Fresh Canadian air heading for Michiana

As we head through August, one thing we are typically accustomed to is heat and humidity. The month is often referred to as the "dog days of summer." So far, that has been the case. There have been plenty of days in the middle and upper 80s, and some days in the 90s. Overall, the year itself has been toasty as well. We have seen 35 days at or above 85°, which is an above normal pace for any given year. The attached video explains that and how surrounding cities are seeing more "hot streaks" than South Bend despite us seeing plenty of hot days. Looking ahead to next week, things will not be hot, and we will not be putting together any sort of "hot streak." A strong system will plow through the Midwest, Great Lakes and Ohio Valley Monday into Tuesday, bringing rain and some thunderstorms. Behind that system will be a shot of cooler, less humid air directly from Canada.

The result will be a string of days below 80° for most of Michiana beginning Tuesday, possibly Monday if the rain moves in early enough. In other words, we will see temperatures just below normal for late August standards. The below average temperatures won't be confined to Indiana and Michigan, though. Locations from the Dakotas to Wisconsin to Kansas and Arkansas will see much-below normal temperatures for this time of year. Are the cooler-than-normal temperatures really that unusual, though? 

To an extent, sort of; especially for areas like Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, and Missouri. August doesn't typically feature significant cool-downs that far south. For Michiana, however, August is known for featuring several days in the 70s. In fact, South Bend averages roughly 10 days below 80° every August. So the string of days next week in the middle and upper 70s won't only be refreshing, but it'll be rather normal. Even after those days are over and done with, South Bend will still be warmer-than-normal for August.