The recent temperatures have brought mixed reviews to say the least. It has been a very hot start to September, and the heat cranks up again to close out this week. Let's break down the pattern that continues to bring us heat and if we'll see any changes soon.
You probably guessed it, but we are breaking more heat records. The start of September (Sept. 1-8) has brought the warmest average mean temperature at RDU. Our average mean temperature was 82.5 degrees, which is 6.7 degrees above normal. Our average high temperature is the second-warmest for the same time frame. Our average high is 93.9 degrees, which is 8.4 degrees above normal.
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What is causing this heat to persist? In order for our temperatures to finally fall closer to average, we need more of a dip in the jet stream. This would allow for a front to swing all the way through the region and cooler air to work its way into the region behind it.
Unfortunately, through next week, the jet stays well to our north, and higher heights at the upper-levels will bring hotter temperatures at the surface. We are anticipating more 90s next week.
The 6-to-10 day outlook shows that above-average temperatures will likely continue through Sept. 20 for much of the eastern and southern United States. Our average high is 84 degrees, so with highs reaching the 90s, this is no surprise.
The 8-to-14 day outlook shows more of the same with above-average temperatures most likely for southern portions of North Carolina south through the Gulf Coast.
Thankfully, long-term trends do hint at some changes for next weekend of September. We are hoping these hold true. Both the GFS and European model bring cooler temperatures by then, and they even hint at some lower humidity by the end of the fourth week of September.