Last month’s temps in line with historical averages
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ALPENA -- It may have seemed like temperatures in Alpena last month were cooler than a typical July, but data from the National Weather Service indicates last month was right on par with historical averages.
The historical average for July is 68.2 degrees and last month ended with an average temperature of 67.7 degrees.
The average high temperature was nearly identical with the historical average. The average high temperature in Alpena last month was 80.4 degrees compared to the historical average of 80.5 degrees.
Sean Christenen, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Gaylord, said temperatures near the Lake Huron shoreline in Alpena were likely cooler than where they were recorded at the Alpena County Regional Airport, which is further inland.
He said Alpena had an onshore breeze out of the East or northeast several days last month, which tends to cool the air.
"I can tell you for sure that the lake-breeze had a huge impact on temperatures," he said. "It could lower temperatures by as much as 10 degrees lower than at the airport."
The highest temperature recorded last month was 94 degrees on July 19, which the lowest was on July 3 when the thermometer dipped to a chilly 44 degrees overnight.
Weather in July also contributed to people's grass in their yard turning brown, as there was little precipitation. The data shows there was 1.95 inches of rain, which was well below the 3.2 inch average rainfall.
Christenen said there is good news in store for people who want summer's warm temperatures to stick around.
He said the long-term forecast prediction estimates there is about a 40% chance that it will be warmer than average in August. He said that doesn't mean it will be five or even 10 degrees above average, but still warm.
"Unlike spring, which cranks up quickly, summer has a slow and gradual wind down," he said. "I think we are still going to have quite a few 80-degree days."
Steve Schulwitz can be reached at 989-358-5689 at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com. Follow him on Twitter @ss_alpenanews.com.