12:15 PM | Kind of a "polar vortex" look to next week's weather maps

[12Z Euro 500 mb height anomaly forecast map for next Tuesday, July 15th; map courtesy Weather Bell Analytics at weatherbell.com]

Discussion

Last summer, the hottest weather in the Mid-Atlantic region took place in the week between July 14th and July 20th with Philadelphia, for example, averaging an impressive 95 degrees for high temperatures over the 7-day period. The same time period this summer - which happens to be next week - looks like it may have a far different result and the upper level weather maps may actually resemble the “polar vortex” pattern made famous this past winter.

Today's European computer forecast model indicates there will be an anomalously strong upper level low situated over the central Great Lakes in much the same manner that occurred frequently during the past winter (see above; 12Z Euro forecast map courtesy Weather Bell Analytics at weatherbell.com). Also, in much the same manner as this past winter, the coldest air relative-to-normal is likely to occur over the Great Lakes and Upper Midwest, but cooler-than-normal air is likely to extend all the way to the Mid-Atlantic coastline. Normal high temperatures have now climbed to 87 degrees in Philly, 89 in DC, and 84 at Central Park, NY and these levels are more than likely not going to be reached for at least a portion of next week. The cold front that will usher in this cool air mass is likely to arrive in the Mid-Atlantic region in the Monday/Monday night time frame - perhaps associated with numerous showers and thunderstorms.