COLUMBIA, S.C. — Parts of the Western and Southern US have been scorching in record heat. Phoenix Arizona has now seen 50 days straight above 100 degrees making it the 6th longest stretch for the city. Temperatures across these areas have been averaging highs in the 90s and 100s so far this summer. Meanwhile globally, June was the hottest on record with the World Meteorological Organization stating this past July might have set the all time monthly record in modern history.
States from the Southwest to the Gulf Coast have seen average highs multiple degrees above normal but Columbia stands out with a cooler year.
Taking a closer look, this is actually true for both of the Carolinas which have seen a relatively tame Summer so far.
Columbia is running over 2 degrees below average, and a big part of this is the lack of extreme heat. Our hottest summer day has only been 96 degrees which is the 2nd coolest on record this far into Summer. In fact, we have only reached a high of at least 95 9 times which is half of what we typically see this far into the Summer.
The reason for this, is the continuation of ridging out west and troughing in the east which has made for heat in the southwest but a relatively mild and stormy track for the Carolinas.
This pattern looks to continue through at least the Middle of the month which means upper 90s may be very hard to come by here in the Midlands.
