Clark Lake’s dry spell ended abruptly yesterday (Tuesday) with unrelenting downpours.  How many inches of rain fell upon the lake?  A lot.  Below measurements taken in two different locations.  This receptacle is located on the shore, facing west, at the June’s on Lakeview West Drive and Eagle Point Road.  Their measurement indicated 3 1/2 inches.

The second measurement was taken by the Deming’s who are on the south shore, east end. As you can see, there was slightly less than 3 inches at that location.

Where does that put us in terms of amount of rain for the month of July?  Above average.  Check out the chart below.

If you’ve any contact with media, it would be hard to miss the predictions of what’s next—really hot weather.  Hi Thursday will be 89; Friday, 94; Saturday, 94.  Then it “cools” down to 88 on Sunday.

You can always get an up to date forecast from the main page of this website.  Just scroll down and click for the latest from the National Weather Service.

Consumers Energy is weighing with tips to deal with the heat:

Consumers Energy is projecting that customers will use their air conditioning units 40% more than a typical July.  Consumers Energy is sending email, text and voice alerts to electric customers to let them know if they are using significantly more energy, and offering the following tips to help reduce summer energy use:

  1. Set your thermostat to 78 degrees when you’re home and higher when you’re away. You’ll typically save 1 to 3 percent on cooling costs for every degree you dial up.
  2. Clean your air conditioning filter regularly. Dusty filters can make your appliance work harder, wasting energy.
  3. Install a smart thermostat and program it to start your air conditioner shortly before you get home. Consumers Energy offers rebates of up to $100 on Wi-Fi enabled thermostats.
  4. Seal leaks in your home. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you could save up to 30 percent on annual energy costs by doing so. Inspect and seal around doors, windows, recessed lights and attic hatches.
  5. Keep cool with fans. A ceiling fan cools fast and costs less than air conditioning. You can also reduce the need for air conditioning by installing an attic fan. Run your ceiling fan counterclockwise, pushing air downward to cool more efficiently.
  6. Close drapes, shades and blinds during the day to prevent the sun from heating your home unnecessarily. Open windows and doors in early morning and in the evening to let cooler air in. 
  7. Use your stove, oven, dishwasher and clothes dryer in the morning or evening when it’s cooler outside. They add extra heat to your home and make your air conditioner work harder.
  8. Sign-up for the AC Peak Cycling program, which lowers the output of your air conditioner unit during select summer days. You’ll get $32 per full year you’re enrolled. Enroll at www.PeakPowerSavers.com/ac.
Share