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