A derecho is a widespread, long-lived, straight-line wind storm that is associated with a fast-moving band of severe thunderstorms. Generally, derechos are convection-induced and take on a bow echo (backward “C”) form of squall line, forming in an area of wind divergence in the upper levels of the troposphere, within a region of low-level warm air advection and rich low-level moisture. They travel quickly in the direction of movement of their associated storms, similar to an outflow boundary (gust front), except that the wind is sustained and increases in strength behind the front, generally exceeding hurricane-force. A warm-weather phenomenon, derechos occur mostly in summer, especially during June and July in the Northern Hemisphere, within areas of moderately strong instability and moderately strong vertical wind shear. They may occur at any time of the year and occur as frequently at night as during the daylight hours.

1. Intense, focused storm

2. Fast moving

3. Mostly during the Summer

4. Follow other storms

5. Can sustain destructive winds for long periods of time

See any parallels yet? Ok, this may be a bit of a stretch but many teens during Summer months really start to melt down in behavior. They get bored and don’t have that regular pressure to get up and ready for school, participate in sports teams or do homework at night. No schedule = Big problems. We especially see this pop up like intense storms in June (ah, hum – just like derecho).

This is why Fonthill recommends setting up a schedule for your family for the Summer. Taking a few days to sleep in and savor the end of school is fine, but it should not be the default setting each morning till August.

1. Create a daily/weekly/monthly schedule

2. Set up times for chores, free-time, social time, family time and reading time

3. Be clear about curfews, car privileges, sleep-overs and consequences BEFORE too much Summer has gone on.

4. Eat meals together (We recommend this for all year long, actually)

5. Encourage exploration of activities, hobbies, and interests. Might even be a great time to check out some college campuses while things are calm. Many professors are still working and have way more time to hang out to talk about classes/programs.

Have a great Summer everyone!