As Borderland rolls into the final month of summer, thermometers are getting some relief from 80-degree readings as temperatures dipped down into the mid-to-upper 70s during the first full week of August. 

The temperature change may seem cooler compared to July that ended with having 24 days that reached 80 degrees or above, according to Steve Gohde, observing program leader with the National Weather Service in Duluth. 

The meteorologist noted July 2012 in the Falls ranks in fourth place for the highest average maximum temperature for the month on record. 

“The average maximum temperature was 82.9 degrees,” he said. “July of 1923 holds the winning slot with 88.5 degrees.”

Gohde said although there were days that felt much warmer than the upper 80s last month, the only 90-degree day was July 20. The coolest day was 73 degrees recorded on July 6.

“To put it into perspective, there weren’t any days that broke 80 degrees in July of 2009,” he said. “The last time we had more than 20 days over 80 degrees in July was 2002.”

Dan Miller, science and operations officer for the NWS, attributed the warmer-than average month to a high-pressure ridge that settled in over a majority of the continental Midwest for a majority of the middle of June and most of July. 

“This is the same ridge that has brought on a pretty severe drought and heat wave to other parts of the country,” he said. 

Borderland lucked out in missing both of Mother Nature’s forces, Miller mentioned, but temperatures have still been above average, he said. 

“The atmosphere has been very warm and that is why there is a ridge there,” he explained. “That bulk of low, sinking air has prevented upward motion which typically brings in the cloud coverage and precipitation.”

In addition, Miller said the longer days allow for temperatures to rise rapidly and stay warm into the late afternoon and evening hours. “When there is 14 hours of sunshine, there is of course going to be some warm temps.”

But, Miller said it appears as though the ridge has moved westward and is now putting a blanket over the West Coast states.

“The pattern we’re in now is a west, northwest flow with air that is originating in the Rockies,” he said. “The air is relatively warm and dry and by the time it reaches northern Minnesota, it might cause some weak little weather systems.”

Miller said should a pattern similar to the one the area is in now develop during winter months, “some pretty cold air would be heading our way.”

The meteorologist said there is still strong heat from the sun along with long days, however, “this is part of our normal slide down into autumn.”

“We’ll get some more warm days in the next few weeks yet, but the reality is that fall is on the way,” he said. 

 

Precipitation

Not only was July warmer-than-average, it was also on the wetter side. Miller said July had total monthly rainfall amount of 5.5 inches, which is 1.8 inches above the average for the month.

“The area did receive a 24 hour rainfall total of 2.85 inches July 13, which gave the month more than half of its final amount,” Miller said. He noted that the July 13 rainfall broke a record in International Falls that was previously set in 1921 with 1.26 inches of rain.

As Miller checked a model forecast for the next few days, he said there is indication the ridge will completely break down and cooler, wetter weather could move in by the middle of next week. 

“There is no such thing as normal weather, but it looks like the area will be restored to more normal weather for August,” he said. 

For a complete forecast, visit www.crh.noaa.gov/dlh or call 283-4615.