If you think it’s been rather hot over the last couple of months you are right! June temperature data analyzed for Lafayette has revealed yet another record hot month. Mean temperatures (average of highs and lows) of 84.6 degrees was the hottest on record. Temperature records in Lafayette date back to 1893. This record heat comes on the heals of the hottest May on record.
Temperatures have averaged more than 4 degrees above normal over the last couple of months with the main culprit being steamy overnight/morning lows that have averaged nearly 5-6 degrees above normal. This can partially be attributed to above normal Gulf and Atlantic sea surface temperatures and seasonal variability of a drier than normal spring that has spilled into the summer months.
The bottom line for most of us in Acadiana is that our cooling/electric bills will be higher than normal for June. July temperatures have been running closer to normal thanks in part to more shower and thunderstorm activity through the third week of the month.
Funny how when we have colder than normal temperatures during winter, so many people shout about the “hoax” of global warming, but when we have record heat during the summer…crickets. It’s OK, though, because those of us who accept the science know that one season means very little in the climate picture. We also know that record heat and above normal temps have been occurring quite often during the past couple of decades…which does mean something for climate.
JP
20 Jul 10 at 8:57 am