Since the 1st of June...  Panama City (Tyndall) has been sweltering.  Tempertures have topped 90º 8 times (thru the 20th).  It would have been much worse had we gotten the sea breeze just about every day.  The hottest day was June 1 with a high of 99 degrees!

Meanwhile...  ijn Marianna where the seabreeze does not penetrate as often or as early highs have only dipped below 100º 7 times this month with the 'coldest' day being 96.

During this sweltering heatwave Tallahassee set a new all-time record high temperature of 105º!  Marianna has hit 105º several times as well.  Our drought situation has continued to get worse as well with most of NW Florida being in the Extreme or Exceptional Drought area.  It has gotten so bad that the governor has declared a State of Emergency!

The good news is that I do have better rain chances in the forecast by mid-late week as the big heat ridge breaks down and allows for a system to our west to at least enhance our daily thunderstorm chances.  Right now I have rain chances highs on Thursday (60%), but mainly around 40% Fri-Sun.  Let's pray for rain!

We will continue to keep a close eye on the forecast and of course keep you posted with the very latest.

--Chris Smith
Chief Meteorologist, WJHG-TV
chris.smith@wjhg.com