Lower temperatures, rain expected this week

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KRCU) - Temperatures should retreat from the upper nineties this week, and humidity levels should fall to seasonal norms. Most days will see high temperatures in the upper 80s or low 90s.

David Humphrey is lead meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Paducah. He says there is a chance for some rain all week.

“You’re going to have your normal summertime shower and thunderstorm chance. Often times it’s going to be afternoon and evening. Probably heavy rain is going to be your more typical storm, but we can’t rule out an isolated severe storm that would include damaging winds or large hail,” Humphrey said.

Lower heat and humidity are effected by increased upper air flow and a decrease in pressure. Humphrey would not rule out another round of extreme heat before the end of summer.

Jacob McCleland, KRCU

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July 2011 is 6th hottest on record in Missouri

Last month will go down as the 6th hottest July in Missouri … and the hottest July since 1980.

Pat Guinan teaches climatology at the University of Missouri. He is also the state climatologist.

Guinan says the average temperature in July was a bit less than 83 degrees. The average is calculated by using both the high and low temperature each day.

July was unique because minimum temperatures were so high.

“That’s unusual to have several strings of days, weeklong periods of days, where the minimum temperatures stay in the 70s. In fact there have been several days in the mid- and upper- 70s … and even some locations where they had low temperatures right in the lower 80s, which is highly unusual,” Guinan said.

Guinan says the high humidity and high dew point contributed to the high minimum temperatures. Warm nights negatively impact corn and other crops.

Jacob McCleland, KRCU

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No relief from heat this week

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KRCU) - Stifling heat will suffocate the region for the entire week.

The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning through Friday evening for much of the northern KRCU listening area, such as St. Francois, Iron, Ste. Genevieve, and Madison counties. The rest of the KRCU area is in an Excessive Heat Watch.

High temperatures will soar into the mid- to upper- nineties each day this week. Heat indices will shoot towards 110, according to meteorologist Robin Smith with the National Weather Service in Paducah.

“There’s just his huge high pressure system sitting right in the middle of the Midwest. And it’s not going to allow for any significant frontal system or storm system to move over and even get a brief relief to the hot air,” Smith said.

Smith says that an extended period with heat index readings near 110 degrees can take a toll on susceptible individuals such as young children, the elderly, and those that work outside.

Jacob McCleland, KRCU

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Heat leaves many seeking relief

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KRCU) - The high temperature in Cape Girardeau, Missouri tickled 100 degrees Tuesday and oppressive humidity shot the heat index value to 115.

That turns a lot of people into early birds … like Marcus Janzow, who owns a landscaping business.

“It definitely changes your schedule around. Getting out to the job site earlier, it’s still warm, but the sun’s not directly overhead and you can avoid the hottest part of the day,” Janzow said.

John Johnson owns a roofing company here. On days like this, he pulls his workers off the roof between 11:00 a.m. and 2:30 in the afternoon.

"We don’t try to push anybody in the heat. I shut them down," Johnson said. "At 115 heat index … I don’t like my guys working."

But relief is in sight. High temperatures are expected to dip into the lower 90's today.

Jacob McCleland, KRCU

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