It's a Sauna Outside

The direction of surface winds can, believe it or not, have a large impact on our day-to-day weather. For example, winds were out of the north after Tuesday’s cold front, meaning less hot air infiltrating the region, and a curb on the humidity as well. Yesterday’s winds were easterly because high pressure was in control over the New England states, and once again, temperatures were slightly below average (88° was the high here in Bowling Green). When winds are out of the southwest, especially this time of year, you can almost always expect two things: more heat and more moisture. Those southwest winds are back today, and you’ll notice the effects.

Temperatures are going to take a leap today, up into the mid-90s for highs across south-central Kentucky. Like this morning, partly cloudy skies will stick around for the rest of the day. The humidity may not have been so bad during the early AM hours but it will crank up as the afternoon wears on. This combination will lead to an uncomfortable day in the area, which can probably be said for the rest of the weekend. The heat index will likely breach 100° in some locations this afternoon, so grab those fans and water coolers. Tonight will be another balmy one with lows around 75° and calm winds.

Check out those dewpoints today...quite sultry!

As I mentioned, you could probably use any adjective for unpleasant and apply it to the whole weekend, because it’s going to be downright blazing. Tomorrow should be our hottest day of the year. Partly cloudy skies will reign on with southwest winds at 5-10 mph. We’ll find ourselves in an even firmer lock of high pressure to the south. Basically the southern US will be sitting in a pressure cooker over the weekend. Steamy dewpoints in the mid-70s will spell not just a heat index of 100°, but 105°+. There is the possibility of a Heat Advisory to be issued in the coming hours, according to the National Weather Service (one has already been issued for Muhlenberg and Todd Counties). In other words, stay out of the outdoors as much as possible, and especially keep an eye on the young and elderly. And always check to make sure your kids and pets are not left in a vehicle unattended.

There’s not much to say in terms of relief. Sunday will be similarly scorching and Monday might bring a few brief showers. Regardless, it looks like highs will stay in the 90s for the next week. Make sure you have ways to stay cool!

Today: High of 94° with southwest winds at 5-10 mph and partly cloudy skies.
Tonight: Partly cloudy with calm winds and lows near 75°.
Saturday: Partly cloudy with highs around 96° and a heat index of 105°+. Southwest winds at 5-10 mph.

- Caleb Chevalier