The second half of June was phenomenal, temperature/humidity wise.
T'storm/severe t'storm wise, this first half of the year has been one of the worst I can recall for action around here.
ORD hit 90° on Saturday, 94° on Sunday, and 90° today. Midway wasn't even close on Saturday (Lake Breeze), but hit 93° on Sunday and 91° today.
...2025 90°+ Day Tally...
12 - DPA
11 - ORD
10 - MDW
10 - RFD
10 - ARR
10 - PWK
10 - LOT
7 - UGN
Final heat wave stats for Chicago/ORD...
Sat, June 21st: 94°/78°*
Sun, June 22nd: 94°/80°*
Mon, June 23rd: 95°/79°*
Tue, June 24th: 94°/74°
Wed, June 25th: 89°/71°
Thur, June 26th: 94°/77°*
*Record tied/broken.
It has had its ups and downs.
The biggest issue is that everyone looks at the simulated radar reflectivity output from it, which runs very hot, making everything look like a sup ready to produce the next EF-5.
It hit 94° at ORD and 95° at MDW today.
Both locations were 89°'d yesterday, while all inland areas hit 90°+.
...2025 90°+ Day Tally...
9 - DPA
9 - ARR
9 - LOT
8 - ORD
8 - MDW
8 - RFD
8 - PWK
6 - UGN
I know that I have brought this up a few times over the past couple of years, but it finally looks like it is going to happen...
NOAA sent out a TIN/PNS today regarding the decommissioning of the NAM (And other guidance) in favor of the RRFS. This change is currently set to occur in early 2026.
Gotta say, the Euro has done horribly with its handling of mixing during this period. It has been way over mixed and way too high with projected temps.
In the short term, the HRRR has been stellar.