Meteorologist Mark

The National Weather Service Nashville just released the following special weather statement concerning this week’s heat wave. It ends with some good tips for beating the heat.

…The first significant heat wave of the summer arrives late
this week and continues over the weekend…

As an upper level area of high pressure builds over the Mid-State
this week, our temperatures will be on the rise. Not only will
the afternoons become hotter, the nights will become increasingly
warm and muggy too.

From the western edge of the Cumberland Plateau to the Tennessee
River, high temperatures in the mid 90s will become common, and
maximum afternoon heat index values will creep into the 100 to
105 degree range. This will be some of the hottest weather of the
summer so far, and hot weather safety will become increasingly
important.

Even folks along the Cumberland Plateau will see maximum heat
index values in the middle 90s.

Many spots, especially along and west of Interstate 65, will see
nighttime temperatures fall no lower than the middle 70s.

Following are some hot weather safety rules…

Never…ever…leave a child or animal in a hot car…not even
for a minute. Dozens of infants and untold numbers of pets die
every year in hot vehicles.

Check on the elderly and ensure they are coping well with the
heat.

Slow down, and, take a break. Find a place to cool off, in a
shaded spot or in an air conditioned building.

Listen to your body, and know the warning signs of heat stress
and heat stroke.

Wear lightweight, loose fitting, and light colored clothing to
reflect heat.”

The heat is on, folks! Actually, temps are pretty much what we would expect for the second half of July. High temps will be running anywhere from two to five degrees above normal. It could certainly be worse! High temps through Wednesday will be in the 86-88 degree range, climbing closer to 90 by Thursday and on through the weekend. Humidity won’t be too bad today and tomorrow, but it will start returning in earnest by the end of the week.  Overnight lows to start the week will be in the mid 60s, but climbing to the lower 70s by the end of the week, thanks to more humid nights by then. Rain chances each day this week are very low. Of course, you can’t rule out an isolated heat-of-the-day pop up storm, but those will be very isolated at best.  It’s a good week to be on the lake!

I was looking at some of the weather events for our area for this time of year and found some interesting info. On July 16, 1980 Crossville hit 101 degrees, and that was the first time a temp of 100 had ever been officially recorded in Crossville.  That was a hot year! That same heat wave caused Crossville to break records every day of this week! Thank goodness it’s not 1980!

I’ve attached a graphic below to remind you of the heat safety rules. Stay cool out there!

For those of you headed out for lunch today, be aware that numerous showers and t-storms have started quickly popping up on radar over the past hour. Some of these are already showing lightning strikes. If you’re headed out for lunch, make sure you take an umbrella or rain jacket just in case. Showers and storms are slowly moving east when they develop.  I expect these storms to increase in coverage and intensity as the afternoon wears on.

 

The hot and very humid weather continues today, with a good chance of afternoon and evening t-storms. Some of these storms could be strong, possibly severe, with heavy rainfall and damaging winds. We also have to be on the lookout for dangerous lightning, of course. Highs today will be in the mid 80s, but the high humidity will make it feel more like 90. Tonight will be a muggy one, too, with scattered showers and storms. On Saturday those rain chances continue, along with the heat and humidity. If you have outdoor plans keep an eye on the radar. Slightly drier air works in here for Sunday, so that will be nice. That will also lead to a drier day, as well.  Next week looks like a typical week in July, with highs in the low to mid 80s and a slight chance of an afternoon/evening storm.

On this day in 1998 a rain event developed over southern Middle TN that broke numerous rainfall records for Middle TN. In fact, these records stood until the big flood hit Nashville in 2010. The town of Lawrenceburg was hardest hit, when 12.26″ of rain fell on the town in only two days! Two people were killed and 20 were injured. Numerous roads were washed away and 122 homes were damaged or destroyed. An additional 13 mobile homes were completely swept away by the flood waters. The water and sewage plants were left inoperable, leaving the town with no clean water to drink.  I’ve attached a state map, with Lawrenceburg circled in red.

You all have a safe and relaxing weekend! Keep in mind that some of our storms today could be on the strong side. I’ll be watching it!