Chief Meteorologist Jeff Verszyla's Summer Weather Outlook

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - After a rainy, dreary, dismal April you're probably wondering when it will warm up and when the sun will shine again.

KDKA-TV Chief Meteorologist Jeff Verszyla has done his homework and has his outlook for the summer of 2011.

The question as summer approaches is not will it be hazy, warm and humid? That is only normal during summer.

The million dollar question is, how warm will it be and for how long?

Here's an example of different degrees of summer from recent years:

During the summer of 2003, we did not record one day with temperatures at or above 90. However, at the other side of the thermometer, during the summer of 2007, we hit 90 or better on 14 days.

According to 30-year climatology, an average summer in Pittsburgh has a high of 81 and a low of 60 with seven days of 90 degree heat.

Based on the current set-up and long-range pattern, Verszyla's outlook calls for a cooler than normal summer with a June, July and August average high of 79 and low of 59. That means by Labor Day, the summer-time temperatures will be about two degrees below average.

Also, high heat lovers should be advised because 90 degree days will be few and far between. Verszyla expects there to be three or fewer days over 90 degrees this entire summer.

With regard to rainfall, seasonal totals can be tricky and highly variable from one neighborhood to another. Scattered storms could bring heavy downpours to Moon, but leave Murrysville high and dry.

Heading into summer, our soils are already sufficiently saturated with a precipitation surplus over six inches. As a result, it's unlikely we'll experience a drought.

The average rainfall for the June, July and August period is 11.46 inches.

Verszyla's outlook stays in line with the recent trend of above normal rainfall. He anticipates a three-month total of 12.5 inches.

So, to sum up the summer, Verszyla's outlook has seasonal temperatures below average, overall rainfall above average and very few days where the mercury will hit 90 degrees.

If you want to focus on the positive side, you probably won't have to spend a lot of money to keep your home cool.

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