Once again this year we did not hit the 100 degree mark. I believe you have to go back to August of 2002 for the last time we hit 100 degrees. Even though it may feel like it’s in the triple digits every day during July and August, to actually have a temperature reach or exceed 100 is an uncommon event. Can we still reach that mark before the weather really turns cooler for good? Unlikely. September 14, 1897 was the latest date that we ever hit the century mark in temperatures here in the Louisville area. Records are made to be broken but as you can see we have gone 108 years without disturbing that record and I would bet that we’ll make it 109 years.

Any more 90’s? The odds favor this as 90 degree temperatures have been recorded well into the month of October. Here’s a little oddity for you. The latest date for a 90 degree temperatures occurred on October 15, 1897. Almost exactly one month after the latest 100 degree temperature was recorded. With all the talk about global warming, can you imagine the frenzy this would create if this was to happen in this day and age?

OK, I’m on a roll now. How late can we have 80 degree temperatures? November 17. We have had 80 degree weather every month except the winter months of December, January and February. I guess it now goes without saying that 70 degree temperature can or do occur on all months of the year.

Is it getting too late for severe weather? Many people think that once we get past spring or summer, we are past the time when severe storms could strike. That is absolutely false. The same mechanisms that are present in spring are also there during the fall. Think about it. You have all heard the basic ingredients of severe weather formation. You all know that in the spring, warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico moves northward and meets the colder and drier air retreating into Canada. This sets the stage for thunderstorm development which with other factors included may become severe. Well in the fall, the reverse becomes true. In the fall colder and drier air starts moving south and meets the warm and humid air that is retreating southward. This brings the basic ingredients for severe weather back into the Ohio Valley.

Too late for tornadoes? We have had tornadoes occur during the winter months in the not so distant past. Remember the Evansville and Munfordville tornadoes last November 6th? How about the tornado the dropped down just north of E-town last January 2nd? You can’t let your guard down, not even during the holidays.

Too late for a severe weather plan? Never.