July 14, 2014: BIG Cool Down Coming

TODAY'S WEATHER: A few spots across the area, mostly across northern areas of southern IL, had to deal with some severe weather today in association with the secondary and "main" cold front. There was a severe thunderstorm watch posted for areas north of US-50 in IL and IN this afternoon, where a few severe thunderstorm warnings were issued. The Lawrenceville Airport in Lawrence County, IL recorded a 63mph wind gust as the storms blew threw there. Most of the region, though, was spared from the severe weather just dealing with some showers. Temperatures weren't terrible but the humidity was there this afternoon. Highs today ranged from the mid to upper 80s across the Lower Ohio Valley, with a 86F at EVV, an 87F at LOU, and the warm spot of 89F at PAH.

COOL DOWN COMING: Yes, a very nice cool down is coming. It will feel more like September or even early October as an anomalous upper low and trough dig in over the Eastern US. Starting tomorrow morning you'll feel it. It will be in the lower 60s to start tomorrow, with afternoon highs ranging from 72F-76F across the region. Of course dewpoints will be dry probably dipping down to near 50F by tomorrow afternoon. It's going to be a gorgeous day no matter where you head.

18z GFS 500mb level valid 4pm tomorrow - shows the upper low centered on top Lake Huron

Great looking surface map as well with a nice northerly wind w/ surface high pressure to our west as CAA takes place - GFS valid 4p tomorrow

Tomorrow night is going to be a very cool morning, getting pretty close to record territory. Lows will range from 52-56F areawide. The record Wednesday morning at Paducah is 56F set in 1967, record at Evansville is a tough to beat 47F set in 1930, and for the Louisville area it is 55F. We will be close to records in some areas. Wednesday will be about the same as Tuesday - mix of sun and cumulus clouds and perhaps a touch warmer. Highs 75-79F. Just great. Wednesday night cool again, with low temps 54-58F. The low humidity and comfortable will continue AGAIN for Thursday, as general "trougheness" will remain. Highs a touch warmer again, but still very nice 77-81F. Slight chance of rain will exist Friday for areas in KY, but shouldn't be a big deal as the mid level wave instigating the precipiation should steer south enough to be a nuisance. There will be more clouds around during the day Friday due to the increased moisture associated with the mid level shortwave, but the temperatures will once again be comfortable in the mid to upper 70s for highs.

To wrap things up, I wanted to show you a graphic showing how far south this cool air outbreak will stretch. Take a look at this map showing surface temperatures across the southern half of the US. Look at far south the closest 80F contour is. It's well down into Arkansas and Tennessee! And the closest 90F? Way down on the Gulf Coast!

18z GFS valid 4p tomorrow - 2m temperatures. 70s for highs as far south as Tennessee & Arkansas.

Get out and enjoy this cool spell! I think the humidity will become noticeable again by Saturday, but certainly 5 days of low humidity and comfortable temps is welcome as it's a rarity here in mid-July. Thanks for reading!