A broad atmospheric ridge extends across most of the Central U.S., allowing hot air to stream northward. In addition, within this high pressure dome, the air is sinking, further enhancing its heat. On the positive side, thunderstorms cannot develop within the dome and travelers on the Great Plains need not fear the severe weather that recently pummeled the region.
Leaving Denver this morning, the temperature was in the mid 70s F; by the time we were thirty miles east of the city, it was 90 degrees F. The temperature gradually rose as we headed east, buffeted by strong, southwesterly winds. We finally hit 100 degrees F in Quinter, Kansas, and will spend the night in Hays.
As we continue eastward tomorrow, the heat dome will expand in concert. By the time we reach Missouri, it will stretch from the Rockies to the Midwest and will encompass the Eastern States by later in the weekend. This first, major heat wave of the summer is but a taste of a very warm future throughout our country and across the globe. Happy Summer Solstice tomorrow!
