Heat wave likely over, but Berks remains dry in July, at least officially

Cooler and less humid conditions Tuesday were likely a welcome relief for most in Berks County, but the county has largely been missed by thunderstorms and many spots could use a good soaking.

The AccuWeather forecast is for another shot at a 90-degree day on Thursday with very few opportunities for rain through the end of the month.

Beyond that, there is a chance for another heat wave to open August.

The sweltering Monday peaked at 92 degrees at Reading Regional Airport, extending a heat wave to seven days. The forecast is that Tuesday won’t get to 90.

The dew point at the airport peaked at a tropical 75 degrees about 11 a.m. Monday and was down to a comfortable 59 degrees at 9 a.m. Tuesday.

Rainfall in perspective

The rainfall for the month remained at 1.12 inches, about 30% of normal. Normal is the average of the 30 years ending with 2020, and the July normal for that period is high because of all deluges in Julys late last decade.

However, for the year, the precipitation total at the airport is 24.57 inches and normal is 24.54, illustrating that the dry times have been a short-term event.

There were only sprinkles and light isolated showers recorded in Berks on Monday.

The airport is likely the driest spot in the county.

Other stations have recorded more rain, some significantly more. Those include Cornwall Terrace at 3.40 inches and Lincoln Park at 3.15.

Expect low temperatures Wednesday morning in the low to mid-60s with a high in the upper 80s under mostly sunny skies, according to AccuWeather.

Then low 90s are forecast for Thursday, with high temperatures back down into the 80s for the weekend, with Friday having potential for rain and storms, AccuWeather says.

Historic month?

The monthly average temperature at the airport was up to 79.5 degrees through Monday. That temperature would secure a tie for fourth hottest-month on record, if it would be for the full month.

The forecast shows that average will be pulled down a bit through the end of July. It remains to be seen if it will be pulled down enough to drop out of the top 10, or below 78.8.

One thing that is certain is that if this month makes the top 10 hottest, it might do so even though recording the fewest 90-degree days among that lofty crowd.

For now, there are 11, with a 12th forecast for Thursday. The leader is July 2020 with 22, then four years with 20. Fourteen is the fewest 90-degree days for all those among the 10 hottest.

The month is notable not for extreme heat but for an absence of cool periods.

Source: Berkshire mont