The first few days of November remain on the quiet side for much of the lower 48. There is some active weather in Alaska with both some wind, rain and snow as well as cold temperatures (0 to 20 below zero in the northern interior)
This will change next week as the pattern turns more active across the nation.
The first storm system will start impacting the northwest as we head into the weekend and the central Rockies by early next week.
It will then sweep across the country and will be followed by another storm system a few days later according to current models.
Our most recent poll ended with 41 responses. Of those, 53% didn't realize CoCoRaHS was on Facebook while the rest said they are already friends with CoCoRaHS on Facebook.
CoCoRaHS
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Sunday, November 1, 2009
November Arrives Quietly
Aside from last week's storm exiting the east coast today, and a small disturbance moving over Minnesota, it is really quiet and seasonal for many locations.
That trend should take us into the first few days of the 11th month -- November.
October 2009 will go down in the record books for many locations and won't soon be forgotten.
It was the wettest month on record for St. Louis, MO -- Little Rock, AR -- and Shreveport, LA.
It was the coldest month on record for Cheyenne, WY -- and Tulsa, OK. 2nd coldest for Denver, CO -- and Oklahoma City, OK.
It was the hottest October on record for Miami, FL.
It was the snowiest on record for Cheyenne, WY and North Platte, NE.
That trend should take us into the first few days of the 11th month -- November.
October 2009 will go down in the record books for many locations and won't soon be forgotten.
It was the wettest month on record for St. Louis, MO -- Little Rock, AR -- and Shreveport, LA.
It was the coldest month on record for Cheyenne, WY -- and Tulsa, OK. 2nd coldest for Denver, CO -- and Oklahoma City, OK.
It was the hottest October on record for Miami, FL.
It was the snowiest on record for Cheyenne, WY and North Platte, NE.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
U.S. Snow Cover
Below is a map that shows what this week's western winter storm left behind. That is quite a bit of snow!
Friday, October 30, 2009
Severe Flooding Hits Mid-South
I catpured this snapshot last night off the web -- it shows flash flood warnings (in the maroon color) that were in effect along the line of heavy rain producing thunderstorms that extended from Missouri to Texas.
Those storms put down a lot of water -- as much as 5 to 7 inches in just a few hours across the Little Rock and Shreveport metro areas.
Little Rock has now seen its wettest October on record with 15.92 inches thus far in the gauge. The previous record was 15.29 inches during October 1984.
This is the 4th wettest month in recorded histroy for Arkansas' capital city.
Little Rock suburbs were hit hard, as well as downtown. A high water rescue took place at 10 pm last night on 7th street in downtown Little Rock.
The northern suburb of Sherwood took on a lot of water, including my mom's neighborhood. The two pictures below are her street. Luckily the road crests at her house, so she was ok. But there was flooding on either side that prevented her from going to work today.
In Louisiana, it is a similar story around Shreveport.
And ontop of the water, there was at least 7 tornadoes in the region on Thursday that prodcued damage.
Below is a map of yesterday's national precip. You can definitely see the rain footprint across Louisiana and Arkansas -- but it would be so much better with more spotters!
We need to do some heavy recruiting across the entire CoCoRaHS network -- but especially in this part of the world.
I survived the snow, but still don't have my driveway clean. See picture below. Anybody wanna come help? ;-)
Those storms put down a lot of water -- as much as 5 to 7 inches in just a few hours across the Little Rock and Shreveport metro areas.
Little Rock has now seen its wettest October on record with 15.92 inches thus far in the gauge. The previous record was 15.29 inches during October 1984.
This is the 4th wettest month in recorded histroy for Arkansas' capital city.
Little Rock suburbs were hit hard, as well as downtown. A high water rescue took place at 10 pm last night on 7th street in downtown Little Rock.
The northern suburb of Sherwood took on a lot of water, including my mom's neighborhood. The two pictures below are her street. Luckily the road crests at her house, so she was ok. But there was flooding on either side that prevented her from going to work today.
In Louisiana, it is a similar story around Shreveport.
And ontop of the water, there was at least 7 tornadoes in the region on Thursday that prodcued damage.
Below is a map of yesterday's national precip. You can definitely see the rain footprint across Louisiana and Arkansas -- but it would be so much better with more spotters!
We need to do some heavy recruiting across the entire CoCoRaHS network -- but especially in this part of the world.
I survived the snow, but still don't have my driveway clean. See picture below. Anybody wanna come help? ;-)
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Squall Line Develops Ahead of Winter Storm
Good morning from snowy Denver, Colorado! It is 1 am and I need to get in bed, but I am too excited over the weather.
I am fortunate to have the opportunity to do a little free-lancing for KMGH-TV in Denver since I am home in the snow and unable to go to my regular job.
So I spent the evening writing a few weather stories. Check them out!
Click here for the one I wrote about CoCoRaHS and here for the one that compares the current storm to one that struck about the same time back in 1997.
Meanwhile I just checked radar and a narrow, but long line of thunderstorms has developed from south-central Kansas into northwest Texas.
You can see this on the 1 am national radar image below.
Out ahead of the storms a tornado watch has been issued for southeast Oklahoma and northeast Texas.
I grew up in Arkansas and have to admit I hate overnight storms, especially when a tornado watch is in effect.
Weather will be a big headline all around the nation today from heavy snow in the Rockies to severe weather in the southern plains to more rain expected in the water-logged southeast.
I am fortunate to have the opportunity to do a little free-lancing for KMGH-TV in Denver since I am home in the snow and unable to go to my regular job.
So I spent the evening writing a few weather stories. Check them out!
Click here for the one I wrote about CoCoRaHS and here for the one that compares the current storm to one that struck about the same time back in 1997.
Meanwhile I just checked radar and a narrow, but long line of thunderstorms has developed from south-central Kansas into northwest Texas.
You can see this on the 1 am national radar image below.
Out ahead of the storms a tornado watch has been issued for southeast Oklahoma and northeast Texas.
I grew up in Arkansas and have to admit I hate overnight storms, especially when a tornado watch is in effect.
Weather will be a big headline all around the nation today from heavy snow in the Rockies to severe weather in the southern plains to more rain expected in the water-logged southeast.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Western Storm Still Organizing
Well the western storm is still organizing today, and let me just tell you first hand, it is packing a punch!
Sitting at about 7 inches of snow on the ground here at my house in the southeast Denver metro area. I should easily be able to add another 6 to 12 inches to that before all is said and done tomorrow.
On the west side of town, in the foothills, the snow has accumulated to over a foot in many locations.
On Tuesday, as the low pressure formed over the Great Basin, it brought incredible wind to the southwestern US.
Flights into places like Phoenix, Las Vegas and Los Angeles were what I like to call "white-knuckled" for lack of a better term -- meaning passengers likely had a tight grip on the arm rests!!
Gusts to over 70 mph were reported on Whittier Peak just outside of L.A., and across the higher terrain of Nevada.
As you can imagine, the winds produced several dust storms that hampered ground travel.
As the storm pulls east today, there is the chance for a little bit of severe weather across the high plains of Texas and Oklahoma, outlined below.
Elsewhere, it's wet today across upstate New York with blinding rain at times along the New York State Throughway.
Residents of the south are catching a small break in the action before more rain moves in to end the work week.
And for many in the Rockies and across the High Plains, it is winter! Just look at the slew of watches, warnings and advisories in place on the map below.
Sitting at about 7 inches of snow on the ground here at my house in the southeast Denver metro area. I should easily be able to add another 6 to 12 inches to that before all is said and done tomorrow.
On the west side of town, in the foothills, the snow has accumulated to over a foot in many locations.
On Tuesday, as the low pressure formed over the Great Basin, it brought incredible wind to the southwestern US.
Flights into places like Phoenix, Las Vegas and Los Angeles were what I like to call "white-knuckled" for lack of a better term -- meaning passengers likely had a tight grip on the arm rests!!
Gusts to over 70 mph were reported on Whittier Peak just outside of L.A., and across the higher terrain of Nevada.
As you can imagine, the winds produced several dust storms that hampered ground travel.
As the storm pulls east today, there is the chance for a little bit of severe weather across the high plains of Texas and Oklahoma, outlined below.
Elsewhere, it's wet today across upstate New York with blinding rain at times along the New York State Throughway.
Residents of the south are catching a small break in the action before more rain moves in to end the work week.
And for many in the Rockies and across the High Plains, it is winter! Just look at the slew of watches, warnings and advisories in place on the map below.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Soggy South, Wintry West -- Get Those Gauges Ready
Wow the CoCoRaHS maps are going to be colorful over the next few days as the rain gauges get a workout all across the nation.
Let's start in the south.
A very soggy air mass is in place with widespread heavy rain today from Arkansas to Georgia.
In the panhandle of Florida, severe weather is possible through the afternoon hours. The Storms Prediction Center has issued a tornado watch until 6 pm.
Heavy rain has been falling across the Atlanta metro this morning, especially on the west and northwest side of the city, which was hit so hard by epic flooding during September.
There are numerous flash flood warnings in effect for the region.
In the south today, remember the very important safety rule: TURN AROUND, DON'T DROWN!
It just isn't worth driving through a flooded road because you never know if the road is still there -- and even if it is and you can see it -- it might not be stable.
Heavy rain fell across Texas on Monday. Several places from Austin and San Antonio to Dallas and Houston saw flash flooding.
Along with the heavy rain came some cooler temperatures -- with many locations reporting 50s and even some chilly 40s this morning.
In addition to the south, it's wet in the northeast today such as in and around New York City.
And looking out west, the big storm that will sweep across the nation over the next 5 days is starting to take shape this morning.
It will start with a lot of wind for the western US, in particular, in and around the Las Vegas vicinity and across southern California. Red flag warnings for high fire danger cover much of Arizona.
As the low pressure strengthens and starts a slow trek to the east across northern Arizona and northern New Mexico tonight, snow will begin to fly across Colorado and much of the central Rockies.
It will likely be measured in feet in a lot of places before all is said and done Thursday.
A 2-day snow event is always fun -- one reason why I love living in Denver!
And looking down the road, severe weather is likely to be with us Wednesday through Saturday -- starting in Texas and moving east ahead of this large winter storm that is currently developing across the west.
We are entering the second severe weather season in the lower 48. It usually starts sometime in October and peaks later in November or December as the air masses once again battle it out -- just like in the spring.
The biggest difference between severe weather in the fall versus the spring months is it usually isn't as widespread, mostly confined to the Gulf Coast states.
Let's start in the south.
A very soggy air mass is in place with widespread heavy rain today from Arkansas to Georgia.
In the panhandle of Florida, severe weather is possible through the afternoon hours. The Storms Prediction Center has issued a tornado watch until 6 pm.
Heavy rain has been falling across the Atlanta metro this morning, especially on the west and northwest side of the city, which was hit so hard by epic flooding during September.
There are numerous flash flood warnings in effect for the region.
In the south today, remember the very important safety rule: TURN AROUND, DON'T DROWN!
It just isn't worth driving through a flooded road because you never know if the road is still there -- and even if it is and you can see it -- it might not be stable.
Heavy rain fell across Texas on Monday. Several places from Austin and San Antonio to Dallas and Houston saw flash flooding.
Along with the heavy rain came some cooler temperatures -- with many locations reporting 50s and even some chilly 40s this morning.
In addition to the south, it's wet in the northeast today such as in and around New York City.
And looking out west, the big storm that will sweep across the nation over the next 5 days is starting to take shape this morning.
It will start with a lot of wind for the western US, in particular, in and around the Las Vegas vicinity and across southern California. Red flag warnings for high fire danger cover much of Arizona.
As the low pressure strengthens and starts a slow trek to the east across northern Arizona and northern New Mexico tonight, snow will begin to fly across Colorado and much of the central Rockies.
It will likely be measured in feet in a lot of places before all is said and done Thursday.
A 2-day snow event is always fun -- one reason why I love living in Denver!
And looking down the road, severe weather is likely to be with us Wednesday through Saturday -- starting in Texas and moving east ahead of this large winter storm that is currently developing across the west.
We are entering the second severe weather season in the lower 48. It usually starts sometime in October and peaks later in November or December as the air masses once again battle it out -- just like in the spring.
The biggest difference between severe weather in the fall versus the spring months is it usually isn't as widespread, mostly confined to the Gulf Coast states.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Dynamic Storm To Sweep Nation This Week
A new storm system is moving into the Pacific Northwest today with clouds, rain, wind and high elevation snow.
Winter storm warnings are in effect for the mountains of Washington state, northern Idaho and western Montana.
The storm will initially dive south and carve out a large trough of low pressure across the Great Basin of the western United States tonight and into the day on Tuesday.
As the storm system develops, it will be quite the wind maker across the deserts of southern California, Nevada, southern Utah and northwest Arizona.
If your travel plans take you into Las Vegas on Tuesday get ready for one bumpy ride!
Later in the day on Tuesday the storm will begin a slow crawl to the east. It is expected to bring heavy snow into Colorado and northern New Mexico, both across higher and lower elevations.
If the low takes the right track, residents of Denver could be shoveling 1 to 2 feet of snow by Thursday morning.
Late Thursday, but especially into Friday and Saturday, we could be looking at a severe weather outbreak in the areas outlined on the map below.
It will all depend on just how this storm system evolves over the next 36 hours and the exact track it takes.
Winter storm warnings are in effect for the mountains of Washington state, northern Idaho and western Montana.
The storm will initially dive south and carve out a large trough of low pressure across the Great Basin of the western United States tonight and into the day on Tuesday.
As the storm system develops, it will be quite the wind maker across the deserts of southern California, Nevada, southern Utah and northwest Arizona.
If your travel plans take you into Las Vegas on Tuesday get ready for one bumpy ride!
Later in the day on Tuesday the storm will begin a slow crawl to the east. It is expected to bring heavy snow into Colorado and northern New Mexico, both across higher and lower elevations.
If the low takes the right track, residents of Denver could be shoveling 1 to 2 feet of snow by Thursday morning.
Late Thursday, but especially into Friday and Saturday, we could be looking at a severe weather outbreak in the areas outlined on the map below.
It will all depend on just how this storm system evolves over the next 36 hours and the exact track it takes.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
New England Soaked Saturday
Widespread moderate to heavy rain doused much of New England on Saturday, with particularly heavy amounts reported across New Hampshire, southern Vermont and east-central upstate New York.
There were plenty of observer comments from the region on Saturday, reporting everything from thuder to rainfall rates topping 1-inch per hour.
With the intense rainfall area waterways are running high so use caution if out and about in that part of the nation today.
One observer in New Hampshire filled the inner tube too fast and lost some rainfall on the table! Oh I have done that before -- it is just horrible!
The observer near Saratoga Springs, New York, reported such intense rainfall that he had to take an alternate route home making for a nearly 90 minute commute from Albany.
An observer in Vermont described the roar of a nearby brook as deafening at times during the heavy rain bands.
There were plenty of observer comments from the region on Saturday, reporting everything from thuder to rainfall rates topping 1-inch per hour.
With the intense rainfall area waterways are running high so use caution if out and about in that part of the nation today.
One observer in New Hampshire filled the inner tube too fast and lost some rainfall on the table! Oh I have done that before -- it is just horrible!
The observer near Saratoga Springs, New York, reported such intense rainfall that he had to take an alternate route home making for a nearly 90 minute commute from Albany.
An observer in Vermont described the roar of a nearby brook as deafening at times during the heavy rain bands.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Unsettled Week Ahead
Below you are looking at the current "threats outlook" from the Climate Prediction Center for the upcoming week.
This is based off current forecast information and could certainly be tweaked a little as we move through the weekend.
Regardless of how the exact details play out, there is one thing we can say for certain and that is get ready for an active week ahead -- in particular across the western United States.
Some places may be really active such as the Front Range of the Rockies where the current outlook for mid-week is to have a pretty good snowstorm!
The southeast US may see an increasing threat for heavy rain with a plume of tropical moisture currently moving across the Bahamas.
This is based off current forecast information and could certainly be tweaked a little as we move through the weekend.
Regardless of how the exact details play out, there is one thing we can say for certain and that is get ready for an active week ahead -- in particular across the western United States.
Some places may be really active such as the Front Range of the Rockies where the current outlook for mid-week is to have a pretty good snowstorm!
The southeast US may see an increasing threat for heavy rain with a plume of tropical moisture currently moving across the Bahamas.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Heavy Rain In Midwest
Wow did you see all the heavy rain reports today on the CoCoRaHS map?
Dozens of reports in the 2 to 4 inch range from Texas to southern Wisconsin.
In Louisiana, severe weather broke out on Thursday with at least 6 tornado reports in Cameron and Jefferson Davis parishes.
One report included cars flipped over on Interstate 10 at the town of Jennings as the tornado passed by.
Damage was also reported in the town of Elton.
Today the heavy rain has shifted a little east into the Tennessee and Ohio River valleys.
A new storm system is moving into the Pacific Northwest.
Dozens of reports in the 2 to 4 inch range from Texas to southern Wisconsin.
In Louisiana, severe weather broke out on Thursday with at least 6 tornado reports in Cameron and Jefferson Davis parishes.
One report included cars flipped over on Interstate 10 at the town of Jennings as the tornado passed by.
Damage was also reported in the town of Elton.
Today the heavy rain has shifted a little east into the Tennessee and Ohio River valleys.
A new storm system is moving into the Pacific Northwest.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Hurricane Neki Parallels Hawaii
Hurricane Neki continues to churn up the waters in and around Hawaii and the storm moves north-northeast with winds of 120 mph.
The center was located about 500 miles west of Honolulu at last advisory.
Hurricane warnings are in effect for the Papahanaumokuakea National Monument and from Nihoa Island to French Frigate Shoals to Maro Reef.
Right now it appears the biggest impact to our 50th state from the hurricane will be higher-than-normal, and rougher-than-normal surf. Some increased showers and windy conditions may also be possible, especially on the northern end of the island chain.
Ok...so after reading the hurricane warning for Papahanaumokuakea National Monument, I had to do a little research to see what that is -- I've never heard of it.
It is the largest marine conservation area in the world, covering more than 139,000 square miles of the Pacific Ocean.
It was created by Presidential proclamtion on June 15, 2006.
Click here to learn more by visiting their web site.
The center was located about 500 miles west of Honolulu at last advisory.
Hurricane warnings are in effect for the Papahanaumokuakea National Monument and from Nihoa Island to French Frigate Shoals to Maro Reef.
Right now it appears the biggest impact to our 50th state from the hurricane will be higher-than-normal, and rougher-than-normal surf. Some increased showers and windy conditions may also be possible, especially on the northern end of the island chain.
Ok...so after reading the hurricane warning for Papahanaumokuakea National Monument, I had to do a little research to see what that is -- I've never heard of it.
It is the largest marine conservation area in the world, covering more than 139,000 square miles of the Pacific Ocean.
It was created by Presidential proclamtion on June 15, 2006.
Click here to learn more by visiting their web site.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Forecasters Say El Nino To Make Return
The most recent ocean data and trends show a return to El Niño climate conditions for the upcoming winter.
Click here to view a PDF file of the latest forecast information.
Typically, El Niño creates warmer-than-average winters in the upper Midwest states and the Northeast.
Central and southern California, northwest Mexico and the southwestern U.S. are usually wetter-than-normal.
The northern Gulf of Mexico states and northeast Mexico are usually both wetter and cooler than average.
If you are up for some reading, here is a lot more info on El Niño.
Click here to view a PDF file of the latest forecast information.
Typically, El Niño creates warmer-than-average winters in the upper Midwest states and the Northeast.
Central and southern California, northwest Mexico and the southwestern U.S. are usually wetter-than-normal.
The northern Gulf of Mexico states and northeast Mexico are usually both wetter and cooler than average.
If you are up for some reading, here is a lot more info on El Niño.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Hurricane Rick Weakens, Checking On Alaska
Once the second most powerful hurricane ever observed in the eastern Pacific, Hurricane Rick is no more.
The storm encountered conditions during that day on Monday that weakened it from a category 3 hurricane down to a strong Tropical Storm.
It is still expected to move in a northeast manner over the next 36 hours and give the southern Baja of California a glancing blow.
Meanwhile, let's look up toward Alaska and see what is happening right now. There are no signs of arctic air building which is good news.
We often look toward Alaska during the fall and winter months to see if large bubbles of cold air are in place. Many times these eventually break off and move south toward the lower 48.
We keep a very close eye on Alaska between December and February.
Right now, Alaska has been running above normal in terms of temperatures. Some places in the southeast US have been seeing weather similar to what has been observed in Fairbanks over recent days.
Things are cooling off in Fairbanks to more normal readings for late October, which means their highs will be in the upper 20s and lower 30s with lows in the teens.
Lately highs have been as high as the mid 50s if you can believe that!
The CoCoRaHS map for Monday, October 19, can be seen above. It was one of the most quiet national maps I have seen in quite some time.
Wet on the edges with a little bit of spotty precip here and there, such as across the inter-mountain west.
But other than that, dry for most observers.
That will change in the days ahead as a new storm system moves onshore in the west and enters the Rockies for mid-week!
My latest poll closed on Monday with 74 votes. The question was when do you think the first widespread arctic outbreak will sweep across the lower 48 states.
37% think before Halloween, 44% think during November and the rest say sometime in December.
A new poll is up so check it out!
The storm encountered conditions during that day on Monday that weakened it from a category 3 hurricane down to a strong Tropical Storm.
It is still expected to move in a northeast manner over the next 36 hours and give the southern Baja of California a glancing blow.
Meanwhile, let's look up toward Alaska and see what is happening right now. There are no signs of arctic air building which is good news.
We often look toward Alaska during the fall and winter months to see if large bubbles of cold air are in place. Many times these eventually break off and move south toward the lower 48.
We keep a very close eye on Alaska between December and February.
Right now, Alaska has been running above normal in terms of temperatures. Some places in the southeast US have been seeing weather similar to what has been observed in Fairbanks over recent days.
Things are cooling off in Fairbanks to more normal readings for late October, which means their highs will be in the upper 20s and lower 30s with lows in the teens.
Lately highs have been as high as the mid 50s if you can believe that!
The CoCoRaHS map for Monday, October 19, can be seen above. It was one of the most quiet national maps I have seen in quite some time.
Wet on the edges with a little bit of spotty precip here and there, such as across the inter-mountain west.
But other than that, dry for most observers.
That will change in the days ahead as a new storm system moves onshore in the west and enters the Rockies for mid-week!
My latest poll closed on Monday with 74 votes. The question was when do you think the first widespread arctic outbreak will sweep across the lower 48 states.
37% think before Halloween, 44% think during November and the rest say sometime in December.
A new poll is up so check it out!
Monday, October 19, 2009
Super Hurricane Rick, Winter Outlook
Wow what a monster! Hurricane Rick peaked with winds at 180 mph over the weekend not too far off the Mexican coastline.
That makes Rick the second strongest hurricane ever recorded in the eastern Pacific. The strongest on record was Hurricane Linda back in 1997 with 185 mph winds.
Thankfully Rick has weakened down to a Category 3 storm with winds of 115 mph. That is still extremely dangerous -- but much better than what it was over the weekend.
The storm is moving toward the resort town of Cabo San Lucas, and will make a landfall on the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula late Tuesday or early Wednesday.
Click here to visit the National Hurricane Center for the latest forecast information.
Looking ahead to the winter, it looks like El Nino will have an influence on the weather pattern over the next several months, according to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service.
Click here for a breakdown of the forecast by region.
If this forecast verifies, it will be some good news for California as they are potentially going to be wetter-than-normal.
That makes Rick the second strongest hurricane ever recorded in the eastern Pacific. The strongest on record was Hurricane Linda back in 1997 with 185 mph winds.
Thankfully Rick has weakened down to a Category 3 storm with winds of 115 mph. That is still extremely dangerous -- but much better than what it was over the weekend.
The storm is moving toward the resort town of Cabo San Lucas, and will make a landfall on the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula late Tuesday or early Wednesday.
Click here to visit the National Hurricane Center for the latest forecast information.
Looking ahead to the winter, it looks like El Nino will have an influence on the weather pattern over the next several months, according to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service.
Click here for a breakdown of the forecast by region.
If this forecast verifies, it will be some good news for California as they are potentially going to be wetter-than-normal.
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