The top ten hottest summers.

In case you did not know, it has been a very hot summer across Central Texas. It seemed like the 100 degree weather started way too soon and it is sticking around through August. So far this year, as of Saturday afternoon, the Waco airport has hit or exceeded 100 degrees 45 times. That places this summer in a tie for 9th place for the most 100 degree days. As we head into the the work week, we will likely add a few more days to that total with triple digits in the forecast. We just need a few more days to become the 7th hottest summer on record. Of course, the hottest on record was the summer of 1980 where we had 63 days at or above 100 degrees. I do not think will reach that record but cracking the top ten is still impressive. Who is ready for a very cold winter? With snow and ice? — First Alert 25 Meteorologist Conley Isom

Radar estimated rain totals for July across Texas.

The month of July has been very hot and dry across most of Central Texas. The Waco airport made it into the triple digits 18 times and received just under 3 inches of rain. However, from the map above, you can see other parts of the state did better or worse when it comes to rain. West Texas, the Panhandle, and north Texas all received up to 8 inches of rain. On the flip side, most of south Texas and the coastal regions got almost noting. And that is why that part of the state is dealing with extreme drought conditions. For us in Central Texas, we are stuck in the middle but drought conditions are much worse for our southern counties than our northern counties. The good news is if the El Nino weather pattern holds like most forecasters believe, then our fall and winter season could be rather wet. Of course, the damage from this drought has already been done. — First Alert 25 Meteorologist Conley Isom

Latest Texas Drought Map

Believe it or not, it looks like we will break this 100 degree streak by this weekend. So what is going to change? Well the area of high pressure which has been over Texas and Oklahoma will start to push west towards the four corners region. This will allow for the jet stream to dip farther south across the eastern half of the country. Here in our area, will be under what we call a northwest flow. That means the upper level winds will be blowing from the northwest to the southeast. What happens in this kind of flow is a chance of thunderstorm complexes to roll southward into the region. We call these Mesoscale Convective Systems. Also, a weak cold front will slide southward and may turn stationary across Central Texas. The bottom line is that temperatures will come down into the 90s and we will see a chance of storms Friday through Monday. I hope we get the rain because we need it! — First Alert 25 Meteorologist Conley Isom

As of Sunday, July 5th, our number of 100 degree days for Waco stands at 18. The good news is our weak cold front will give us a short break on Monday, but then triple digits are in the forecast by midweek and into next weekend. We have talked a lot about comparing this summer heat wave to the hottest on record, which was the summer of 1980. That summer we had over 60 days at or above 100 degrees. For 2009, we would need to keep hitting 100 through July and most of August to come close to breaking that record. Could it happen? It might but if we keep getting these summer “cool” fronts, it might not. Of course, I will take a summer cold front whenever mother nature offers one!

Remember to stay cool in this summer heat. Last Friday, I went with family to the Cameron Park Zoo which was a lot of fun. I had never been. Thankfully, some of the exhibits like the snakes and fish are inside so you can cool off. However, it was hot walking around. I was glad to see most people drinking lots of water and trying to stay cool. Also, wear the sun screen so you do not get burned! — First Alert 25 Meteorologist Conley Isom

Forecast for the 4th of July

The 4th of July weekend is almost here and it is going to be a hot one. No rain is expected on Independence Day and afternoon temperatures are going to soar into the lower 100s. Factor in the humidity, heat index values will be around 105. This may be just below heat advisory criteria but it will be close. So if you plan to be outdoors Saturday afternoon, take it easy, drinks lots of water to stay hydrated, wear the sun screen, and lastly, have fun!

One last note: Be careful shooting fireworks. Even with the recent rains, the ground is still very dry and many of our counties are under burn bans. Check with local officials to see if your county is under firework restriction. The good news, most city firework shows are a go!– First Alert 25 Meteorologist Conley Isom

The rain was nice and much needed earlier this week. However, mother nature is turning the faucets off and cranking the heat back up. All of this just in time for the 4th of July holiday weekend. We are forecasting high temperatures to be near 100 degrees starting Thursday and lasting through the weekend and into next week. Our 100 degree tracker stands at 14 (as of Wednesday) so get ready to add to that! A lot of us will be outside celebrating Independence day but be careful in the heat. Make sure to drink lots of water and wear the sun screen. What are your plans for the 4th? Let me know by submitting a comment using the links below. I have to work that day but plan to visit the in-laws on my dinner break for good food and good times! — First Alert 25 Meteorologist Conley Isom

As of Sunday, June 28th, the Waco airport has hit 100 degrees or higher 13 times and has hit the century mark 9 straight days. For Temple, we have seen 8 days at or above 100 degrees and 7 straight days of triple digit  heat. We are definitely on pace for the hottest summer on record. However, it looks like we will get a break from the 100 degree heat as a weak cold front moves in on Monday. To be honest, there is not much difference between upper 90s and low 100s. It will still be very warm! The front also promises to bring us a few scattered storms but they will be hit or miss, so not everyone will see the rain. We sure could use it because more counties are being added to the burn ban map. Plus, with the fourth of July next week, things could turn dangerous with fireworks and dry grass. I encourage you to be careful if you plan to shoot fireworks this year. We will have more on the fourth of July forecast as we go through the week. –First Alert 25 Meteorologist Conley Isom

With morning low temperatures in the upper 70s and afternoon heat index values over 105, the National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for most of Central Texas until Saturday evening. Only our far western counties, from San Saba to Meridian, are not under the heat advisory. The criteria for a Heat Advisory is an overnight low temp of 78 or higher and afternoon heat index values over 105. We cannot stress enough to be careful if you work outside or plan to be outdoors for extended periods of time. Here are the summer heat tips:

• Drinks lots of water
• Wear sun screen
• Wear light colored clothing
• Take frequent breaks
• Make sure kids and elderly stay cool
• And do not forget about your pets. Make sure they have ways to stay cool.

As of Thursday, we have had 9 days at or above 100 degrees and that number will be going up through the weekend. The hottest day was Wednesday, June 24th, where the Waco airport hit 106, breaking the record high for the day. On that same day, the temperature hit 101 at noon! We are afraid this summer could rival the summer of 1980 which was the hottest on record. What do you think? Is this year’s summer hotter than it was in 1980? Leave a comment or let us know via Twitter at twitter.com/FirstAlert25WX. — First Alert Meteorologist Conley Isom