Very dry in Kansas, but hopeful signs are showing

Here's a quick snapshot of rainfall numbers compared to normal since June 1st (beginning of meteorological summer). Point being is that we have some dry and REALLY dry areas in Kansas right now - fall crops are suffering after last weeks heat. And there's more hot weather to get through down the stretch, especially as we head into the weekend. 

Here's a map that backs up some of the numbers shown above. 

The extreme dry weather covers not just Kansas, but most areas north of us too. Look at Minnesota and northern Iowa. We know summer storms can be so isolated, and this map backs that up 100%. If you've had a few inches of rain in the last couple of weeks, you are in the minority for sure.

This weeks pattern isn't really all that exciting for moisture:

The upper high retreated westward over the weekend and we get benefiting from some much more comfortable weather. However, we are waiting on the upper level high to reemerge out in New Mexico by the weekend, which will heat things up for the Plains. Highs return to upper 90s and near 100 very soon. Humidity will slowly creep up in the coming days, but shouldn't be unbearable anytime soon.

Second week of August looks more promising for rain:

Our computer models rarely agree (which is a topic for another time), but we do see some agreement among them suggesting next week will have a few more rain chances mixed in for the Plains. Just take a look at the period August 9-15:

I don't think it will be blockbuster rainfall totals, but even if we could get some 1/2 to 1 inch amounts, it would be a nice band aid for now. 

And although next week looks pretty warm from the Plains to the east coast, if you look at that pocket of cooler air up in Montana and North Dakota, that should be coming our way in mid-August. 

Don't forget:

The Perseid meteor shower is ramping up. It will peak next week, but you can start your viewing now if you like. I'll post more about this later, but if you are getting out the next several nights, keep your eye out for one of the best meteor showers of the year.