Hey it is Summer after all so why not have it nice and hot!!!. Temperatures over the weekend and into much of next week look to continue to hang tough in the upper 80s and low to mid 90s. The jetstream continues to remain locked up to our north with high pressure off the coast of the Outer Banks which drives the heat in. This pattern will be firmly entrenched over the weekend into much of next week with the exception of Monday.
Our 3rd heat wave of the season could be on the way for 2019 unless our 2nd heat wave doesn't officially come to an end Monday with a brief cooldown. A heat wave is defined as three consecutive days (or more) of 90 degrees +. We usually average 6 to 8 heat waves per year in Baltimore so it's not uncommon to see this type of heat.
With that said it's still important to practice heat safety. Limit any strenuous activities such as gardening or exercising to the morning/evening hours. If you are doing anything stressful outdoors make sure to take plenty of breaks and have lots of water to stay hydrated. Also don't forget about your pets this time of year. If your gonna walk the dog or cat make sure to avoid the blacktop and concrete in the afternoon hours. The same can be said for those walking barefoot around the pool, out on the deck/dock, or on the beach. Surfaces such as these with an air temperature of 90 degrees could easily top out between 125-140 degrees during the peak heat of the day. A good idea will be of course to put the flip flops on and for the pets to walk early or late in the day.
The only chance for relief arrives Saturday and then again Monday as a front moves in. This front will bring a quick moving trough of low pressure which will deliver cooler air aka temperatures back in the 80s before our next push of heat. Prior to this happening rain chances will remain at 20-40 percent with the best chances on Saturday as the front waivers on through. Any rain or storms that we do see could pack a punch as a result of the increased heat/humidity values over the area. Storms will also move slowly especially since the pattern remains static and main energy remains well to our north with the jetstream.
Pop up storm chances also return for the Independence Day holiday week. Once again though many locations will be dry and hot while others see a quick storm that dumps a whole lot of rain, wind, and even small hail. Your typical summertime pattern folks so get use to it as we enter the heart of season and flip the calendar toward July.
