daylight today. But, by the last day of the month, the Sun is out for 13 hours and nine minutes. We lose about an hour and a quarter of daylight over the next 31 days. In fact, sunrise occurs at 6:18 and sets at 7:27 by August 31. Remember, on the first day of Summer, the Sun set at 8:30.

As far as rainfall is concerned, the month averages about 3.75" of precipitation. The wettest August happened in 1952 when 13.29" of rain fell. There have been some drenching rains in August, including 4.66" on August 19, 1991, 4.01" on August 27, 2006, 3.99" on August 11, 2000, 3.92" on August 12, 1955, and 3.69" on August 21, 1952. Remember, we are in the heart of hurricane season, and tropical moisture is always a threat.

Long-time area residents will never forget August of 1955 when two of the most memorable hurricanes --- Connie and Diane --- battered the Northeast. Hurricane Connie soaked New England with torrential rains on August 13, 1955. Just five days later, Tropical Storm Diane followed suit creating massive flooding not seen since the 1930s.

The combination of Connie and Diane yielded rainfall totals close to 25 inches in some areas, resulting in unprecedented flooding. Nearly all of the major rivers in the lower Connecticut Valley exceeded flood stage. Some rivers rose more than 20 feet over their banks. There was tremendous destruction in the Naugatuck River Valley, especially in the city of Ansonia.

Summer officially reaches its halfway point this Saturday, but the trend is for warmer and more humid weather through the upcoming weekend. There aren't any major storms on the horizon, and the tropics are quiet for now. Enjoy the last full month of Summer!

Paul

A Summer Reality Check in Late July

It finally hit me last night while watching my sons swim in our backyard pool. The Sun was setting earlier. That shouldn't be too surprising since today marks 40 days since the Summer Solstice, and we're just five days away from the midpoint of Summer. You’ve probably already begun to notice the subtle changes across southwestern Connecticut.

Here’s another point to ponder. Most school systems across southwestern Connecticut open their doors in a little more than four weeks. How is that possible? It seems like only yesterday we were watching our children celebrate the last day of school. That was over five weeks ago. August begins this Wednesday!

The days are indeed getting “shorter.” In fact, we have lost nearly an hour (47 minutes) of daylight since the first day of Summer. Sunrise on June 20st happened at 5:19. This morning’s Sunrise was at 5:47, 28 minutes later. Sunset is now at 8:10, 19 minutes before the latest Sunset, at 8:29, on the Solstice. The sky is getting darker much earlier.

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? Training camps for National Football League teams opened last week. The New England Patriots open their preseason schedule one week from Thursday, August 9, at home against the New Orleans Saints. And, in what lately has become a rite of late-Summer, the three-time defending state champion Fairfield American 12-year-old Little League baseball team begins play in the New England Regional tournament later this week.

Today may very well be the best day of the week under a mix of sun and clouds with a high temperature near 80 degrees. Tonight will become mostly cloudy and mild with lows in the 60s. Tomorrow will be mostly cloudy and slightly cooler with a high of 75 to 80 degrees. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible Wednesday through the start of the weekend.

Paul

Severe Storms Expected This Evening

The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center has placed our region in a moderate risk of strong-to-severe weather from late this afternoon through about midnight. The atmosphere will become quite warm and humid today as temperatures soar into the mid-to-upper 80s, fueling the formation of strong thunderstorms, which may include damaging winds, small hail, vivid lightning, and even the possibility of tornadic activity. In short, the threat of severe weather is enhanced this evening.

Nearly three-quarters of Connecticut, especially the Western half, has a five percent chance of a tornado along the line of severe storms this evening. The image below shows the shaded areas in the Northeast with the accompanying probability of tornadic development.

The air is certainly more humid this morning, and some light rain developed during the morning commute. A line of thunderstorms moved across Western Fairfield County between 9 o'clock and 9:45 this morning. A storm over the Great Lakes region will track to the East today, moving into the region late this afternoon and through the area later this evening. That's when the best chance of severe weather will happen, generally between 5 p.m. and midnight.

What does this mean for us? First of all, be prepared for power outages. Our Power Outage Index is registering a "likely" for much of the region early tonight. Damaging winds may bring down tree limbs, power lines, and small trees. Have flashlights with fresh batteries at the ready. Also, make sure storm drains are cleaned and not clogged. Heavy downpours may cause ponding and flooding of low-lying areas. Finally, if you have a generator, make sure it's ready with a full tank of gasoline. You can never be too prepared for violent weather.

A frontal boundary will become nearly stationary late tonight as waves of low pressure move along the front tonight into Friday. That will bring more scattered showers and thunderstorms. The frontal system will slowly push across and then East of the region Friday night through Saturday night. Spot showers and storms are possible through this weekend, especially Saturday, before weak high pressure arrives Sunday into the beginning of next week.

Paul

Sun's Shadows Getting Longer & Sun's Angle Getting Lower

Even though we're just a little more than a month removed from the Summer Solstice, there are subtle signs that the "longest day of the year" was five weeks ago. You may have noticed that the days are getting shorter, since the Sun rises 21 minutes later and the Sun sets 11 minutes earlier than it did on the first day of Summer. However, less discernible is the change in the length of shadows. Believe it or not, the shadows have been slowly getting longer, and that's due to the Sun's lower angle in the sky.

The Sun reached its highest angle in the sky --- or declination --- in the Northern Hemisphere on the first day of Summer. The declination of the Sun is the measurement of the angle between the Sun’s rays and the Earth’s equatorial plane. The Earth’s axis is tilted by 23.5 degrees away from the solar plane. This explains why we have different seasons and why the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere always have contradicting seasons. When tilted towards the Sun, it's Summer in the Northern Hemisphere.

The Sun’s declination varies throughout the year. Its declination becomes zero during the Spring Equinox and reaches the maximum declination angle of 23.5 degrees during the Summer Solstice. It reverts to zero declination when the Fall Equinox occurs and drops to a negative 23.5-degree declination during the Winter Solstice. This accompanying photos were taken by one of our viewers on the sky ride at Lake Compounce in Bristol last weekend. As you can see, the Sun's angle in the sky is still relatively quite high.

Today, for example, the declination of the Sun is an even 20 degrees North of the celestial equator. That's three-and-a-half degrees lower than where it was June 20. By the end of the month, it will be 18.5 degrees North of the celestial equator. The Sun's declination will be +14.15 degrees by August 15, and +8.52 on the final day of next month. By September 16, it will be just 3.16 degrees North of the celestial equator. As you can see, the Sun's angle will be dropping lower in the sky over the next two months.

The change in the Sun’s declination results in yearly cycles which are observed as each season progresses. The declination of the Sun has effects on its own altitude and to the duration of daylight. The Sun reaches its highest altitude above the horizon each day at noon in the Northern Hemisphere. With respect to the celestial equator, it reaches the highest altitude of 73.5 degrees the first day of the Summer, while its altitude reaches the minimum 26.5 degrees during the first day of Winter.

We'll see plenty of sunshine today, but it will be hot as temperatures climb close to 90 degrees. There is a chance of an isolated shower or thunderstorm as a cold front approaches from the Northwest. Tonight will be mostly clear and less humid with lows of 57 to 65 degrees. Tomorrow will be the best day of the week under sunny skies, lower humidity, and seasonable temperatures as highs reach the lower 80s. Unsettled weather is expected Thursday through Sunday.

Paul

Today Marks 43rd Anniversary of Apollo 11 Moon Landing

Some dates naturally carry more significance than others. Birthdays and anniversaries come to mind instantly. One such "anniversary" happened 43 years ago today. Those of you old enough to remember Sunday, July 20, 1969, no doubt can recall watching Apollo 11 astronaut Neil Armstrong descending the steps of the lunar module’s ladder and setting foot on the Moon for the first time. I was mesmerized by what I saw that night on the black-and-white Zenith television set in our living room.

Apollo 11, the fifth human spaceflight of the Apollo program, launched from the Kennedy Space Center four days earlier. As a young child of 10, watching Armstrong walk on the lunar surface was probably the most significant news event of my youth. I can still remember the late Walter Cronkite on CBS television describing the landing, and the bundle of nerves I felt for myself and the Apollo astronauts, Commander Neil Armstrong, Lunar Module Pilot Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin, and Command Module Pilot Michael Collins.

I was fascinated by the space program in the 1960s. Naturally, I couldn’t wait for the landing of Apollo on the Moon. As I recall, while on the far side of the Moon, the lunar module, called the Eagle, separated from the Command Module, named Columbia. Collins remained alone in Columbia, while Armstrong and Aldrin used Eagle’s descent engine to right themselves and descend to the lunar surface. The wait seemed interminable for this youngster, who couldn’t believe that we would actually see LIVE images from the Moon later that night.

I kept asking questions of my Mom and Dad all day and evening. “What will it look like on television?” “When will the astronauts climb out of the Eagle?” “How are we able to see it if they’re so far away?” They couldn’t answer most of my questions since this had never happened before. I still couldn’t believe what we were about to see. I’m sure it’s what ultimately piqued my interest in astronomy, subsequent space missions, and Science in general. This is what it looked like 43 years ago today.



Our family gathered in the living room in front of the small TV set with rabbit ears and watched as Cronkite prepared us for the first step on the Moon. Just over six-and-a half hours after Apollo 11 landed on the Moon at 4:17 p.m., we sat in silence and awe as Armstrong made his descent to the Moon’s surface at 10:56 p.m. and spoke his famous words: “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”

I don't know if there will be any mention of it on any newscasts today. Three years ago, however, it was a different story as it marked the 40th anniversary of that unforgettable day. Incredibly, more than half the people living in the United States today weren’t even born when Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the moon. It was arguably the most historic event of the 20th century. I, for one, am glad I saw it LIVE, and I will never forget it for the rest of my life!

Paul

Second Official Heat Wave of the Season Broken

The second official heat wave across southwestern Connecticut since June 1 is over, but not before a record high temperature was established Wednesday afternoon at Sikorsky Memorial Airport in Stratford. The mercury hit 95 degrees yesterday at 1:42 p.m., officially tying the previous mark which was established in 2006. Consider the normal high temperature for this time of the year is 83 degrees.

A strong cold front approached the region early yesterday afternoon, triggering a round of showers and thunderstorms just before 3 o'clock. Viewer Ralph Fato of Norwalk sent this unique photo to me. He wrote, "I took this picture before the line (of storms) came through and matched it with the satellite and radar photo at the time." This is unique. The radar clearly shows the approaching storms to the Northwest, and the photo shows the darkening clouds in advance of the storms. Click the photo to see a larger version.

We've had high temperatures of at least 90 degrees six times or one-third of July. The latest heat wave featured high temperatures of 91, 93, and 95 degrees Monday through Wednesday, respectively. Since June 1, we've had 10 90+ degree days at the airport which, more often than not is cooler than inland communities due to a mild sea breeze this time of the year. The average temperature thus far this month is 79.6 degrees, which is a healthy 5.8 degrees above normal. Take a look at the following graph provided by Ralph Fato.

A closer look at the weather record book reveals that we just barely missed two more official heat waves by just one degree each time. We missed a heat wave June 20 (92), June 21 (96), and June 22 (89) by one degree, and another potential heat wave was nixed by only one degree July 5 (91), July 6 (89), and July 7 (93). The first heat wave happened June 29 (91), June 30 (92), and July 1 (92).

Although cooler and less humid air has arrived this morning, we're not out of the woods as far as precipitation is concerned. The frontal boundary which pushed through the region has stalled just to our South, and that may trigger a shower or two this afternoon. We'll be on the northern edge of a wave of low pressure later tonight and tomorrow, and that will bring occasional rain and much cooler air. Tomorrow's high will only reach the low-to-mid 70s. A nicer weekend is ahead, however.

Paul

Severe Weather Potential for Wednesday

The second of three consecutive hot and humid days is sending many southwestern Connecticut families to lakes, beaches, and close to the air conditioners this afternoon. Today will most likely be the hottest day of the week after the mercury reached 91 degrees at Sikorsky Memorial Airport in Stratford Monday afternoon. The normal high temperature for this time of the year is 83 degrees, and the record high is 95 set in 1953.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has issued an Air Quality Alert, which will remain in effect through 11 o'clock tonight. A southwest flow of air is bringing tropical moisture, high humidity, and hot surface temperatures to the region. This will create a favorable environment for ozone levels to exceed the threshold for 'unhealthy for sensitive groups.'

However, our weather picture is about to change in a big way. A cold front will approach from the North tomorrow afternoon, bringing the potential for strong-to-severe thunderstorms to the region. The forecast surface map below shows the cold front just to the North and West of southwestern Connecticut at 8 o'clock Wednesday evening. There is concern for the possibility of vivid lightning, heavy rain, small hail, and gusty winds. 

The atmosphere will be saturated. Working in our favor, though, are winds less than 50 knots in the upper atmosphere and the influence of the maritime air ahead of the front. Keep an eye to the sky tomorrow afternoon. Not surprisingly, the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center has placed our region in a slight threat for strong convection during the day tomorrow.

The silver lining behind the front will be much more comfortable and seasonable weather by the end of the week and the weekend. One of the computer models is hinting at some moisture making its way toward Southern New England Friday, but we're playing optimist in the weathercenter and expecting a large dome of high pressure to keep us bright and dry through Sunday.

Paul

Moderate-to-Severe Drought Across Region

It's that time of the year again when lawns turn brown, gardens are drying out, and we desperately need rain. It seems like every Summer we experience a prolonged period of hot, dry weather, and this year is no exception. We've only had one day with measured rain this month, and that happened on Independence Day when less than a third-of-an-inch (0.29") fell across the region.

As each day passes, our yearly rainfall deficit grows. We've received nearly a foot-and-a-half (17.82") of precipitation since January 1, which is nearly five inches below the normal value of 22.64" through July 12. In fact, there have been just two days with measured rain dating back to June 26. Last year, however, was a completely different story. We had over 30 inches in the rain gauge, highlighted by over a half-foot of rain in June.

Take a look at the comparison between this year's and last year's monthly rainfall totals. The data is taken from weather observations at Sikorsky Memorial Airport in Stratford:

Month              2011                      2012                Normal

January                 4.75"                       2.98"                   3.73"

February               4.36"                       1.58"                   2.92"

March                   3.61"                       1.04"                   4.15"

April                     4.63"                        2.97"                  3.99"

May                      5.61"                       4.57"                   4.03"
June                     6.54"                       4.39"                   3.57"

July                       2.00"                       0.29"                   3.77"

You'll notice that last year's totals were higher every month, and there was only one month (March) which featured below-normal rainfall. More than a half-foot of rain fell in June, and nearly a half-foot was recorded in May. This year, however, only May and June have delivered above-normal rainfall. This month has been especially dry, and it comes when the Sun's rays are strongest and the average daytime temperatures are at their warmest. A quick glance at the latest Drought Severity Index map shows that we are experiencing moderate-to-severe drought conditions.

Some rain is in the forecast, however, as the heat and humidity build by the end of the weekend. A frontal boundary will trigger showers and thunderstorms Saturday night into Sunday morning, and another round of showers and thunderstorms can be expected later Sunday. Daytime highs will reach into the 80s over the weekend, while nighttime lows hold close to 70 degrees. We'll bake and broil Monday through Wednesday before a powerful cold front brings the potential for strong storms to the region by Wednesday. We do need the rain!

Paul

Active Atlantic Tropical Season & Cold, Snowy Winter in the Cards?

There are many variables and factors to consider when making a long-range forecast as it pertains to seasonal weather and tropical activity. One of the more important factors to consider is the North Atlantic Oscillation, which is a large-scale fluctuation in atmospheric pressure between the subtropical high pressure system located near the Azores in the Atlantic Ocean and the sub-polar low pressure system near Iceland.

The surface pressure drives surface winds and Wintertime storms from West-to-East across the North Atlantic, ultimately affecting weather and climate from New England to Western Europe, as far eastward as central Siberia and the Eastern Mediterranean, and southward to Africa. In case you're wondering, we broke the record for the deepest negative NAO for the month of June since 1950. The negative phase of the NAO increases sea surface temperature due to decreased evaporational cooling. This chart was provided by Ralph Fato. Take a look:

So, why is this important? When the NAO Index is in its negative phase, the Tropical Atlantic and Gulf Coast have an increased number of strong hurricanes, northern Europe is drier, and Mediterranean countries have increased precipitation. When the NAO is positive phase, the northeastern United States sees an increase in temperature and a decrease in snow days, the central U. S. has increased precipitation, the North Sea has an increase in storms, and Northern Europe has warmer temperatures and increased precipitation.

The negative NAO typically enhances tropical cyclone activity in the Atlantic due to weaker trade winds, while a positive NAO typically suppresses tropical cyclone activity due to stronger than normal trade winds that prevent the disturbance from attaining a well-defined center. The positive NAO correlates with above average Mean Sea Level Pressure (MSLP), which is unfavorable for tropical cyclogenesis. A negative NAO correlates with below average MSLP, which enhances tropical cyclogenesis.

As far as the long-range forecast is concerned, the negative NAO index phase results in fewer and weaker Winter storms crossing on a more West-to-East pathway. They bring moist air into the Mediterranean and cold air to northern Europe. The East Coast of the United States experiences more cold air outbreaks and snowy weather conditions.

As for the long-term, will there be more tropical activity in the Atlantic this season? Are we in for a Winter similar to the one two years ago? The NAO suggests we may very well be. As for the short-term forecast, another sunny and warm day is ahead with afternoon temperatures in the mid-to-upper 80s. Tonight will be mostly clear and mild with lows in the 60s. The weekend will become quite warm and more humid with showers and thunderstorms Sunday. Daytime highs will reach well into the 80s.

 Paul

Use Caution When Exercising Outdoors in Summer Heat

This has been an especially warm July. Thus far this month, the average temperature in southwestern Connecticut is 79.1 degrees, which is a whopping 5.6 degrees above normal. Daytime high temperatures are expected to climb into the 80s the rest of the week and may reach 90 degrees by the weekend. If you spend any amount of time outside exercising during the Summer, use common sense.

The first rule of thumb, naturally, is to avoid any strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day. That's generally between 11 o'clock in the morning through 3 o'clock in the afternoon 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 outdoors in the Summer heat can be dangerous, or even fatal, to your health if you don’t use good judgment. 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.

Paul

Deadly & Destructive Tornadoes Struck Connecticut 23 Years Ago Today

What a difference a week makes. The oppressive humidity and prolonged hot stretch of weather has been replaced with drier and more seasonable temperatures across southwestern Connecticut. The daily high temperature climbed to at least 88 degrees seven of the first eight days this month, and the mercury topped 90 degrees three times. Generally fair weather is expected through the end of the week before more humid air arrives this coming weekend.

However, our weather wasn't nearly as quiet on this date in 1989. One of the most unforgettable weather days happened 23 years ago today when a series of deadly and destructive tornadoes hit Connecticut on the afternoon of July 10, 1989. I was the early morning forecaster at the Western Connecticut State University weathercenter in Danbury back then. Although I predicted strong to severe thunderstorms for the region that afternoon, I never imagined the magnitude of the tornadoes which would strike Connecticut later that day.

I remember the storms began early that morning in upstate New York. A tornado hit Ogdensburg just before daybreak, injuring one person. One inch hail and wind gusts of over 50 miles an hour were a telltale sign that the approaching frontal boundary meant business. Many reports of wind damage in New York, Vermont, and Massachusetts occurred before noon.

Unfortunately, the timing of the storm had it moving into western Connecticut by the afternoon hours, when the atmosphere is most volatile due to the heating of the Sun. By midafternoon, as the atmosphere continued to heat up and the front moved eastward, the tornadoes developed. The first tornado, which may actually have been three distinctly separate tornadoes, started in the Northwest community of Cornwall, and leveled the Cathedral Pines forest.

The tornado continued south-southeast through Milton, leveling hundreds of trees and virtually destroying the village of Bantam before dissipating. A 12-year-old girl, who was on a campout with family and friends, was killed by falling trees in Black Rock State Park. Not much later, another tornado touched down in Watertown, passing through Oakville and northern Waterbury . That either damaged or destroyed over 150 homes and injured 70 people.



However, the most destructive tornado occurred in Hamden by late-afternoon. The path was only about five miles long, and it stopped just short of New Haven. The tornado destroyed almost 400 structures, and even cars were tossed into the air. Rows of houses and an industrial park were flattened as a result of the tornado. The storm was so strong that much of the area was without power for at least a week, and there were some trees still being cleared months later. The adjacent photo shows some of the damage in Hamden. This video was made for the Hamden Fire Department's Training Division the day after the tornado struck.



The powerful F-4 tornado which struck Hamden caused $100 million in damage and another $20 million in the Greater New Haven area. Forty people were injured in the tornado. After the tornado dissipated, a wind gust of 80 miles an hour was reported in New Haven. At about that time, another tornado struck Mount Carmel, tearing the roof off a condominium and injuring five people.

Of course, 23 years ago we didn't have the technology we do today, but I was still able to monitor the radar by the time I arrived home early in the afternoon. Remember, the Internet, News 12 Traffic and Weather, and access to instant local weather coverage didn't exist in those days. By the evening, the violent weather had ended, skies were clearing, and the damage had been done. It was certainly a day I'll never forget.

Paul

Lawn Care Tips During July Heat

How is your lawn doing? My lawn is beginning to feel the effects of the strong July sunshine and hot weather over the past several days. Thursday's high temperature climbed to 91 degrees at Sikorsky Memorial Airport in Stratford, and a potential heat wave will culminate tomorrow when a Heat Advisory will be in effect for the afternoon hours. The average temperature this month is a whopping 6.3 degrees above normal.

The brown spots and dried-out grass are becoming more widespread on my lawn. According to my weather record book, we've had just one day of measured rain this month, and eight of the last ten days have been dry. The only rain in the extended forecast will happen when a cold front approaches late tomorrow and Saturday night, triggering thunderstorms, some of which may be strong to severe.

I've been watering the lawn every day for the last week. However, you may wonder when is the best time to water the lawn? 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 don't think I'll cut my lawn this weekend. It just doesn't need it.

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

Despite Heat, the Earth is Farthest from the Sun Today

Despite a heat wave roasting parts of the United States and forecast high temperatures close to 90 degrees across southwestern Connecticut, our planet is actually at its farthest point from the Sun today. According to the U. S. Naval Observatory, the Earth reached a point in its orbit called "aphelion" at 12 o'clock EDT this morning. The Earth's aphelion is the point where it is the farthest from the Sun than at any time during the year.

The Earth is typically about 93 million miles from the Sun. However, because our planet's orbit is not a perfect circle but an ellipse, it has a farthest point and a closest point to the Sun. In case you're wondering, the Earth's closest approach to the Sun is called perihelion, and that occurs in early January. The Earth is exactly 3,104,641 miles (or 3.28 percent) farther from the Sun than at its closest approach. The Earth actually receives about seven percent less heat at its aphelion than at its closest approach, according to researchers.

Although the date for both will vary from year to year, the Earth will always be closest to the Sun in early January and the farthest away in early July. Not surprisingly, that comes as a surprise to most people. At perihelion, our planet is about 91 million miles from the Sun. It moves outward to about 95 million miles from the Sun at aphelion. Naturally, some people have the mistaken impression that our seasons are caused by the changes in Earth's distance from the Sun, but this is not the case.

The temperatures and the seasons are not affected by the proximity of the Earth to the Sun or even the rotation of the planet on its axis. Rather, it is the tilt of the Earth that determines the climate. When it is at perihelion in January, the Earth is tilted away from the Sun in the Northern Hemisphere, and the sunlight is not "getting a direct hit" on the Earth's atmosphere. However, when it is at aphelion in July, the Earth is tilted toward the Sun.

Officially, at Sikorsky Memorial Airport in Stratford, the high and low temperatures yesterday, Independence Day, were 88 and 72 degrees, respectively, for an average of 80 degrees. That's seven degrees above normal. The record high temperature for today --- when the Earth is farthest from the Sun --- is 100 degrees, established in 1999. The normal high and low temperatures for this date are 82 and 65 degrees, respectively.

So, as you cool off at the pool, beach, or by the air conditioner today, take comfort in the fact that our planet is farther from the Sun today than at any other day of the year. Today will be mostly sunny, hot, and turning less humid with a high temperature of 86 to 91 degrees. Hot weather will continue through the start of the weekend before a cold front arrives Saturday night and early Sunday, bringing more seasonable temperatures and lower humidity for Monday through Wednesday of next week.

Paul

"Dog Days" of Summer Begin Today

The “Dog Days” of Summer officially arrive today. No, that’s not because I relented and turned on the air conditioners. Most people casually refer to the "Dog Days" as a period of hot and humid weather. But did you know that the dog days are a 40-day period which last from early July through mid-August?

The dog days of Summer run from July 3 through August 11 in the Northern Hemisphere and have to do with the star Sirius, known as “the dog star.” Sirius is the brightest star in the Northern Hemisphere other than the Sun, and it is found in the constellation Canis Major, thus the name “dog star.”

In the Summer, Sirius rises and sets with the Sun. During late July, Sirius is in “conjunction” with the Sun. The ancients believed that its heat added to the heat of the Sun, creating a stretch of hot and sultry weather. They named this period of time, from 20 days before the conjunction to 20 days after, the “dog days” after the dog star.

In ancient times, when the night sky was unobscured by artificial lights and smog, different groups of peoples in different parts of the world drew images in the sky by “connecting the dots” of stars. The images drawn were dependent upon the culture.

The Chinese saw different images than the Native Americans, who saw different pictures than the Europeans. These star pictures are now called constellations, and the constellations that are now mapped out in the sky come from our European ancestors.

They saw images of bears (Ursa Major and Ursa Minor), twins (Gemini), a bull (Taurus), and others, including dogs (Canis Major and Canis Minor). The brightest of the stars in Canis Major (the big dog) is Sirius. The star can be seen prominently in the Winter in the Northern Hemisphere, adjacent to Orion the Hunter.
The conjunction of Sirius with the Sun varies somewhat with latitude. Also, the constellations today are not in exactly the same place in the sky as they were in ancient Rome. Although we are in the middle of the dog days of Summer right now, the heat is not due to the added radiation from a far-away star, regardless of its brightness. The heat of Summer is a direct result of the earth’s 23.5 degree tilt on its axis, meaning the Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun during the Summer.

So, the "Dog Days" of Summer have officially arrived as of today. We'll have a warm and dry day ahead with temperatures climbing well into the 80s. Showers and thunderstorms are expected late tonight and early tomorrow before another round arrives tomorrow afternoon. Daytime high temperatures will hold in the 80s through the rest of the week and the weekend.

Happy Dog Days!


Paul

Full Thunder Moon Arrives Just in Time for Mother Nature's Fireworks Show

I had company on my way to work this morning. Yes, the nearly Full 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 Thunder Moon happens at 2:52 this afternoon. The Full Thunder Moon is so named since thunderstorms are common during this time of the year. Another name for this month’s Moon is the Full Buck Moon. July is normally the month when the new antlers of buck deer rush out of their foreheads in coatings of velvety fur. 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 15 hours and four 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 8:23 this evening (99.4% full) and sets at 6:30 tomorrow morning (99.6% full). That means the Moon will be visible for ten hours and seven 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 seven hours longer than this time of the year!

We won't be able to see much of the Moon tonight since an approaching warm front will bring clouds, more humidity, and showers and thunderstorms late at night. Tomorrow will be quite warm and muggy with more showers and thunderstorms developing during the afternoon. High temperatures will climb into the mid-to-upper 80s once again. I suppose the Full Thunder Moon will come just in time for Mother Nature's Independence Day fireworks show of her own.

Paul

Heat Wave Caps Warm & Wet June

A three-day heat wave which began Friday, June 29, and continued through Sunday, July 1, capped a warmer and wetter-than-normal June across southwestern Connecticut. The average temperature last month was 69.7 degrees, which is exactly one degree above normal. It was the 16th consecutive month of above average temperatures. Nearly four-and-a-half inches (4.39") of rain fell in June, which was 0.78" above normal.

It sure didn't look as though the monthly streak of above-normal temperatures would continue through the first three weeks of June. Eleven of the first 19 days last month were cooler-than-normal, including a streak of eight out of nine days from June 11 through June 19. In addition, three of the first six days of June featured below-normal temperatures. Only one day out of the first 19 days last month was at least five degrees above normal.

However, our temperature pattern changed dramatically over the last 11 days of June. Nine of the 11 days were warmer-than-normal, including daytime highs of 92 and 96 degrees on June 20 and 21, respectively, and 91 and 92 degrees on June 29 and 30. All told, 17 of the 30 days were warmer-than-normal. In case you're wondering, the warmest June on record in southwestern Connecticut happened in 1994 when the average temperature was 71.7 degrees.

Twelve days last month (40%) featured measured rain, including four in a row from June 22 through June 25 and three in a row from June 5 through June 7. Over an inch of rain fell June 2 (1.27") and June 13 (1.03"), and more than three-quarters of an inch of rain fell June 25 (0.76"). There were four days on which a trace of rain was recorded. The longest dry stretch was eight days from June 14 through June 21. David French took this photo of a rainbow at Sterling Farms Golf Course in Stamford last month.

After a high temperature of 92 degrees yesterday, we'll experience somewhat more comfortable weather today. A cold front pushed through the Northeast late Sunday, bringing strong thunderstorms to the Eastern part of Connecticut. Today will be mostly sunny, warm, and less humid with a high temperature in the mid 80s. A sunny and slightly more humid day is expected tomorrow before Mother Nature delivers fireworks in the form of thunderstorms early Wednesday morning and during the afternoon for the Fourth of July.

Paul