Tue Feb 09 2010
By JENNY DERRINGER
At 1:45 a.m. Sunday, people might notice a subtle change in the northern hemisphere -- or they might not. That time officially marks the ushering in of summer.
So technically this week is still late spring despite the fact that schools are out, city pools are clamoring with children and the ball parks are filled with fans and athletes.
Despite what the calendar says, it seems summer-like temperatures have taken their time getting here. And that is the case, according to Mike Rehbein, service hydrologist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service out of North Webster, Ind.
The average temperature for June so far has been 67 degrees (combining highs and lows), approximately 3.5 degrees below normal. To date in the Defiance area, there have been only six days where high temperatures reached at least 80 degrees.
May's average temperature was also lower than its typical 59 degree average -- approximately 1.2 degrees below normal, noted Rehbein. The month of May experienced only five days when the highs reached 80 degrees and in April, the days totaled four.
And for those camping in the great outdoors at night, it will eventually get warmer. During mid-June, the normal low temperature is 59 degrees. By the end of the month, that normal low should rise to the low 60s, noted Rehbein.
How do things look temperature-wise through August? The NWS website shows a three-month outlook for the entire country.
According to predictions, some areas such as the Southwest, Gulf Coast and the East Coast are expected to experience above normal temperatures.
But how about the Midwest? Your guess is as good as theirs. The entire Midwest region is labeled as "EC," meaning an equal chance for normal, above normal and below normal temperatures.
"Some areas are more predictable at certain times," said Rehbein. "There's no real signal one way or the other in the Midwest."
In the future, though, one scientist is predicting "wild weather" for the Midwest.
"Severe heat waves that currently hit the Midwest just once a decade will occur as often as three times a year by the end of the century if we fail to address climate change very soon," climate change scientist Amanda Staudt of the National Wildlife Federation said in a statement.
A recent federal study looked at weather patterns and has predicted more heat waves, rain and flooding.
So as they say in northwest Ohio, if you don't like the weather, wait 15 minutes.
Comments
By Posting to this site, you agree to our Terms of Service Be polite.
Inappropriate posts may be removed.
Crescent-News.com doesn't necessarily condone the comments here, nor does it review every post.
Login above or Register to comment.
0 Total Comments Home | Back
Copyright Defiance Publishing, LLC 1995-2010. All Rights Reserved.
Content may not be republished without the expresse written consent of the publisher.
Content may not be republished without the expresse written consent of the publisher.
Dix Communications