BLOG: Memorial Day Heat
by Justin Drabick
Last year on Memorial Day we hit 93 degrees and it looks like we will do it again this year. A large ridge of high pressure setting up over the mid-Atlantic will bring the first heat wave of the year to the Delaware Valley. High temperatures on Memorial Day will reach the low 90s, mid 90s on Tuesday, and low 90s on Wednesday.
The heat is half the battle since the humidity will be high. The combination of the heat and humidity has hoisted a Heat Advisory for Phila. and suburbs from Noon until 9PM on Monday. An Excessive Heat Watch then goes into effect from Tuesday afternoon until Wednesday Evening. Heat index values or feel-like temperatures will be in the mid-upper 90s during the advisory and watch periods. If you are working outdoors, make sure you try to stay cool, take breaks, and keep yourself hydrated with water. This is the first hot periods of the season and our bodies are not used to it yet.
Some relief will arrive on Thursday as a cold front slides through the area. Expect a chance of a few showers or thunderstorms later on Wednesday as the front approaches. Behind the front, temperatures will cool down a bit into the 80s with lower humidity on Thursday lasting into next weekend. There are signs that more heat could be building for the following week. Stay tuned.
Have a great Memorial Day!
Justin
