SYRACUSE -- This summer has been more fizzle than sizzle. Beach bums have been, well, bummed out. Sunbathers, pool loungers, and boating enthusiasts have been wearing more layers versus less. Those of you who enjoy summertime heat have been, let’s say, hot under the collar, so to speak. For the entire year so far, we have received only 14 days of temperatures reaching or exceeding 80°, as of July 14th. Furthermore, only two out of the first 14 days of July have seen highs at or above 80°. The last time we were at or above 85° was June 25th, which was 3 weeks ago. Our last and only day at or above 90° this year was back on April 27th when we hit 91°.
Comparing exact temperatures each day to what is normal, the results are interesting. By far, this month has been well below normal for warmth. For the first 2 weeks of July, our average temperature (using both the daily high and low), has been 65.9°. This is 4.4° below normal. However, if you go further back, June’s numbers for the month were actually only slightly below normal with an average temperature of 64.7°. This is 1.1° below average. In addition, between June 21st and June 30th, the first 10 days of summer, the temperature was actually right in line with normal summer warmth. The coolest weather over the past month and a half was the middle of June and the first 2 weeks of July.
If you enjoy a summer that is more comfortable, so far we have pleased your preference. In addition, you have probably saved a few dollars on the utility bill due to less air conditioning usage. If you do not have an air conditioning or central air, you are probably doubly as happy.
It is important to bear in mind that technically, summer just started a few of weeks ago on June 21st. There is plenty of time for our weather pattern to change. In fact, Wednesday is a beautiful day with plenty of sunshine and warm afternoon temperatures. We have a high likelihood at exceeding 80° today. In addition, we should be able to crack 80° again on Thursday. However, looking over the next 14 days, I still do not see a major shift to blazing heat. Temperatures will probably average near or below normal between days 3 and 14. Further out, it is very difficult to gauge the exact weather pattern. I always like to say “never break a weather pattern until it is broken.” In other words, until I see a definite pattern change in the short or medium term, I will not forecast a major pattern change to higher heat. Stay tuned!
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