Rain has been a major issue for a while now, with many locations seeing their first significant rainstorms in years. Since August is now well and truly upon us, it’s a good idea to take a look at the weather in North Carolina and see if there are any signs of relief soon.
Rainfall Is Currently Minor
Currently, we’re lacking major rainfall events with only a few locations seeing over an inch of precipitation. The rain has been very mild so far, allowing for some outdoor activities to take place. However, if this is the kind of weather you’re looking for, then it’s best to check the city and county websites for updated weather information. In most areas, you’ll find that things are not quite as bad as they could be and a few locations had their driest August on record. With the warm temperatures and low humidity, it’s amazing that we haven’t seen a major flood incident yet. In most places, major flooding is a thing of the past, but you never know when something catastrophic may happen.
Odds Are In Favor Of A Short-Lived Relief
When looking at the long-term rainfall trend, we can see that it has been on the decline for a while now. Over the last year, it has been in the neighborhood of 3.5 inches per month, with most areas seeing an inch or two per month. This is a huge change from the yearly totals we saw from the past two seasons, which ranged from 6 to 9 inches. The odds seem to be in favor of at least some brief relief, with the exact amount depending on where you are. In some places, we could see an end to this year’s drought sooner than later, while in others, it could be a very long wait. It really is up to the weather gods how long this crisis will last.
Temperatures Are Steadily Increasing
It’s been a pretty mild winter so far, which is definitely good news for the outdoor enthusiasts. The daytime highs have been above freezing almost every day and it doesn’t seem that winter is really over yet. The heat is definitely building and while we could see some showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon hours, there’s no sign of this yet. The night time temperatures have been a good 10 degrees Fahrenheit higher than the daytime highs, adding even more heat and a chill to the air. There were a few frosty mornings this month, which is always a cause for concern. In most places, we haven’t seen temperatures this high for the year yet, so it’s going to be quite an adjustment when fall is here. It’s great that we haven’t had any major heat wave this year, but it would be a shame to see this trend continue.
Humidity Is At Its Peak
While it may not seem like it, the humidity in the area is at its peak right now. According to the National Weather Service in Raleigh, the sunnyside peninsula sees some of the highest humidity levels in the state, with Bynum, Tarboro, and Greensboro close behind. These are all very humid cities and it’s best to avoid the outdoors if possible during the hottest times of the day. This is certainly good news for the summertime, as you wouldn’t want to go outside without plenty of water anyway. It’s been dry in some areas and there were several days this month where the humidity reached 80%, which is truly horrific. The weather is just as unstable as we’ve seen it for a very long time and while there are no signs of this slowing down, there’s also no signs of improvement either.
How To Stay Hydrated
If you’re out and about during the day, then it’s important to stay hydrated. This means drinking plenty of water and avoiding dehydration, which can lead to many health problems. Dehydration can also make you more susceptible to heat stress, which is why you should never leave the house without drinking enough. Find a source of potable water and drink from it. If you’re going to be outside for any significant amount of time, then consider bringing along some hydration for the ride. This could be a small bottle of water or a sports drink. It really depends on how long you’ll be out and about. If it’s only a short jaunt to the store, then you may not need to bring along anything more than a water bottle.
Now that you’re aware of the factors that could make for a miserable August, you can do your part to make sure it’s not as bad as it could be. It’s best to stay informed of the coming weather patterns and be ready for any potential changes. You can also help reduce the effects of climate change by reducing your dependence on fossil fuels and switching to renewable energy sources. These are the things you can do to prepare for a good August and make it memorable!