A recent flash flood tragedy in Arizona, with 10 members of one family swept to their deaths by a surging wall of water, got me thinking about the limits of technology.
What could they have done differently, so they'd still be with us today? Apps on smart phones and a portable NOAA weather radio increase the odds of hearing a warning in time, but there are still gaps in coverage. You can call up Doppler radar on your phone now, and take note of a distant storm's track before hitting the water. On volatile summer days it's a good idea to have a designated "weather-watcher," someone who can tap you on the shoulder when it's time to go.
A stray T-storm can't be ruled out today, but winds swinging around to the northwest will pull more comfortable air into town Sunday and Monday. The worst of the heat stays south of Minnesota into early August, but odds still favor a real summer. The metro has picked up nine days above 90 so far in 2017 (the average is 11). Last year brought 13 days above 90; 1988 saw an astounding 44 days above 90.
