Tropical activity has been quite low thus far this year. Much of the potential development, with the exception of Barry in early July, has been inhibited by the influx of dust being transported aloft from Africa towards the Caribbean.
Historically the peak of the hurricane season occurs between August 20 and September 11 of each year. Then after a brief late September lull another increased chance of tropical weather pops up in mid October. Now that we have entered that critical time period it is important to keep an eye on any development.
As far as today goes we can expect it to be the last day of our current heat wave, with highs in the low to mid 90’s and a chance of isolated thunderstorms. A cold front will sweep through the area late today into Friday, giving us considerably cooler weather with another chance of showers and thunderstorms.
Friday should top out in the mid 80’s and the weekend appears to be even cooler as a tropical storm, Chantal, lingers off the Carolinas. It is not expected to cause a problem for us as it should head out to open waters.
After this weekend we should return to normal, or even below normal, tempertures for an extended period of time. Right now I’d be surprised if, after today, we register 90 degrees again for the remainder of August.