1st Week: July 2012 vs. July 2013

You don't need us to tell you how different this year has been compared to this time last year.  From a flash drought and record warmth that developed fairly early in 2012, this year has been a complete opposite.  Now that we're entering into what should be climatologically the hottest time of year, temperatures for the first few days of July will actually be slightly below average.  A very persistent and strong jet stream pattern has brought record heat up and down the west coast while cooler temperatures have been felt in the Midwest and Great Lakes. 

A quick comparison of temperatures during the first week of July last year compared to where we'll be this year shows just how different these two years have been!  Last year temperatures were in the middle and upper 90s with a sting of triple digit heat beginning on the 4th of July and lasting through July 7th; breaking several record high temperatures.  This week, the warmest temperature will be 88° Sunday and Monday.  Average highs for the first week of July should be in middle 80s.