Everybody knows the summer of 2018 has been hotter than Hades in the Grand Valley and a look back at the previous five years proves it.

So far this summer, there have been 14 days of triple-digit high temperatures in Grand Junction. July has brought 24 days of temperatures of at least 95 degrees, with 10 of those days being at least 100 degrees.

To contrast that, look at July 2015.  We had 16 days under 90, and in 2014 we enjoyed an unbelievable 19 days under 95 degrees in July. Wow, what a mild summer that one was.

Even June this year was unusually hot with 13 days of 95+ temperatures, and four days of triple digits. By comparison, in 2014, there were only two days in June over 95 degrees and zero days reaching the 100 degree mark.

Now, let's look back at our 100 degree days in Grand Junction for the entire summer in the previous five years.

2017 - 8
2016 - 8
2015 - 2
2014 - 2
2013 - 5

Global warming - or something else?

If we are going to have any more triple-digit heat, it's likely to be within the next week. Typically, when we get to August those hot temperatures begin to moderate. In the last five years (and probably longer) we have not had a single day in August where the temperature reached 100 degrees.

It's more than just your imagination. It truly is the hottest Grand Junction summer we have had in a long time. Maybe ever.

Relief is in sight. Just keep those fans going full speed for a little while longer and the cooler days of August and September will prevail.

 

 

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