Summer's last gasp... how long does it last?

I think we all got used to below normal temperatures from late July through August and into early September! In fact, according to our climate summary, August was the coolest in 13 years! However, summer decided to make one last stand once the remnants of Irma moved out earlier this week.

While temperatures the past few days are not that much above mid-September averages, the humidity factor has caught some folks off guard with the Muggy Meter registering dewpoint values not far off mid-summer norms.

While heat indices in the mid 90s wouldn't be considered awful in the dog days of summer, by mid-September, I think we're all pretty much over it...

Looking ahead, this warm pattern continues throughout the upcoming week, with only slight abatement in the high temperatures as we head towards next weekend. Rain chances increase a bit by mid-week due to a weakness in the upper level high pressure that is currently controlling our area, but no cold fronts are expected that would bring lasting relief from the heat.

Overall, it appears we may be stuck in a warmer than normal overall pattern (though not necessarily as warm as the next several days) right through the end of the month. The long-range upper level pattern favored by climate models indicate a return to cooler than average weather by around the first of October.

As the sticky-ness lingers and temperatures remain very warm, know that the end is in sight as autumn officially begins this Friday at 3:02pm! Pleasant fall days are not too far away, especially since we've gotten a sneak preview recently!

Erik Proseus
MWN Meteorologist

----
Follow MWN on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+
Visit MemphisWeather.net on the web or m.memphisweather.net on your mobile phone.
Download our iPhone or Android apps, featuring StormWatch+ severe weather alerts!

MWN is a NOAA Weather Ready Nation Ambassador

Meteorologist Erik Proseus is an NWA Digital Seal Holder