Hot and dry with today's low humidity at 12%.

Even though I don't like the heat, if it has to come in the summer, I'd rather have it like that: hot and dry, rather than the humidity factor added in. When I was in the central States a couple of weeks ago, I was amazed at the difference when it's just plain hot, with virtually no heat index. It still is not my favourite type of weather by a long shot and makes me rather melty but add the humidity factor in to it, and I become a puddle almost immediately: a puddle with no energy whatsoever. At least when it's hot and dry, one's sweat evaporates, but when the air is moisture-laden, that sweat is not so cooperative. /rants

De_De, I love wind as well. There is something so invigorating and exciting about it. I'd much rather have wind than a still, quiet day.

Whew, Fencer, you've sure had a hot one this summer! Here, too, a number of records have been broken in July. I'm abundantly thankful, now that August is here, that while we may still have periodic very warm days, the general trend is cooling down to more comfortable temperatures. This morning, in fact, there was a hint of autumn in the refreshingly chill air (12C/53F). Grand stuff! I figure if I can make it through July each year, I'm good to go. It is my least-loved month, by far.

We're losing 2-4 minutes of sunlight each day. That may not sound like much but it adds up fast. Before you know it the sun will be setting by 4.30 pm and there'll be all sorts of snow on the ground.

*nods* As I very much enjoy walking in the darker hours both morning and night, summer obviously gives me trouble with that. The last couple of weeks I have noticed quite a change, so that I can again get out around 6 a.m. when it's still the dusk before the brighter light comes, and well before the sun heats everything up, and note that the light fades a good bit earlier in the evenings now, also allowing for more time before bed to observe the wonders of the night sky.

Last evening and night was so beautiful for sleeping, and the coming weeks promises the same. Most of my family are saying that it's so chilly now at night ... but they know my stance: I'm loving it!

It has been very sunny and warm out here. I've only been able to enjoy it through a window though. I hope I can go out tomorrow though.

The weather here is settling down into a typical August pattern, with sunny days around 82F/27C and cool nights - right on average. Humidity has declined a bit but high dewpoints are still lurking just to the south.

Tonight through early Saturday brings the maximum of one of the year's best meteor showers, the Perseids (so named because they appear to come from the direction of the constellation Perseus). Unfortunately, the Moon is nearly full and will wash out all but the brightest meteors.

Incidentally, the Spare Oom mods are pleased to announce the impending arrival of an astronomy-related thread for all your stargazing comments and questions. Stay tuned!

Hot and dry with today's low humidity at 12%.

Even though I don't like the heat, if it has to come in the summer, I'd rather have it like that: hot and dry, rather than the humidity factor added in.

I agree LOTS: The drier the better when it is hot outside.

Fortunately, we have cooled down a bit the last couple of days. Yesterday was only 86.0F and today 86.9F. Cools off faster after dark and I only had to turn on the air conditioner for half the usual time in the evening.

Here it has been hot during the day (in the late 80s, maybe?) and gets pretty cold at night. We don't usually have day-to-night temperature changes here, so that takes some getting used to. XD

~Riella

The nice weather is continuing which is great. I hope it lasts for awhile...

Well, so much for that hint of autumn. The rain expected today did not come, which would have given way to more comfy temperatures (22C/71F). As it is, the daytime temps are supposed to remain at 27C/80F for the next few days. Ah well. 'Tis mid-August: this can't last much longer, and at least that horrid humidity is gone!

Early this morning I arose around 3:30 to try and spot some meteors from the Perseid shower. I did end up seeing a few very bright ones, but not nearly as many as would have been sighted if the moon hadn't been full (although it was starting to set in the SW), and if there hadn't been a light, spotty cloud cover. Still, always lovely to survey the heavens, which truly do proclaim the glory of our Creator.

Looking forward to that new Astronomy thread!

Glad you got to see some Perseids, jo! It was raining here.

There's a big bright beautiful full moon shining over the city this evening.

Looking forward to that new Astronomy thread!

And here it is!

It's been very hot here. Still very cold at night. The skies were very clear last night, but now it's getting cloudy. I wonder if rain is headed our way...

~Riella

For the first time that I can remember (sometime in April I think) we had our first day with a high temperature below 90 degrees. Today may be the same as we've had a good cold front come in bringing rain to the El Paso (in isolated areas). It's still mostly overcast today but very humid. We are enjoying it, knowing it won't last long. It will still be another month or more until the temps start heading downhill for good. But we'll take this while it lasts.

The good weather continues! Wonderful! I'm going away though. I hope the weather at my destination is equally good.

Hurrah for the Astronomy thread. Very nice opening, 'gazer.

So glad you had some 'cooler' weather, Fencer!

Valiant, I hope the weather is very lovely for your vacation.

After a few days of pleasanter temperatures (even though still in the mid-high 70s, but with no humidity, yay!), the heat index is creeping up again until the weekend, when rain is supposed to come on Saturday, clearing out the air and bringing with it cooler weather (low 20sC/low 70s). Actually, the other day when we were heading up north, we saw the first twinges of sumacs turning, one of the first signs of approaching autumn. ♥

Can hardly wait for those cool hiking days with the first of the fallen leaves crunching underfoot, munching on a crisp apple, the scent of bonfires in the air, and surrounded by a myriad of gloriously-coloured trees!

Those 'cooler' days have come and gone. We are back into the upper 90s and approaching triple digits again. About one more month worth until things start to cool down around here.

Ugh ugh ugh... Today the temp's been around 108 F, give or take a few degrees depending on the time. Not that this is an unusual day for this year, but for some reason today I'm having a hard time taking it. The air conditioner is working full blast nonstop and I'm still pulling my sticky shirt off my back. The "cold" water coming out of the tap is 96 F. Yes, I tested it. I wanted to know why my cup full of ice cubes turned into room temperature water in minutes after I filled it with water and why my showers were so warm, even without the hot water on.

Sure doesn't help matters that we've had no rain for months now... I've heard that some people are thinking we won't get any until 2012!!! I feel so bad for all the farmers and ranchers... They are really suffering this year.

I know this is a really hot year for Texas, but even so, I can't help but think back on and admire those intrepid folks who settled this place. Dude, those people were TOUGH! How could they stand Texas heat without air conditioning and with all those layers of clothes? Even taking into account their greater acclamation to the heat, I still gawk at them. Wish I were that tough...

The last few days have been absolutely lovely, and I've been in the sun a lot in all of them. Sunny with just a few clouds, 80, or 85, and lovely cool breezes. How I wish it could stay like this forever - I can't believe winter is almost coming . . .