In the United States, the growing season typically lasts from April to October, and the average temperatures for this period have increased by 2°F since 1970.
The Saharan Air Layer kicks into gear in mid-June, peaking from late June through mid-August. Outbreaks occur every three to five days. These outbreaks can be as large as the contiguous United States.
The National Weather Service defines a heat index as “a measure of how hot it really feels when relative humidity is factored in with the actual air temperature.”
Keep a close eye on the forecast from the WAVE Weather team for the Great Balloon Race and other Kentucky Derby Festival events leading up to Oaks and Derby Day.