JUNE 1992 WAS SEVENTH COOLEST IN 47 YEARS; JULY MORE NORMAL

A record low temperature and a record minimum high temperature helped make June the seventh coolest on record here in 47 years, said Al Robertson, professor of earth science and climatologist at Southeast Missouri State University.

Robertson said the average June temperature was 73.6 degrees, down 2.4 degrees from the long-term average of 76. It was the second consecutive month with below normal temperatures.

"June was much cooler than normal, without the humidity and hot, sultry weather that usually moves in toward the end of the month," he said. "All in all, it was a mild and enjoyable month."

On June 28, the low of 48 broke the old record for the date, 50 degrees, set in 1961. Robertson said the record low for June 21, 54 degrees, set in 1961, was tied.

He said the afternoon high of 71 June 3 broke the record minimum high of 73, set in 1953.

During the first 10 days of the month, the average temperature was down 2.4 degrees. During the middle part of the month, the average was up 1.9 degrees, but even cooler weather during the final third of the month sent the average plunging 6.4 degrees below normal, Robertson said.

Rain for the month was 3.7 inches, slightly under the long-term average of 3.88 inches.

"There were only six rainy days during the month, which is pretty unusual for June," Robertson said. "That continues a pattern of below normal precipitation at the airport each month this year, except for February. However, other areas did receive substantially more rain during the month."

Through June 30, precipitation at the airport totaled 17.29 inches, down 6.57 inches from the long-term average of 23.86 inches for the first six months of the year.

The National Weather Service said seasonal temperatures and amounts of rain are expected in the area in July. The long-term average temperature for July is 79.4 degrees. Average rain for July is 3.13 inches.

The all-time record high temperature for Cape Girardeau, 107 degrees, was set on July 28, 1952.

The 90-day outlook for the area indicates near to slightly below normal temperatures and near normal precipitation.