Atlanta's Summer Heat...How Are We Doing So Far This Year?

Does it seem like Atlanta's weather has been much warmer this summer than last? It has! This is especially obvious when looking at the number of 90-degree days. Through the end of July 2001, there had been only 6 days with afternoon temperatures of 90 degrees or higher. This year there have been 22 ... with most (17) occurring in July.

If we make the same comparison using "degree days", the results are pretty much the same.

In the tables below, notice that the heat did not really kick in until July. The number of 90 degree plus days and the number of cooling degree days were actually below normal in the months of May and June.

One other interesting fact about this year's heat... the mercury hit 95 degrees on July 21. That was the warmest day since August 19, 2000.

Number of Days 90+ Degrees
May			June			July
2001	2002	Normal	2001	2002	Normal	2001	2002	Normal
0	0	1	0	5	8	6	17	12

Number of Cooling Degree Days
May			June			July
2001	2002	Normal	2001	2002	Normal	2001	2002	Normal
166	161	173	288	350	355	429	486	465

What are "cooling degree days"?