Heat — Greene, Missouri

2012-08-01 to 2012-08-31 · Greene, Missouri

Event narrative

The Greene County Health Department reported 41 heat related illnesses during the month of August. Most of the illnesses occurred during the first week of the month. A strong ridge of high pressure settled over the central portions of the U.S. beginning in June and became the dominant weather pattern for much of the Summer of 2012. This weather pattern finally broke down after the first week of August and temperatures became more seasonable. The overall mean temperatures for Springfield was 0.8 degrees below normal for the month of August. The hottest temperatures occurred on August 4th at 106 degrees. There were 3 days where the the maximum temperature reached 100 degrees or higher and this occurred during the first week of the month. There were 16 days where the maximum temperatures reached 90 degrees or above. Heat advisories and warnings were issued for portions of the area for the early portion of August. Even though air temperatures were extreme, the humidity levels were relatively dry causing the heat index to be closer to the actual air temperatures.

Wider weather episode

A strong ridge of high pressure settled over the central portions of the U.S. beginning in June and became the dominant weather pattern for much of the Summer of 2012. This weather pattern finally broke down after the first week of August and temperatures became more seasonable. The overall mean temperatures for Springfield was 0.8 degrees below normal for the month of August. The hottest temperatures occurred on August 4th at 106 degrees. There were 3 days where the the maximum temperature reached 100 degrees or higher and this occurred during the first week of the month. There were 16 days where the maximum temperatures reached 90 degrees or above. Heat advisories and warnings were issued for portions of the area for the early portion of August. Even though air temperatures were extreme, the humidity levels were relatively dry causing the heat index to be closer to the actual air temperatures.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 397034. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.