If it seems like the West has been sweltering for a while, that's because it has been. For several stretches during the past few months, a stable area of high pressure, called an atmospheric "ridge, " appeared, steering hot air over the region. "The West has been under one of these ridges, and it allows all the warm air to come up from the south…Way back in June, there was the first major heat wave and it really kind of set the stage for more, and for the very dry conditions that led to the forest fires that we've been having, " says Jennifer Francis, a climate scientist at the Woodwell Climate Research Center. "I keep waiting for this pattern to break, and it just hasn't, " says Zachary Labe, a climate scientist at Colorado State University. The effects of the siege of heat waves over the summer have been dire. The heat has dried out soils and vegetation, priming living and dead plants to burn and kicking off a dangerous feedback loop for warming. ( Learn how climate change has amped up this year's fires).
As of 5:49 pm EDT Fri 11 | Night Rain showers early will evolve into a more steady rain overnight. Low near 55F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Humidity 89% UV Index 0 of 10 Moonset 9:45 pm Sat 12 | Day Light rain early. A mix of sun and clouds in the afternoon. High 67F. Chance of rain 80%. Humidity 81% UV Index 9 of 10 Sunrise 5:05 am Sunset 8:21 pm Sat 12 | Night A few clouds from time to time. Low 57F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Humidity 84% UV Index 0 of 10 Moonset 10:34 pm Sun 13 | Day Sunshine and clouds mixed. High 76F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Humidity 63% UV Index 9 of 10 Sunrise 5:05 am Sunset 8:21 pm Sun 13 | Night 59° Scattered Showers Night Increasing clouds with showers arriving sometime after midnight. Low 59F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%. Humidity 76% UV Index 0 of 10 Moonset 11:17 pm Mon 14 | Day 72° Scattered Thunderstorms Showers in the morning with isolated thunderstorms arriving in the afternoon. High 72F. Chance of rain 50%. Humidity 80% UV Index 5 of 10 Sunrise 5:05 am Sunset 8:22 pm Mon 14 | Night 62° Scattered Thunderstorms Night Isolated thunderstorms during the evening, then skies turning partly cloudy overnight.
£1. 50 per bottle (330ml) – available from Waitrose Spirit alternatives Amaretti, Lyres Best liqueur This innovative brand has done a great job of recreating amaretto without booze. Sweet, almondy, rich and special. Well chilled, this would be a lovely way to end a meal or to swap into cocktails. Currently out of stock Sea buckthorn, Bax botanics Best gin This has a really complex flavour profile, rich in ginger, rosemary and chamomile notes, softened by the sea buckthorn. Pairs brilliantly with tonic. £18. 99 per bottle (500ml) – available from W ine alternatives Jukes 6, Jukes Cordialities Not only is this a great substitute for red wine, it's really neatly packaged too. In mini bottles that can be diluted to taste, it's highly portable too. £38 for 9 x 30ml bottles – available from Jukes Cordialities Damascene Rose Bubbly A delightful combination of subtle rose, grape juice and citrussy freshness. Poured into flutes or coupes this is a very special drink indeed – ring the changes from an elderflower pressé!