[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-sVAU6gdfY&w=480&h=360]

HOT HUMID WEEKEND: Dog days of summer have arrived and we’ll be feeling it this weekend with highs well into the 80s and 90s across the state. Heat indices will be in the 90s to near 100 in some areas. Sunshine will abound with only a chance of a shower or storm to cool us off late on Sunday.

SEVERE STORMS?: The Storm Prediction Center has outlooked a slight risk of severe weather for Sunday and Sunday night for the western 2/3rd to three quarters of the state. The main threats from these storms will be from large hail and damaging winds. These storms will traverse the state through the evening and overnight hours, diminishing in strength as they go, but hopefully not diminishing in the much needed rain across the state. The storm will move out Monday afternoon taking the rain and the heat with it.

SLOWLY RISING: Temperatures will take a break from the heat for a few days early next week with readings in the upper 70s to lower to mid 80s with drier air. However the cooler readings don’t last as the heat will slowly build heading into the following weekend. The GFS is wanting to show some shower and thunderstorm activity again on Thursday, we’ll see if this pans out in future runs, otherwise it looks to remain high and dry.

HEAT DOME: Looks like the heat dome is back 10-15 days out once more and with enough rain we get between now and then (if this occurs) we won’t be in too much trouble regarding soil moisture and heat stress on the young crops. We’ll continue to monitor any trends on this possible heat wave in coming forecast videos.