The early days of summer 2012 have some eerie similarities to 1954, the hottest year of the past century.
Fifty-eight years ago, June 24 was the first of 54 days that had highs of 100 degrees or more.
In July, 27 days had highs of 100 or more. The all-time hottest period was July 12-15 when highs of 114, 116, 117 and 112 seared the area. July 17-19 added another barrage with highs of 114, 115 and 110.
June 2012 has yet officially to reach the century mark, but highs this week are predicted at 101 today, 92 Tuesday and 100 or more Wednesday through Friday. More heat is expected through the weekend and next week.
If that isn’t enough of a downside for area farmers, no rain is forecast the next 10 days.
The Iola area has received 1.44 inches this month, after getting 2.44 inches in May, a total the two months of 3.88 inches. Normally, rainfall in May and June here is about 9.5 inches.
An inch of rain Wednesday night gave corn and soybeans a reprieve, but the forecast doesn’t bode well for agriculture.
