The outlook for July calls for above normal temperatures to persist. Maximum temperatures will generally be in the 80s and lowers 90s but a few day could top out as high as 95 especially in western and southern areas of the state. Overnight lows will range form the 50s to 70s but more days will be in the 65-75 degree range than higher or lower. More of the above normal temperatures in July will come from higher night-time lows versus daytime highs.
Rainfall will be highly variable. There will be a ring of fire across the region which is a battle between the hot and humid weather south and cooler and drier air north. This will lead to complexes of storms from time to time. There will be a round of these storms from July 6-8 then again at some point in the week of July 11-15. The preferred area seems to be the southwest half of the state over the northeast half. Drought is forecast to expand some over northeast areas of the state.
Overall, rainfall is forecast to be 0.50 inches to 2+ inches in the first half of July. Normal is near or just below 2 inches.
In summary, July will be warmer than normal with normal to below normal rainfall overall but rainfall will be highly variably with drier areas likely northeast and wetter areas southwest.
August will see more of the same.
The NOAA/NWS/Ohio River Forecast Center rainfall outlook through mid-July is shown in the graphic.
