To mark the onset of summer in the United States, the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) has released a new map that shows the warmest state in the country and what this warm season has in store for its residents.
The map is designed to give residents and rough idea about the hottest days in their area and temperatures on other cooler days. The map is derived from the 1981-2010 U.S. Climate Normals, NCDC's 30-year averages of climatological variables including the average high temperature for every day. From these values scientists can identify which day of the year, on average, has the highest maximum temperature, referred to here as the "warmest day."
"The temperature increase after the solstice occurs because the rate of heat input from the sun during the day continues to be greater than the cooling at night for several weeks, until temperatures start to descend in late July and early August," explained NCDC in a press statement.
The map goes in-depth by illustrating the "warmest day of the year" depending on how variable the climate of the United States can be. In other words, June in New Mexico and Arizona often reflect the North American Monsoon-a period of increased rainfall that affects part of the Southwest U.S. As these areas tend to be cloudier and wetter during the humid months of July through September, the temperature is shown as the highest on average in June.
The NCDC noted that most locations in the United States still have a ways to go before their usual warmest day of the year. However, according to their research, the hottest days of the year are most likely to be in middle or late July.
The high temperatures and humidity make it difficult for many people to breathe. Many people become easily dehydrated or constipated from this type of weather. What made the situation worse was that it happened early in the summer before many people have had the chance to adjust to summer weather.
If you are easily affected by hot and humid weather, it is important to learn hot to eat in order to help your body adjust to the weather. Most people increase the amount of cold foods, raw vegetables, iced beverages, and frozen treats. While these can make you feel better in the short term they do not help your body adapt to the weather.
