Oppressive heat envelopes the Mid-South - records fall

Very strong high pressure built in from the west, where temperatures have routinely been above 100 for days to even weeks.  Even a fair amount of humidity (dewpoints in the low to mid 70s), which would typically be a deterrent to extreme heat, could not keep temperatures from reaching the mid 100s area-wide.  In fact, the combination of heat and humidity resulted in heat indices well into the danger category, topping out between 115-120 degrees.

The following temperature records were set today:

Memphis International Airport, TN - 106 degrees. This marks a daily record (previously 103 set last year) and ties for the 4th hottest day on record.  The all-time record in Memphis is 108, set July 13, 1980.

NWS Office, Germantown, TN - 105 degrees. This marks a new daily record, previously 103 set last year.

Cirrus Weather Solutions, Bartlett, TN - 105.1 degrees. This is the second hottest temperature recorded in Bartlett since WXLIVE was installed in 2005, trailing only August 15, 2007 (106.0 degrees).

Jackson McKellar-Sipes Airport, TN - 105 degrees. This marks a daily record (previously 102 set in 1987) and ties for the 5th hottest day on record.  The all-time record in Jackson is 107, set July 27, 1952.

Tupelo Regional Airport, MS - 106 degrees. This marks a daily record (previously 102 set in 2006) and ties for the 8th hottest day on record.  The all-time record in Tupelo is 109, set July 29, 1930.

Jonesboro, AR - 107 degrees. The daily record was missed by 2 degrees.  The all-time high temperature at Jonesboro is 116.

Little Rock Adams Field, AR - 114 degrees. This sets both a daily record (previously 107 set last year) and a new all-time record for Little Rock.  The previous all-time high was 112 set July 31, 1986.


North Little Rock, AR - 111 degrees. This marks a daily record (previously 104 set last year) and ties the all-time record set August 30, 2000. 

The very hot start to August is on the heels of the warmest June-July period on record.  The average temperature for June-July was 84.9 degrees, which tied 1980 for the top spot.

The MWN Forecast calls for a slight reduction in the heat, but more humidity Thursday and Friday as a cold front moves into the region but stops short of passing all the way through.  Moisture typically "pools" ahead of these summer front, thereby increasing humidity and making it feel worse.  Expect heat indices of 115 again on Thursday and about 110 on Friday.  Excessive Heat Warnings continue through Friday morning and could be extended into the weekend.  Please exercise extreme caution in the oppressive heat and follow the safety tips we have published on this blog.

Metro area temperatures as of mid-afternoon, August 3, 2011

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