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