Semi permanent upper level ridges over the Southwest tend to fluctuate in strength during June and July but persistency in strong 594-597dm heights this summer is unusual. These cells tend to build into the 594-600dm range for only 3-6 days before deflating and are typically followed by weaker cells but this summer wants to hold onto the heat wave producing 594 to 597dm.
Heights have fallen this week and this is allowing moisture to lift into the region from Mexico.
Yes, it rained in #Tucson with the Alamo wash and a short part of the Rillito running this hour. NW part of town left out though. #azwx pic.twitter.com/zDPs6cqL6g
— NWS Tucson (@NWSTucson) July 11, 2017
Fairly widespread thunderstorm activity is the result.
Following a blistering hot weekend in which Las Vegas once again approached it’s all-time record with a high of 116 degrees, the weakening of the high this week was such that LV ended a remarkable streak of 105+ degree days yesterday.
Our seemingly never ending spell of 105+ temps was finally broken today. This shatters previous streaks by several days! #VegasWeather pic.twitter.com/4H1hDSEPvX
— NWS Las Vegas (@NWSVegas) July 11, 2017
As we go through this week, heights have dropped to more typical levels nearer 588 rather than 598dm.
However, the GFS re-intensifies the upper high this weekend bringing the return of 110+ heat widely.
As the heat tempers back to near normal in the Southwest with the presence of thunderstorms, we’ve now forced the heat core into the area where the worst of the nations drought is, eastern Montana and the Dakotas. It continues to progress into the Southern states while rebuilding in the N Rockies/Plains late week and back into the Southwest through the weekend.
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