Monday, July 28, 2014

7/28- I say goodbye with storms

Good Monday all-

Today is going to be a day defined by thunderstorms once again. What a day yesterday though! Wolcott, CT was hit by an EF0 tornado unexpectedly yesterday afternoon at 12:50 PM. There was some damage to the high school there as well! Yikes! More of the same is possible today- strong to severe storms are possible today, though I think the tornado threat is lower today than it was yesterday. The rest of the week looks dry and generally highly uninteresting, so if I am going on vacation, this is really the week to do it.

In the Atlantic- A tropical wave near the Cape Verde Islands is probably going to become Tropical Storm Bertha this week as it moves toward the Antillies and north. Early indications are that it will be a fish storm because a front will boot it out to sea, but it is too close to New England to be 100% comfortable. It is still a week and a half out- so anything is possible (Impacts would most likely be the evening of 8/7 to 8/8).

In the Pacific- Hurricane Hernan formed briefly yesterday, and today is reduced to a tropical storm. It is located 360 miles SW of the Baja Peninsula and is no threat to land. There are a few other disturbances to watch for development this week, but nothing too alarming yet.

Today in weather history- July 28, 2012- A tornado hits Aurora, CO- elevation 12,000 feet! This is noteworthy in that it is the second highest elevation tornado on record...in the world!

I thank all of you for reading this blog and your support. I will return to blogging on 8/8. For more information on what is going to be Tropical Storm Bertha, I recommend hurricanes.gov

See you soon!

Friday, July 25, 2014

7/25- GREAT!

Good Friday all!

Sorry I didn't update yesterday. I had the page typed out and then I accidentally closed the window, and didn't have the heart to type it again. Anyway, today is going to be absolutely stunning! Highs will be comfortable and humidity will be virtually non-existent, which leads to a beautiful day today! Sadly, though, it's a one-day reprieve, as the humidity returns tomorrow, as do thunderstorms, especially in the evening. If nothing else, though, please make sure you spend time outside today!!! Also, please prepare for about a 9 day absence of me from this page, as I am going on vacation next week. I'll update Monday, and then I'll be gone until Friday 8/8.

In the Atlantic- Development is not expected anytime soon.

In the Pacific- Development is likely in so many places I cannot type them all here. Go to hurricanes.gov for more information. The most notable of which, however, has become Tropical Storm Genevive 1500 miles ESE of Hawaii. It should not impact land in any way, shape, or form.


Today in weather history- July 25, 1979- Tropical Storm Claudette drops as much as 3.5 feet of rain in a 24 hour period in Alvin, Texas. This is the US record for the most rainfall in one day...and would be very tough to beat! (For comparison, imagine about 3 inches more than the 2013 blizzard, as water!)

Have a great weekend!

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

7/23- Big boomers today!

Good Wednesday all!

The weather today is going to be highly unpleasant with high heat and humidity and PM thunderstorms. Unfortunately, some of these storms could be severe and produce very gusty winds and some small hail. The weather, though, will be much, much better and less humid tomorrow and it is going to be rather pleasant excepting the spotty AM shower. Beyond that, the weather appears very boring for me, which is good news for everyone else! The next chance for rain likely holds off until about Tuesday.

In the Atlantic- Tropical Depression #2 was located 550 miles due east of the Lesser Antilles. It has a difficult life ahead of it though, with strong wind shear and a great deal of dry air, and it is expected to dissipate tomorrow...but it may briefly attain tropical storm strength today before this occurs. If it does, it would be named Bertha.

In the Pacific- Let's just say, development is likely...big time! There are currently FOUR areas that have potential for development, and I do not have the time to discuss them here, nor will I bore you with them as they are all no threat to land. For more information, I recommend visiting hurricanes.gov- it is the #1 tropical website for specific information. The next three names on the Pacific name list are Geneveve, Hernan, and Iselle.

Today in weather history- July 23, 1788- A hurricane badly damages George Washington's home, and it causes severe damage in Virginia and the Carolinas.

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

7/22- hot hot hot!

Good Tuesday all-

Heat is the name of the day today and tomorrow! A major warmup is on the way, but it will be humid as well to add insult to injury. Thankfully, some rain is coming tomorrow night with a cold front and it will produce thunderstorms, some of which could be severe. Although I can't rule out a storm here or there today, almost all of Connecticut is going to stay simply miserably hot and humid and likely will not see a drop of rain fall from the sky. Beyond that, the weekend looks just fine, though early next week could feature a round of storms Monday night into Tuesday.

In the Atlantic- Tropical Depression 2 unexpectedly formed last night from a tropical wave in the far eastern Atlantic. It is expected to dissipate near the Antillies without ever attaining Tropical Storm strength, but it would be named "Bertha" if it gets even 5mph stronger wind.

In the Pacific- Two systems have about a 30% chance of developing later this week, but neither pose any threat to land whatsoever anytime in the near future.


Today in weather history- July 22, 1926- A record that would hold for 69 years is established in Connecticut, as Waterbury sees the mercury rise to 105 degrees, which would be the state record until July 15, 1995- when Danbury reached 106.

The graphic of Tropical Depression #2 is shown below. Have a great day!

[Image of 5-day forecast and coastal areas under a warning or a watch]

Monday, July 21, 2014

Surprises happen!

Remember that system I was watching in the Atlantic that had a negligible chance of developing? Guess what. Tropical Depression #2 has formed...

Here is the forecast path...

[Image of 3-day forecast and coastal areas under a warning or a watch]























7/21- Great week ahead...if you like heat

Good Monday all- Sorry that the work week is back!

Today is going to be the most pleasant of the next week, with only moderate humidity and temps in the mid 80s. Unfortunately, the next few days, the humidity climbs and the temperatures will approach or exceed 90 in most locations. By Wednesday, scattered storms are possible, but Thursday is probably going to be quite the severe outbreak I fear- the high humidity and an approaching cold front are generally the perfect setup for severe thunderstorms with large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes. Personally, I don't think the tornado threat is very high at all this time, but that is, quite honestly, a gut feeling more than anything else. Either way, the weekend is likely going to be fantastic, though a storm will be near on Sunday.

In the Atlantic- A low pressure system about 1000 miles west of the Cape Verde Islands has a 10% chance of becoming Tropical Storm Bertha in the next 5 days as it meanders west. I don't think it will succeed, however, largely because of unfavorable wind shear. It is in an area, however, that produces the large majority of the major hurricanes in the Atlantic, so one must keep an eye on it...

In the Pacific- An area 850 miles SW of Manzanillo is attempting to develop, and it may succeed, but it will be slow and is highly unlikely to occur today or tomorrow.

Today in weather history- July 21, 1947- Holt, Missouri somehow manages to pick up a foot of rain in...42 minutes, easily a world record. This is highly unusual for the US, as most of these records occur in east Asia. Another noteworthy rain event deserves mention, however...

July 21, 2008- Tropical Storm Cristobal drenches Nova Scotia with as much as 7 inches of rain as well. Interestingly, we will see another Cristobal this year, as it is the 'C' name on the list...

Friday, July 18, 2014

7/18- Boring for me, great for you!

Good Friday all- HAPPY WEEKEND!

Today is going to be a fabulous day, as temps barely reach the low 80s and humidity will be quite low. Additionally, we "think" a beautiful weekend is coming. While Saturday is pretty much guaranteed to be very nice with temps comfortably in the 80s and partly cloudy conditions, Sunday is difficult, however, as an odd July nor'easter tries to hit us and give us a soaker. I am confident it won't succeed, but I am not at all confident we'll stay dry through the day. Either way, Monday we go back to hot and humid and, by Tuesday, approach 90 with showers and storms on the way, a feat which is duplicated on Wednesday.

In the Atlantic- Tropical development is not expected anytime soon.

In the Pacific- Tropical Storm Wali formed in the central Pacific yesterday 1030 miles ESE of the big island of Hawaii. Unfortunately, the storm is heading directly for that area and, while it is unlikely they experience tropical storm conditions, the surf will certainly be up, etc. For those wondering, the Central Pacific uses a unique naming system in which they rotate 3 name lists consecutively and do not reset them after the season, because storms forming in this region are relatively rare (About 2-3 annually is typical). Thus the name "Wali", which starts with a W, can be the first name of their hurricane season.

Today in weather history- July 18, 1986- A bizarre photogenic tornado dances across the Minneapolis, MN suburbs and is captured on live TV for 30 minutes, an extreme rarity for that time. The tornado is rated EF3, and the video can be seen here.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the families effected by the crash of Malaysia 17.

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

7/16- AM rain, but finally no severe!

Good Wednesday all-

Today is going to be a rather pleasant day...in the afternoon. The rain is coming though for this morning, and there will be some embedded thunder in these storms as they move northeast through the day, but they should clear by 1 or 2 this afternoon from west to east. Temps today will be rather comfortable and mild, as highs will be solidly in the mid 80s for most of the region. Tomorrow, we drop to the high 70s, and with low humidity to boot. In fact, tomorrow should be the best day in quite some time! The weekend looks great also, albeit a bit warmer, and early next week looks hot and humid with storms both Monday and Tuesday.

In the Atlantic- Tropical Development is not expected anytime soon

In the Pacific- The low 1250 miles SW of Hawaii has not developed, and it is becoming less likely since wind shear will increase rather soon. There is still, however, a 40% chance of development today or tomorrow.


Today in weather history- July 16, 1998- The waters off the Florida panhandle drop 20 degrees suddenly, from the high 80s to the low 70s, and kills all the fish life in the area due to the sudden drop in dissolved oxygen. The cause is thought to be an up welling of cooler water from the DeSoto canyon 20 miles off the coast.

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

7/15- Storms!

Good Tuesday all!

The same deal as yesterday, essentially, is going to occur today, but with a higher risk of severe weather than yesterday. I'd be genuinely shocked if we didn't have a severe storm warning today. Also, there is certainly a threat of tornadoes...so watch out for those as well. Either way, today is going to be be quite an adventure before tomorrow and the weather gets much more pleasant. It will be much cooler, however, and temps will struggle to reach the 80s the majority of the day tomorrow and again on Thursday.

In the Atlantic- Tropical Development is not expected

In the Pacific- The disturbance from yesterday is entering the Central Pacific basin, but is likely to become a Tropical Storm out there before the week is out.


Today in weather history- July 15, 1995- The mercury in Danbury, CT reaches a whopping 106 degrees, among the highest temperatures recorded in this area. The heat index was likely near 120. Yikes!

Monday, July 14, 2014

7/14- Watch out!

Good Monday all-

Or should I say "stormy" Monday? It is going to be a very, very stormy day today. Expect constant thunderstorms from about noon on, and there is likely to be flash flooding in many regions today. Also possible are damaging winds (50+ mph), hail (Around 1-2" diameter) and tornadoes (yes, really!). This is one of those days where we just really get clocked. Beyond today, tomorrow is a repeat of today, which means more horrid weather. Storms may just continue on Wednesday, although they should be less severe by then. Thursday and Friday look great, albeit rather chilly for mid July, as temps Thursday may not leave the 70s, and we only reach the low 80s on Friday.

It is going to be a fun few days for the weather geeks of the world like me, so here stay tuned here. Any tornado warnings or severe warnings will be posted!

In the Atlantic- Development is not expected anytime soon

In the Pacific- A tropical wave is trying to develop thousands of miles from any landmass (and near the Central Pacific, which is notable because the area near Hawaii actually uses a different name list) either way, there is only a 20% chance of development in the next 5 days.

Today in weather history- July 14, 1911- Baguio, Luzon in the Philippines somehow manages to get 4 feet of rain in just 24 hours! It is the record for the highest 24-hour rainfall in Asia.
Will this appear in CT today? Perhaps, but remember the tornadoes today would likely be rain-wrapped and invisible! If a warning is issued for you- GO TO THE BASEMENT!!

Friday, July 11, 2014

7/11- We hit the jackpot!

Good Friday everyone- Happy Weekend!!!

Today is going to be a fantastic day in general. Highs will be in the mid-80s with bright sunshine, low humidity, and only a very slight chance of rain. No major storms are in sight and, other than higher humidity and the chance of some thunderstorms scattered around the area on some days (especially Saturday), the weather appears no better or worse on one day than another, so enjoy the next 7 days of fantastic weather!

In the Atlantic & Pacific- No development is expected anytime soon.

Today in weather history- July 11, 1990- The costliest hailstorm in US history occurs in Northeast Colorado when baseball-sized hail causes $625 million in damage in a path from Estes Park to Colorado Springs. Among the places hit is a theme park, Elitch Gardens, and 47 people are trapped in the open and injured by the large hail.

Thursday, July 10, 2014

7/10- Status quo

Good Thursday all-

No change in forecast from what I said yesterday- a bit cooler, maybe a PM storm. The rest of the week has not changed, nor has tropical status in either basin

Today in weather history- July 10, 1913- Death Valley, CA records the highest temperature in the history of the world- 134 degrees!!!!!

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

7/9- Scattered storms & heat

Good Wednesday all!

A highly typical mid-July day is on the way today, as temps will approach 90 with very high humidity. Additionally, scattered storms are likely this afternoon as a cold front moves through (some of which may be severe, but if so they will be few and far between). As we move forward, quite honestly, expect more of the same- the best chance of thunderstorms appears to be Friday night, though, so perhaps that is the night to plan your indoor activities. All in all, a boring week of weather is ahead, much to my chagrin.

In the Atlantic- No tropical development is likely anytime soon

In the Pacific- Short-lived Tropical Storm Fausto died this morning and the other low behind it is unlikely to develop much.


Today in weather history- July 9, 1979- The first hurricane to ever be given a male name- Bob (not the one that hit CT but an earlier incarnation- the name list is recycled every 6 years) forms in the Gulf of Mexico

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

7/8- Ready for more storms? I hope so!

Good Tuesday all!

Today is going to be darn near a carbon copy of yesterday- beautiful weather for most of the day, but the sunshine will make the atmosphere a bit volatile, and therefore we expect another round of severe weather this evening with hail and damaging winds possible. In a bizarre event yesterday, downtown Boston was under a tornado warning around 5:30 last night, the first time I can ever remember seeing that. Several thousand people lost power in Waterbury last night, as they were badly hit by the storms. Beyond today, the rest of the week looks very similar to today- high temps in the high 80s or low 90s and sunshine, scattered PM storms.

In the Atlantic- No development is likely in the next 5 days

In the Pacific- Tropical Storm Fausto formed last night in the middle of nowhere, and it is still in the middle of nowhere this morning. It is 1230 miles away from the closest landmass, the Baja peninsula. The only area this may get close to is Hawaii. There is also another low I am watching for development, but it too would be no threat to land and is a bit of a long-shot at the current time.


Today in weather history- July 8 (general)- Today is one of only two days between May and August where no hail has ever been reported in Cheyanne, WY.

July 8, 1788- 3 feet of hail falls on Canterbury, CT and causes flooding when it all rapidly melts!

Monday, July 7, 2014

NEW NAMED STORM

Tropical Storm Fausto has formed in the middle of nowhere in the Pacific...really. It is 1145 miles southwest of the Baja peninsula...the nearest body of land, and is moving further from all land at this time...but Hawaii should keep an eye on it!


7/7- Not much to talk about

Good Monday all!

Unfortunately, the triple h's will be the theme of this week- hot humid and hazy! Temps will be near or exceed 90 for each of the next 3 days, and I can't rule out a scattered PM thunderstorm on any day. I doubt that anybody gets more than 1 thunderstorm during these days, though some very unlucky town may be an unfortunate victim. The bottom line is, however, that it won't ruin your day at all...so enjoy them, but stay hydrated and I recommend either swimming or staying inside in the afternoon heat! Beyond that, temps moderate a bit and sunshine is going to occur through Saturday, when the weather returns to what happens the next few days.

In the Atlantic- A low off the Carolinas very near where Hurricane Arthur formed is trying to develop, but I don't think it will succeed due to high wind shear- and the NHC agrees, giving it a measly 10% chance of becoming Tropical Storm Bertha.

In the Pacific- Two things to watch- a low pressure system hundreds of miles off the coast of Alcapulco has a 40% chance of developing, and another one even further west has a 20% chance of developing.

Today in weather history- July 7, 2004- A tornado hits Sequoia National Park...and becomes the highest elevation tornado ever recorded at...12,000 feet above the ground! There is a common story that tornadoes can't occur in the mountains...it is simply not true, and this is terrific proof!

Thursday, July 3, 2014

7/3- More of the same

Good Thursday all!

Today is going to be very, very similar to what happened yesterday. I think on and off showers and storms will occur today but some of them may well be severe and contain large hail. To make matters worse, Hurricane Arthur appears to have trended west overnight and looks to be a solid sideswipe for us here. What does that mean? Torrential rains are possible, especially in Middlesex County, as well has some rather strong wind- it wouldn't surprise me to see gusts exceed 40mph. Speaking of Arthur, our friends in Cape Hatteras, NC and surrounding areas are getting a landfalling hurricane tonight, so send your thoughts out to them. The weekend, fortunately, looks fantastic! Highs will be solidly in the 80s and sunshine will be abound. Monday introduces a scattered shower and thunderstorm risk, whereas Tuesday just looks really bad at the moment.

In the Atlantic- Besides Arthur (a cat. 1 with 75 mile winds just south of NC), no development is expected in the next 5 days. The next name on the list is Bertha.

In the Pacific- Tropical Storm Douglas is dissipating some 455 miles southwest of the Baja peninsula. Development is possible next week as well, but it's too early to call. The next name on the list is Fausto.


Today in weather history- July 3, 1974- In a truly unbelievable achievement, the world record 30-minute rainfall is established in Sikeshugou, Hebei, China, who records 11.10" of rain in HALF AN HOUR!

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

ALERT

Severe Thunderstorm Watch 396 issued for CT. Expect heavy rain, hail, and even some tornadoes in the next few hours...

7/2- Arthur update

Good Wednesday all!

Tropical Storm Arthur formed off the coast of Florida yesterday and has rapidly strengthened to near-hurricane status. The path remains just to our south by about 100 miles...which is close enough to give us a moderate risk of torrential rain and some gusty winds. Also, there is a slight risk of severe weather today as deemed by the Storm Prediction Center from Norman, OK, which is rather rare for our area. As for temps today, I think most of us reach the 90s with miserable humidity- if you need to do yardwork, your best bet is to do it either early this morning or after the storms later tonight. These storms could well feature large hail, damaging winds, and maybe even isolated tornadoes, so keep your eyes to the skies! Tomorrow looks rather wet, with scattered showers and storms, whereas Arthur drenches us on the 4th of July...go figure! The weekend however looks absolutely delightful, as does early next week, with temps in the mid-80s and bright sunshine both days.

In the Pacific- Tropical Storm Elida dissipated this morning off the Mexican coast, while Tropical Storm Douglas is likely to do the same later this afternoon or tomorrow. New development is not expected

In the Atlantic- Tropical Storm Arthur is the only game in town, and I discussed that plenty above.


Today in weather history- July 2, 1843- Charleston, SC sees an alligator deposited on a major road after a waterspout sucked it up and then dropped it on the city. Talk about strange!

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

7/1- Quad H's today- Hot, humid, hazy...hurricane?

Good Tuesday all!

Today is going to be utterly miserable I'm afraid. Highs will be in the high 80s and it will be oppressively humid, and not even thunderstorms tonight! Tomorrow, though, the thunderstorms arrive. Thursday...we start having fun with "are you feeling lucky?" episode 1 of 2014. Tropical Depression #1 has formed this morning off the coast of Florida, and Connecticut is in the cone! By the time it gets near us here, to make matters worse, it will probably be a hurricane! The extent of the impacts we see here are entirely dependent on the timing of the cold front, and there are really two base solutions...

#1- 75% chance- Thursday features scattered showers and STRONG storms (severe weather possible- large hail, damaging winds, etc), and we get absolutely drenched on the 4th of July as Hurricane Arthur moves near the 40-70 benchmark

#2- 25% chance- The front stalls just to our west and causes a serious pickle for us here as Arthur rides the front. Thursday would be a bit less volatile, but then rain would begin Friday night and CT would receive the first direct hurricane hit in 29 years (Gloria was the last) in a situation that would likely play out similar to Irene in 2011.




The top shows the probability of Tropical storm Conditions in CT. The NHC puts it at 20-30%, with which I agree. The bottom is the cone of uncertainty.