Summer outlook: partly smoky with a risk of a flood. What a crazy summer. Wildfires are a natural part of Earth’s ecosystem, but fires (and smoke) are supersized this year.
So are the floods. At last count over 3,600 flash flood warnings across the United States. Normal for an entire year is around 4,000 warnings. Experts say a number of factors are in play: excessive plumes of tropical moisture (water vapor) creating a ripe environment for flooding. And slower jet stream winds aloft allowing thunderstorms to stall and redevelop.
By the numbers the Twin Cities was about 1 inch more wet than average in July, 2.4 inches more wet than normal since June 1. Some areas of Minnesota have seen two to three times normal rainfall this summer.
We get a well-timed break from rain this weekend with relatively comfortable temperatures and humidity. A southerly flow should mean less smoke over time, but haze may be a fixture much of August.
Thunderstorms return the first half of next week with highs in the 80s, even a shot at 90 late next week. Swampy weather will return.
