Scorching Temps Fuel Drought in Midwest
Much of central and northern California experienced slightly cooler than normal temperatures in June according of to Climate Tracker(see map). The map indicates a bit cooler June in SLO County and Tulare County with slightly higher than average temps in parts of southern California but not the South Coast.
June was much tougher in the Midwest and in Colorado experiencing days of record high temperatures and growing drought conditions affecting the Midwest grain growing region and current corn crop(see map).In the Midwest with both triple digit temps and conditions that are hot and dry there are fears of a falling corn crop harvest.Of course Colorado and elsewhere in the West are seeing terrible wildfires.
NWS Hanford says both Bakersfield and Fresno experienced just above a normal June for high temps and slightly cooler low temps.On June 17th Fresno recorded 109 degrees besting the record of 107 set in 1917.
NWS calls for about average temps this week the Central Valley but not breaking 100.But Coast weather forecaster John Lindsey says current cooler weather could change. Watch for high pressure to build in the West next week,affecting the state and offering a taste of what the rest of the US is suffering.