LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – We hit this week’s peak heat today, Monday, and while temperatures will edge lower through the week, the South Plains isn’t getting a break from the summer grind just yet. A slight chance for evening and overnight storms returns later in the week, though most of the rain potential will be focused over the northwestern and far northern KCBD/FOX34 viewing area.
Tonight into early Tuesday morning skies will remain clear with comfortable conditions as the heat wanes. Temperatures, once again, will dip to a little above typical lows for the time of year. It is a brief respite from the daytime heat. Winds will be light out of the south.
“Dog Days”
You’ve probably heard the term “Dog Days of Summer”, perhaps recently. Contrary to the use of the word dog, it has nothing to do with our four-legged friends lounging around in the heat.
The name traces back to the ancient Greeks and Romans, who noticed the bright star Sirius — also called the “Dog Star” — rising alongside the sun around late July. They believed the combined heat from both celestial bodies created the year’s hottest stretch. While we have since determined it’s not the combined heat, the phrase has survived through the centuries.
Oh, and this is typically the hottest time of the year (in the Northern Hemisphere).
The Heat Ahead
There is a bit of forecast good news.
Still hot!(KCBD First Alert)
Today is expected to be the hottest of the week. Lubbock hit 100 degrees Monday afternoon, but temperatures will gradually ease as we move through the week.
Each day, however, will get hot.
While temperatures edge down, it won’t be by much.(KCBD First Alert)
Temperatures still will peak from a few to about five degrees above average under mostly sunny skies.
Rain Outlook
Late Tuesday and again Wednesday, mainly evening into the overnight, there is a slight chance storms over New Mexico may drift into the northwestern viewing area.
You have to look closely to find the chance of rain, slim as it is, for Lubbock.(KCBD First Alert)
That is repeated Thursday and Friday, though with the added slim chance storms may may it farther southeast, possible affecting Lubbock and Plainview. The greater chance will remain over our northwestern and far northern counties. Keep a watch out. For most of the South Plains, though, it’ll remain dry and hot.
Heat Safety
Continue to take it easy in the heat.
It’s the time of year to start implementing these heat safety tips.(KCBD First Alert)
Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water, limiting outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day, and checking on elderly family and neighbors. Don’t forget pets and other animals.
On This Date
On this date in 1962, two brothers, ages 11 and 9, were struck and killed by lightning 12 miles southwest of Brownfield. The boys were running through an open field to seek shelter in their farm home during a violent electrical storm. Another boy survived, suffering minor injuries from the lightning.
(Source: National Weather Service, Lubbock)
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