Cooler weather expected

June 08, 1999

photo: JOE CROCETTA / staff photographer

The hot, humid weather that has blanketed the area, and prompted Washington County schools to close early Tuesday, is expected to continue today, but relief may be in sight.

The temperature is expected to climb into the 90s again today, but the extreme heat that moved into the area Monday is expected to end by Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.

The temperature in Hagerstown on Tuesday hit a high of 94 degrees at 2:36 p.m., according to local weather observer Greg Keefer. That tied the record for June 8 set in 1914, he said.

The soaring temperatures prompted Washington County school officials to close all 46 public schools two hours early Tuesday.

Twelve county schools either have no air conditioning or are not completely air conditioned.

The hot weather began on Monday as mercury rose to 95 degrees, breaking a record of 94 degrees set in 1899, the weather service said.

"The hot weather is being caused by a ridge of high pressure located in the southern region (of the county) stagnating, which keeps pumping hot, humid air into the region," said National Weather Service forecaster Julie Arthur.

Despite three days of 90-degree-plus temperatures, the county technically is not experiencing a heat wave, said Arthur.

A heat wave "has to be at least five consecutive days of 90-degree weather," she said.

Highs for the rest of the week should be in the 80s, which is typical for this time of year, said Arthur.

The expected cooler weather will be the product of a cold front coming through the area on Wednesday night and again on Sunday, she said.

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