The picture below is an example of a small scale downburst, called a microburst. The Permian Basin Experiences Record May Heat May had more than its share of hot days. At Midland International Airport, an all time record was tied for the most 100 degree days ever in the month of May, nine in all. The highest temperature for the month was 108 degrees, which occurred on May 24th. This early hot streak was due to an upper level high pressure ridge that parked over the area.
High pressure produces sinking air.
When air sinks, it warms, so the result is high pressure produces the hottest temperature pattern of the summer. If it were not for the upper ridge sliding east and tropical moisture flowing into the area, the record for the most 100 degree days in May would have been broken. In contrast, June has had much lower high temperatures and much more rainfall. Check out our Precipitation Corner to see rainfall reports from around West Texas and New Mexico. From mid to late July of 1999, a heat wave from New York to Georgia, and from Minnesota to Kansas resulted in 257 fatalities.