August Traditionally Hot & Tropical

I'm sure many people will be happy to see July end. This has been the hottest month ever on record at Sikorsky Memorial Airport with an average daily temperature of 78.8 degrees through yesterday. That's 4.4 degrees above normal and 0.4 degrees above the record of 78.4 degrees set in 1994. There have been two heat waves, including a record-setting seven-day heat wave two weeks ago. However, August can be just as hot and oppressive.

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. Seven 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.

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 August, 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 Sunday. Another pleasant day is ahead under a mix of sun and clouds and a high temperature in the lower 80s. A trough of low pressure will bring periods of rain and a possible thunderstorm tomorrow afternoon into tomorrow night. But, clearing skies are expected Friday, and a generally nice weekend is expected. Good-bye, July!

Paul

Dog Days End in Two Weeks

Are you tired of the heat and humidity yet? This is the hottest July on record with a daily average temperature of 79.0 degrees at Sikorsky Memorial Airport in Stratford. That's 4.7 degrees above normal and 0.6 degrees warmer than the record of 78.4 degrees set in 1994. Although today is starting on a warm and sticky note, the humidity level will drop through the day, and a fairly nice week is ahead.

Not surprisingly, we are in the heart of the "dog days" of Summer, a 40-day period which began in early July and ends exactly two weeks from yesterday. There have been two heat waves this month, including the record-setting seven-day heat wave from July 14 through July 20. There have been 11 days this month with a high temperature of 90 degrees or more. In fact, all but five days this month have been warmer than normal.
 
In case you're wondering, 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.

The conjunction of Sirius with the Sun varies somewhat with latitude. 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.

Skies will become mostly sunny later this afternoon with a high temperature in the lower 80s. Tonight will be mostly clear and comfortable with lows in the 50s inland and lower 60s along the coast. Tomorrow and Wednesday promise to be beautiful days under mostly sunny skies, high temperatures close to 80 degrees and dew points in the 50 to mid 60s later Wednesday. The "dog days" of Summer are coming to a close.

Paul 

A Summer Reality Check

The dramatic change in weather yesterday was nothing short of incredible. Just days after the first-ever seven-day heat wave across southwestern Connecticut, the temperature didn't escape the low-to-mid 60s Thursday afternoon. In fact, it felt more like early October rather than late July. Last Sunday 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 Sunday marks the midway point of Summer vacation for my younger son. How is that possible? It seems like only yesterday we were helping them celebrate the last day of school. That was more than four weeks ago. In less 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 nearly 40 minutes of daylight since the first day of Summer. Sunrise on June 21st happened at 5:19. This morning's Sunrise was at 5:43, 24 minutes later. Sunset is now at 8:15, 15 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? My favorite NFL team, the New England Patriots, open training camp today. Their first exhibition game is less than two weeks away, Thursday, August 9, against the Eagles in Philadelphia. Before you know it, the regular season will be here.

Our weather will improve today under developing sunshine and warmer temperatures. Today's high will reach close to 80 degrees, which is slightly below normal for this time of the year. Tomorrow will feature a mix of sun and clouds, but it will be more humid, with a high in the low 80s. Sunday will be warm and humid with scattered thunderstorms and a high in the low 80s. Have a good weekend.

Paul

Dew Point Streak Unprecedented

This month will long be remembered for the longest heat wave on record in southwestern Connecticut. The mercury topped 90 degrees for seven straight days from Sunday, July 14, through Saturday, July 20. The previous record of six straight 90-degree days happened twice, July 7 through July 12, 1993, and July 16 through July 21, 1991.

However, another impressive streak is unprecedented in these parts. The dew point has climbed to 70 degrees or above for 30 straight days. That dwarfs the previous record of 21 straight days in 1988. When the dew point reaches 65 degrees or higher, it becomes uncomfortable. The air is tropical and oppressive once the dew point reaches 70 degrees. This has happened every day for over four weeks!

Take a look at the following chart created by local climatologist Ralph Fato. It shows the maximum number of consecutive days with dew points of 70 degrees or higher over the last 30 years. Notice that 23 of the 30 years had the highest number of consecutive days with 70+ dew points in the single digits. Six of the previous 30 years had streaks in the double-digits, including 16 straight days in 1995, 2003, and 2010. There was a 15-day streak in 1994. Click the chart to enlarge.

As for the heat, the average temperature this month is 80.6 degrees, making this the hottest July and hottest month ever on record. That's 6.5 degrees above normal and 2.2 degrees above the record of 78.4 degrees in 1994. All but two days this month have been warmer-than-normal, and there have been eight days with an average temperature of at least 10 degrees above normal. The warmest temperature this month was 95 degrees on July 16.

The dew point should hold close to 70 degrees after midnight tonight before it begins to drop into the 60s tomorrow. The streak will finally come to a close Thursday when dew points are expected to drop into the 50s across the region. By that time, we'll finally have a chance to breathe. This month has been record setting as far as heat and humidity are concerned. Quite frankly, I can't wait for Autumn.

Paul

Sun's Shadows Longer & Sun's Angle 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 just over four weeks ago. You may have noticed that the days are getting shorter, since the Sun rises 19 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.

Today, for example, the declination of the Sun is an 20.24 degrees North of the celestial equator. That's more than three 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.

Yesterday marked one month since the Summer Solstice, and the Autumnal Equinox is two months away. Expect unsettled weather through tomorrow before a cold front pushes through the region early tomorrow night. Showers and thunderstorms are expected ahead of and along the front, before skies clear and it become much less humid by Wednesday.

Paul

Today Marks 44th 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 44 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 the late 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 44 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. Four 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 Heat Wave Punctuates Hottest July on Record

Whew! Is it hot enough for you? Yesterday's high temperature of 95 degrees at 3:18 p.m. at Sikorsky Memorial Airport in Stratford broke the previous record of 94 degrees, which was set in 1952 and 1983. It was also the hottest temperature this month and marked the seventh time the mercury has climbed to 90 degrees or better in July. The heat wave will continue through the week before a strong cold front arrives late Saturday.

Not surprisingly, this is the hottest July on record in southwestern Connecticut. The average daily temperature at Sikorsky Airport through yesterday is 79.8 degrees. That's higher than the current record of 78.4 degrees set in 1994. It's also well above the warmest average temperatures for June (71.7 degrees) and August (76.0 degrees). So, this may very well end up as the hottest month ever on record. Here is the list of the hottest July months on record:

1. 2013: 79.8
2. 1994: 78.4
3. 2010: 78.0
4. 2011: 77.6
5. 1955: 77.4
6. 1999: 77.3
7. 2012: 77.3

Today will be the fourth straight day with temperatures in the 90s. The last time that happened in southwestern Connecticut was August 29 to September 1, 2010. That was nearly three years ago. In fact, the seven-day forecast calls for daytime highs to reach at least 90 degrees through Friday. Conceivably, that would extend the streak to six straight days. Take a look at the following graphic which illustrates the longest heat waves on record.

There have been three previous six-day heat waves at Bridgeport. The last one happened between July 7 and July 12 of 1993 --- 20 years ago. The other two six-day heat waves occurred in 1991 and 1953. There are two five-day heat waves on record. They happened August 6 through August 10 of 2001 and  July 6 through July 10 of 1994. This month most likely will finish at the top of the list.

What's making the heat more oppressive is the high humidity. The dew points were consistently at 70 degrees or more for the first week-plus this month. Whenever the dew point reaches the upper 60s to lower 70s, it is downright tropical. As a result, heat index values were 100 degrees or more the last two days. Fortunately, a sea breeze will kick in this afternoon, so it will turn slightly cooler along the immediate shoreline. For now, though, stay cool, and "weather" the heat for a few more days.

Paul

Citi Field Hosts Sizzling Hot MLB All-Star Game

The annual “Midsummer Classic” returns to New York City this evening for the first time in five years when Citi Field plays host to Major League Baseball’s All-Star game. It's the first time since 1964 that the New York Mets are hosting the game. The host National League defeated the American League, 7-4, at Shea Stadium in Flushing 49 years ago. In fact, the Senior Circuit is looking to win its fourth straight All-Star Game.

The weather forecast calls for a very warm and humid evening at the ballpark. Skies will be mostly clear at game time, but the temperature will be in the upper 80s with a light Northwest wind. There is virtually no threat of any showers or thunderstorms, but the heat will be an issue. Sunset is at 8:25 p.m. EDT in New York City.

Prior to 2010, the National League won just three All-Star games since 1988. The “Senior Circuit” won the 1994 contest in Pittsburgh, 8-7, in ten innings, and the next two years as well. However, the American League claimed 11 of the next 12 classics, with the only exception being the controversial 7-7 tie in Milwaukee 11 years ago. The National League is hoping to extend its winning streak to four games.

As for rainouts, perhaps the most memorable was the 1969 game in Washington. The game was originally scheduled for Tuesday evening, July 22, but a torrential rainstorm forced a postponement to the following day. I vividly recall the images of water flooding the dugouts at RFK Stadium in the nation’s capital. The outfield grass featured standing water and deep puddles. However, the next afternoon, 45,259 fans watched as the Nationals easily defeated the Americans, 9-3.

Willie McCovey of the San Francisco Giants was named the game’s Most Valuable Player by hitting home runs in the third and fourth innings. That tied the record previously set by Arky Vaughan (1941), Ted Williams (1946), and Al Rosen (1954). Johnny Bench also homered for the winners. Frank Howard, the hometown hero with the Senators, and Bill Freehan hit round trippers for the A. L. Oddly, the National League stretched its winning streak to seven games with the easy victory.

The first All-Star game I clearly remember was a “classic” in Anaheim in 1967 in which the National League edged the American League, 2-1, in 15 innings on a Tony Perez home run. Twelve pitchers were featured in the contest and each had at least one strikeout. There were 30 strikeouts in the game, an All-Star record. Tom Seaver of the Mets picked up the save by pitching a scoreless 15th inning for the National League.

Will the American League win again? Will Mother Nature play a role by turning up the heat? The Midsummer Classic means it’s time to relax, sit back, and enjoy major league baseball, just as long as the weather cooperates. Soon, it will be time to “Play Ball!”

Paul

Seventh Anniversary of Greenwich Tornado

There have been four confirmed tornadoes across Connecticut this month, including one in parts of Greenwich and Stamford on July 1. The weather pattern has been quite active. However, we also experienced wild weather throughout much of July of 2006 across southwestern Connecticut. 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 Wednesday afternoon, July 12, 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.

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. Appearing on our morning newscast, Karen Olstein of Greenwich said, "I saw it (the tornado) uproot two of the trees and break off the branches. I saw it lift my pergola and dump it into my pool." As many as two thousand homes lost power during the height of the storm.

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

Fortunately, quieter weather will be with us today and through the upcoming weekend. Today will feature plenty of clouds mixed with some sunshine and a chance of evening showers along the immdiate shoreline. It will be cooler and less humid with a high temperature in the upper 70s. The heat and humidity will return later this weekend, though, and a potential heat wave is shaping up for next week.

Have a good weekend.

Paul

Deadly & Destructive Tornadoes Hit Connecticut 24 Years Ago Today

One of the most unforgettable weather days happened 24 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, 24 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 Hot July Weather

How is your lawn doing? My lawn is beginning to feel the effects of the strong July sunshine and heat wave over the long holiday weekend. Officially, the high temperatures for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday were 92, 92, and 93 degrees, respectively, at Sikorsky Memorial Airport. The hot weather will continue through much of the week ahead. Further, there has been very little rain this month. Less than a quarter-inch of rain (0.24") has fallen at the airport through yesterday. That's below the 0.63" norm through the date.


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, Earth is Farthest from Sun Today

Despite hot and humid weather this long holiday weekend with temperatures in the upper 80s to lower 90s 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 11 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 today were 92 and 74 degrees, respectively, for an average of 83 degrees. That's ten degrees above normal. 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.

Paul

"Dog Days" of Summer Have Arrived

The “Dog Days” of Summer officially start 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. It will certainly feel hot and humid through the upcoming holiday weekend. In fact, the Independence Day high and low temperatures at Sikorsky Memorial Airport in Stratford were 88 and 74 degrees, respectively, for an 81-degree average. That's seven degrees above normal. The heat index as of 5 o'clock this afternoon was 94 degrees.

Welcome to the "Dog Days."

Paul

National Weather Service Confirms Tornado in Greenwich & Stamford

The National Weather Service has confirmed that a tornado moved through Greenwich and Stamford Monday morning, July 1, 2013. The tornado touched down on North Street in Greenwich just North of the Merritt Parkway. It continued East/Northeast into Stamford and lifted on Janes Lane, approximately a half-mile West of Scofieldtown Road.

Extendive tree damage was observed along the tornado's path, starting on Taconic Road and continuing onto Skyridge Road. The worst stree damage was observed just South of the intersection of Stag Lane and Stanwich Road. Tree damage continued onto Carrington Drive and at the Mead House Farm. The tornado began to weaken as it moved into Stamford, just South of Web Hills Road and Lynam Road. There were no injuries, and no visible structural damage was observed during the survey.

 

According to Dan Warzoha of Greenwich Emergency Management, "The first initial reports were (of a) thunderstorm, possibly (a) microburst. When we got crews to the area, it was evident to us something more forceful had happened."

The estimated time of the tornado was between 10:58 and 11:08 a.m. EDT, and the estimated maximum wind speed was 80 miles per hour. The maximum path width of the tornado was 150 yards, and the path length was 3.7 miles. Governor Dannel Malloy signed an emergency order after the tornado swept through the region.

Paul

June Featured Soaking Rains & Above-Average Temperatures

It's official. Last month was the third wettest June on record across southwestern Connecticut. Nearly ten inches (9.48") of rain fell at Sikorsky Memorial Airport in Stratford, which is nearly a half-foot above normal. Hurricane Agnes contributed to nearly a foot-and-a-half of rain in June of 1972, while nearly a foot (11.53") of rain was measured in June of 1982.

Thirteen of the 30 days (43%) last month featured measured rain, including 4.30" on June 7. That happened during a stretch of eight wet days out of 12. The three-day total of 4.60" from June 6 through June 8 was followed by a two-day total of 1.42" on June 10 and 11. During the first 18 days of June, there were just seven completely dry days. The driest stretch of weather happened from June 19 through June 25, when just 0.04" fell on June 24.

Although last month's rain was impressive, it pales in comparison to June of 1972. In fact, more rain fell over a three-day period in June of '72 than all of last month! The monsoon began June 17, 1972, with nearly two-and-a-half inches (2.37″) of rain. The next day, June 18, brought nearly an inch (0.98″). But the deadliest blow happened the next day — June 19 — when over a half-foot (6.18″) of rain buried the region. Cumulatively, 9.53″ of rain fell at Sikorsky Airport.

This June was also warmer-than-normal. The average temperature of 70.0 degrees was 1.3 degrees above the normal average of 68.7 degrees. The hottest temperature last month was 90 degrees on June 25. Twenty of the 30 days (67%) featured an average daily temperature at or above normal. The temperature climbed to 80 degrees or higher 13 days last month. Take a look at this graphic provided by local climatologist Ralph Fato comparing this June to the previous six:

There were 10 days which were cooler-than-normal, including a stretch of three in a row from June 5 through 7 and three in a row from June 18 through June 20. The coolest stretch of weather happened from June 13 through June June 20 when six of the eight days were cooler-than-normal. The coolest temperatutre last month was 53 degrees on June 14. In fact, twelve days saw low temperatures fall into the 50s.

Paul