Almost there - signs that the major heat is behind us

A long, overdue does of some good news to share with you - the hottest stretches of summer are behind us as we look to some rather noticeable shifts. We have not had our last 100° day just yet - that is still waiting this weekend. However, the longest and hottest periods of summer are done.

The rest of this week will be hot, but given an easterly wind, that will help to keep us "near normal" for a change and likely under the century mark. 

However, as we hit the weekend, we will be strongarmed by a high pressure locked in over the central Plains. This means, more very hot weather and likely above 100 for just two days (Sunday and Monday). We might even set some record highs (or at least be close anyway). 

• Record high in Garden City Sunday: 104°
• Record high in Wichita Monday: 107°

Chances for rain are not in the lineup with this kind of upper pattern. Remember, under high pressure, the air sinks and is not helpful in developing storms.

Where's the change?

We see it taking place by the middle of next week (Aug 17/18) when a system drops into the northern US and across the Great Lakes. This should force some of the cooler weather south into the Plains. It's possible we will end up on the western fringe of it all, but there should be a nice change in temperatures taking place by the middle of the week. 

Will there be rain?

Always the big question, and what has been so elusive this summer. Right now, it appears that Tuesday night to Wednesday will have some potential with rain that would move from northwest to southeast across the state. I don't foresee this is as a heavy rain scenario, but this will be our next chance to see anything around the central US.

Look at this - just weeks away:

If models hold, we expect the end of August and early September to cool nicely across the eastern two-thirds of the country. 

Have a great day.