Doesn't Seem It, But We're Experiencing One Of The Hottest Julys On Record

Last July was easily the hottest on record in Vermont, at least judging by records kept at the National Weather Service in South Burlington.

The view from my upper deck toward my lower deck at my St. Albans,
Vermont home demonstrates my Quick Fire hydrangeas are doing
pretty well, despite the heat of this July.

You might think, at least by comparison, this July has a nice chilly feel to it for a change.

Think again. This July will surely be among the top 10 hottest on record, and probably among the top five hottest. 

Through Friday, the mean temperature in July so far in Burlington is 74.2 degrees, which if it stays there, would tie the month for the fifth hottest July on record.

With generally above normal temperatures expected through the final days of the month, it looks like it will score in the top five.

At least we have no shot of breaking last year's July heat record. Plus, there hasn't been as many 90 degree days. So far this month, it's gotten to 90 degrees four times. We've got a good shot at making it to 90 today, which would bring the month's total to five such days.

Last July, there were ten days that were 90 degrees or more.

This month's warmth has been as consistent as last year's though, with no real cool periods to talk about. Last July, all but two days made it to 80 degrees or more. So far this month, I could say the same, though there's a chance it won't make it to 80 degrees on July 31, according to current forecasts. We'll see.

Other cities in New England and parts of the Northeast are expected to have one of their top 10 Julys this year. Some places might even score with the #1 hottest.

Another thing we Vermonters have in common with last July is the dryness in the northern part of the state, with relative wetness in the south. Unlike last year, we haven't broken into any kind of drought situation in the north. At least not yet.

Last year, the heat extended through September. Last August was the hottest on record and September, 2018 was the second hottest. I'm doubting we'll match last year in that respect.

In fact, long range forecasts call for occasional periods of relatively cool weather during the first half of August. Nothing far below normal, but nothing particularly hot either.