Dog days of summer are here
When the heat and humidity reach their peak in July and August we want to escape to the shade or a cool spot much like our pets learn to lay back and deal with the lazy hazy days of summer.
Last week we were treated to some refreshing, cool air from Canada and this weekend we are experiencing another spell of cooler, drier, refreshing air. In between the heat returned, however we have had lots of sunshine and so far rainfall has been adequate for area farms and gardens.
Remember last summer when we were experiencing a severe drought caused by the heat and lack of rainfall? Folks who live in the south and west do not enjoy the periodic visits of refreshing cool air like we experience each summer.
Columbia, South Carolina and Charlotte, North Carolina reached 102 degrees with feel-like temperatures of 110 a few days ago, and visitors to Disney saw 100 with a feel-like of 110. Standing in line is not much fun with these temperatures and if we are lucky like our pets we try for a shady spot.
Speaking of cooler shady spots, you may want to get out on our bike trails for an early morning walk or bike ride. Most of the Great Allegheny Passage is shaded and the angle of the morning sun almost guarantees shade. Temperatures are also still on the pleasant side in the early morning.
Last week I rode the bike trail on several occasions. At 7 a.m. it is nice and cool and only a few walkers or bikers are present. By the time I finished it was getting a bit warm and crowded.
Judging from all the out-of-state license plates in Ohiopyle, people come from all over the country to experience the beauty of what is available for those of us who live in Southwestern Pennsylvania. On the trail between Ohiopyle and Confluence, temperatures are 4-to-8 degrees cooler than the lower elevations and a series of small side streams and waterfalls add to the refreshing feeling.
The wildflowers of spring and early summer have faded and the late summer blooms are bursting forth. Yellow and orange touch-me-nots and the tall, lavender Joe Pye grace our trails and if you do get a little sunshine the orange butterfly weed, yellow goldenrod, purple ironweed, and the white Queen Anne’s lace will put a smile on your face.
August has an average of four days of 90-degree weather. Averages on the first of the month are 84 for the high and 63 for the morning low. By month’s end we are at 81 and 57. Records are 102 and 34.
Rainfall averages 3.95 inches with a record of 9.86. The daily rainfall record is 3.40 inches on Aug. 5, 1956. Records for Pennsylvania are 23.66 inches for the month at Mount Pocono. It’s been as warm as 108 degrees in Claysville over in Washington County and a chilly 29 in Clermont, McKean County.
There should be plenty of nice, sunny days to get out and enjoy a hike or bike ride. Mornings are best. You will also notice by month’s end that we have lost a few hours of daylight.
Have a great summer!