After weeks of scorching heat and high humidity, many parts of the United States have finally been enjoying a well-earned cooldown as July transitioned into August. But don’t stash the fans and sunscreen just yet...another round of summer heat is building, especially across the western U.S. While the break has been nice, this late-season surge could catch some of us by surprise. With the hottest part of the day often creeping later into the evening as summer continues on and humidity on the rise, it’s the kind of heat that sneaks up on you. In fact, what many are feeling isn't just the actual temperature, but the heat index, or the “feels like” temperature that takes into account humidity’s heavy hand. The map below, built using data from Tempest Weather Systems across the country, shows real-time evidence of just how widespread and intense this late-summer heat has become.
Much of the heat this time around is tied to what’s known as a heat dome: a weather pattern that traps warm air close to the surface and allows temperatures to climb rapidly. These domes can lead to several days of oppressive heat, even in areas that had been enjoying cooler conditions just days earlier.
Whether you’re trying to just stay cool, protect your lawn and garden, or keep energy bills in check, automating parts of your home based on real-time weather can help. Simple automations like adjusting blinds during peak heat, setting reminders to water plants at dusk, or triggering fans when indoor temps spike can all make a difference. Staying one step ahead of the forecast isn’t just the smart thing to do, but also becoming an easier thing to do.
- Get Real-Time Heat Alerts
- Know exactly when temperatures start rising so you can adjust your plans, water intake, or routine accordingly.
- Automate Your Home to Beat the Heat
- Use Tempest with smart home tools like IFTTT to:
- Close blinds or curtains automatically when solar radiation spikes
- Turn on fans or adjust thermostats when the temperature crosses a certain threshold
- Pause your irrigation system if rain is on the way or the UV index is extreme
- Use Tempest with smart home tools like IFTTT to:
- Save Energy Without Sacrificing Comfort
- Rely on your Tempest’s precise, hyperlocal data to cool your home more efficiently and skip unnecessary watering or A/C usage.
JULY'S TEMPEST FEATURE: HEAT INDEX TRACKING
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