HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -Lost in the shuffle of our first heat wave last week, signs of early summer drought have emerged. Precipitation from mid-May to late June is below normal with a 2โณ-3โณ deficit over a 6-week period. . 2 months into the growing season, the grass has gone dormant (turned brown in some areas) and the crops have slowed growth. And wait until you see your June water and cooling bills! Can you say holy smoke?
There is good news on the horizon about much-needed rain as storms arrive Wednesday night. Still, after a 90-degree day, those storms will do their nasty work by producing lightning and strong winds while unleashing tropical downpours. That puts us at risk of some power outages and street flooding. Now the magnitude of the blackouts will be determined in part by the amount of sun we receive and the increase in temperature. The hotter and sunnier it is, the more rays fall and the greater the chance of strong winds. As for the nature of the water problems, let's start with the notion of sewers clogging (nuisance) and hope that the recent dryness and low water levels and flows in the streams will help mitigate flash flooding problems. Still, it only takes one torrent to grow small streams and any subsequent heavy rain through a process known as โtrainingโ could replace the initially dry conditions we have.
Therefore, a true First Alert Day is in effect Wednesday night. Be prepared for some events to disappear if the forecast comes true.
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