Temps Surge Towards Summer: Heat & Humidity Hit Soon

MADISON, Wis (CIVIC MEDIA) – Though the seasons have not officially changed after the holiday, it has meteorologically with the calendar, and we will certainly start to feel it shortly.

The unofficial start to summer is Memorial Day weekend. It’s typically when pools and beaches open up for the season as the heat starts to rise and the days last longer.

The meteorological start to the summer season begins on Sunday, June 1, spanning through June, July and August. The season’s timing is a bit different, running by the calendar. It’s done this way so it’s easier to keep track of data and changes to the climate.

The astronomical start to summer lands on June 20. This marks the summer solstice, which is the longest day of the year. It will have the most hours of daylight out of all 365 days. After that, the hours of sunlight start to get shorter.

Average temperatures in the month of May in Wisconsin start around 60 degrees, and by the end of the month, wind up slightly above 70 degrees.

However, the jet stream is lifting north into Canada starting this weekend, and it’s bringing the warm southern air with it. This means, not only with the air temperatures rise well above normal, but the humidity is tagging along too.

The best way to describe dew point temperatures is as moisture in the air: 50s is fine, 60s is sticky, and 70s is uncomfortable.

Dew points are expected to hit the mid 60s in places west this weekend, becoming more widespread by Monday. You’ll notice that it will begin to feel a bit more muggy, and slightly sticky.

Then, Tuesday dew points spike towards the 70s. You’ll start to sweat sooner than you’d think, as the heat becomes more uncomfortable for most people, especially with air temperatures rising into the 80s.

Then a large storm system slams into the state by Wednesday. It’ll bring the threat of heavy widespread rainfall and strong thunderstorms.

We’re forecasted for temporary relief from humidity Wednesday through Friday. But by Saturday June 7, it’ll start to feel slightly sticky and on Sunday June 8, it’ll be muggy again. Plus, plenty of people will be outside for Wisconsin’s Free Fun Weekend.