Global warming takes a break
Jack Hughes
A patch of black-eyed Susans is shown. Black-eyed Susans bloom in late summer along with several other wild flowers.
Jack Hughes
Temperatures across the area have been on the cool side. So far, September is averaging seven degrees below normal with a lot of cool mornings and sunny, but cool afternoons. The next week should see a bit of a rebound, but most folks have closed their pools and put away the air conditioners.
Ninety degree weather can still occur on any day in September, but it is unlikely with our current weather pattern. The latest ninety degree reading was on Oct. 10, 1949, when the area recorded 91. On Oct. 2, 1927, during a period of Indian summer weather, we experienced a temperature of 95.
This past summer was on the cool side. June was the warmest month with high temperatures of 91 degrees in Pittsburgh, 90 in Morgantown and 92 in our area. July saw only 89 degrees in Pittsburgh, 90 in Morgantown and 91 in the area. Highs in August were only in the upper 80s, and so far, September has produced a high of 81.
We never did get any long standing periods of hot and humid weather that is so typical of summertime weather. June and July also saw rainfall well above normal and this led to flash flooding in a number of communities. Most areas saw nearly 10 inches of rain in July, well above the normal of 4.50 inches. Unfortunately, a lot of our summer rains fell over June and July weekends. These were usually followed by three or four nice sunny but cool days during the week. We were also fortunate that the rains that visited the area as a result of the remnants of Hurricane Harvey were on the light side.
I was on the bike trail in Ohiopyle on Tuesday and already some leaf color is beginning to show. The cool wet weather should make for a great season. One of the joys of the fall season is catching a glimpse of an individual tree turning color before the entire forest becomes a riot of color. Several Maple trees, Dogwood and Sumac are already showing their colors. The late summer wildflowers along our roadways and meadows are also at their peak.
My favorites are the orange black-eyed Susan, the yellow sneeze weed and the purple wild asters. If you look closely purple gentian and white turtlehead add to the beauty of our forest. You have to look for these wildflowers as they are not as profuse as the others, however they are a real treat.
The weather prophets tell us that September and October are to average a bit cooler than normal with normal rainfall. November is forecast to be near normal with normal rainfall. In late October, we will take a look at the winter forecast. For now, let蘑菇视频 just get out and enjoy some of the nicest weather of the year in one of the nicest locations on the planet.