Beach weather ahead. 90 + through Sunday

The jet stream pattern shifts to the north with high pressure building in the upper atmosphere. This will push a warm front through on Friday, warming things up as we head into the weekend with the potential for another heat wave. I don't expect mid to upper 90s, but moderate humidity with highs breaking 90 Friday through Sunday is in the forecast.

High pressure from the mid-west will deliver a lot of sunshine through Sunday. A cold front approaches Sunday night and Monday. This should give us a slight cool down to begin next week as well as kick off thunderstorms and showers Sunday evening and during Monday.

lightning5.jpgNOAA's National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL) Collection

It's lightning safety awareness week. We continue to educate and enthuse with some facts and questions.
Lightning safety question: If you are hiking and a storm approaches, where is the best place to seek shelter? How can I be safest from the storm?

Today:99% Sunshine. Pleasant and breezy. High 85.

Tonight Clear start, clouds late, spot shower late. Lows near 64.

Friday: A.M. Shower or thundershower, then sunny, breezy and humid, High near 90.

Sunny and breezy. Less humid, High 94.

Sunday: Sun & clouds, Muggy again, High near 90.

Answer: Obviously a cabin is best, but a cave or crevice is also safer than being exposed to the elements. Remember, electricity will follow a path and that usually flows to the ground by way of trees. Under a tree or in an open field are dangerous. Also, a lower elevation is safer than on a hillside or mountaintop. If you have a metal frame backpack, make sure it is at least 100ft away from you. As a last resort, if your hair is tingling, you might be in danger of being struck by lightning. Crouch down in a squatting position with your feet together and hug your legs placing your face on your knees. This will prevent the lightning from going through your heart potentially stopping it. Have a fully charged cell phone with you as well as a weather radio.