USGS data show that river and reservoir levels in Central Alabama continue to be well below normal, with some of the largest impacts on the Coosa and Tallapoosa Rivers. At this point, it will take several inches of rain to raise water levels in major rivers and reservoirs - four inches of rain over 24 hours would raise reservoir levels by about one foot, which still would not bring them to normal winter levels.
While a small amount of rain in the forecast won't end the drought, every bit of extra moisture helps! This is a great time to make sure that your house gutters and downspouts discharge onto your lawn or another grassy area, instead of pavement. This allows rain water to slowly soak into the ground, where it helps to recharge groundwater supplies that feed our local streams and rivers.
(Sources: National Weather Service, Birmingham, AL: Drought Information for Central Alabama, November 21, 2007. http://www.srh.noaa.gov/bmx/hydro/drought.phpUS EPA Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds, www.epa.gov/owow))
Friday, November 30, 2007
Weather History - Nov. 30
1957 - Lee slope winds enhanced by Hurricane Nina gusted to 82 mph at Honolulu, Hawaii, a record wind gust for that location. Wainiha, on the island of Kauai, was deluged with 20.42 inches of rain, and 35 foot waves pounded some Kauai beaches, even though the eye of the hurricane was never within 120 miles of the islands. (30th-1st)
1976 - MacLeod Harbor, AK, reported a precipitation total for November of 70.99 inches, which established a state record for any month of the year.
1988 - Snow in the Upper Great Lakes Region pushed the precipitation total for the month at Marquette, MI, past their previous November record of 7.67 inches. Santa Anna winds in southern California gusted to 75 mph at Laguna Peak.
1976 - MacLeod Harbor, AK, reported a precipitation total for November of 70.99 inches, which established a state record for any month of the year.
1988 - Snow in the Upper Great Lakes Region pushed the precipitation total for the month at Marquette, MI, past their previous November record of 7.67 inches. Santa Anna winds in southern California gusted to 75 mph at Laguna Peak.
Mild Weather for the Weekend!
Temperatures will be slightly above average this weekend. Hello, I'm Meteorologist, Lauren Whisenhunt.Today will be another nice day with high pressure building back into the Deep South. Afternoon temperatures will be quite pleasant in the mid 60s with winds out of the North 5-10 mph.
Tonight will be chilly with lows dipping to near 40 degrees under partly cloudy skies. If you're headed out this evening, be sure to grab a jacket because after sunset at 4:39pm temperatures will be dropping.
Saturday will have above normal temperatures with highs in the upper 60s and mostly sunny skies. Typically this time of year, daytime highs are near 60 degrees with overnight lows around 39.
Sunday will be even milder with temperatures topping out near 70 degrees. However, an approaching frontal system will bring a chance of scattered showers or thundershowers especially during the afternoon and evening hours on Sunday into early Monday.
So, other than the need for the umbrella on Sunday, enjoy a very pleasant weather pattern this weekend!
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Weather History - Nov. 29
1896 - The mercury plunged to 51 degrees below zero at Havre, MT. It marked the culmination of a two week long cold wave caused by a stagnate high pressure area similar to those over Siberia during the winter. During the month of November temperatures across Montana and the Dakotas averaged 15 to 25 degrees below normal.
1969 - Dense fog along the Jersey Turnpike resulted in a chain reaction of vehicle collisions during the morning rush hour. A propane truck jackknifed and was struck by a trailer truck, and other vehicles piled into the fiery mass.
1975 - Red River was buried under 34 inches of snow in 24 hours, establishing a record for the state of New Mexico.
1969 - Dense fog along the Jersey Turnpike resulted in a chain reaction of vehicle collisions during the morning rush hour. A propane truck jackknifed and was struck by a trailer truck, and other vehicles piled into the fiery mass.
1975 - Red River was buried under 34 inches of snow in 24 hours, establishing a record for the state of New Mexico.
Another Beautiful Fall Day!
Take a jacket with you today because a cold front will move through this morning reinforcing the cool air over us. Hello, I'm Meteorologist, Lauren Whisenhunt.
A dry frontal system will move through this morning bringing with it a few additional clouds. Winds will switch and become more northerly today 5-15 mph. Daytime highs will be near 62 degrees. When you factor in the breezy, northerly winds today it's actually going to feel a little cooler at times.
The breezy, northerly winds behind this dry frontal system will actually allow colder air to filter into Central Alabama tonight. Expect mostly clear skies with overnight lows once again dipping into the mid 30s.
Friday will be another beautiful day with high pressure building back into the Deep South. Temperatures will be right around average for this time of year near 64 degrees.
Our next chance of rain looks to be Sunday into Monday with temperatures in the mid-60's.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Mild Temperatures Wednesday Afternoon
Enjoy another beautiful day with mild temperatures. Hello, I'm Meteorologist, Lauren Whisenhunt.
It was a cold start to our Wednesday morning with temperatures in the 30's under clear skies. Some of the colder valleys reached the upper 20's this morning. BRRR!
Today, high pressure will slide to our east and with the clockwise flow around the high, our winds will become more southeasterly. As a result, expect afternoon temperatures to be in the mid 60s with mostly sunny skies. Normal highs this time of year are near 60 with overnight lows around 39. Tonight expect partly cloudy skies with an overnight low near 42.
A dry frontal system will bring us a few additional clouds on Thursday with highs in the low to mid 60s. Winds will switch and become more northerly later on tomorrow. This northerly wind will allow colder air filter into Central Alabama with overnight lows once again dipping into the mid 30s tomorrow night.
Friday will have tranquil weather as another high pressure system build into the Deep South. Temperatures will be right around average for this time of year near 60 degrees.
Our next chance of rain looks to be by the latter half of the weekend.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Weather History - Nov. 28
1921 - New England was in the midst of a four day icestorm, their worst of record. Ice was more than three inches thick in many places following the storm, and property damage was in the millions of dollars. Northern New England received heavy snow with more than two feet reported in some areas. Overnight freezing rains continued through the day at Worcester MA while the wind increased to a gale. Streets become impassable even on foot, and whole towns were plunged into darkness without communication. The storm caused 20 million dollars damage to power lines, telephone lines and trees.
1987 - Low pressure in the Middle Mississippi Valley produced a mixture of snow and sleet and freezing rain from the Central Plains to the Upper Mississippi Valley. Snowfall totals in Iowa ranged up to ten inches at Red Oak. Totals in Nebraska ranged up to 11 inches at Shickley. Freezing rain made roads treacherous in the Twin Cities area of southeastern Minnesota. Bitter cold arctic air invaded the Northern High Plains Region. Laramie WY was the cold spot in the nation with a morning low of 18 degrees below zero.
1988 - Thunderstorms spawned five tornadoes in North Carolina during the early morning hours. A powerful tornado ripped through one of the most densely populated areas of Raleigh destroying hundreds of homes and damaging thousands more. The tornado killed four persons along its 83 mile track, and injured 154 others. Total damage was estimated at more than 77 million dollars.
Click for larger image: The map below contains a zoomed view of the tornado that moved across the city of Raleigh on November 28, 1988. The fatalities, the majority of damage, and most of the injuries that occurred in Raleigh occurred between the red lines of the arrow shown below.
1987 - Low pressure in the Middle Mississippi Valley produced a mixture of snow and sleet and freezing rain from the Central Plains to the Upper Mississippi Valley. Snowfall totals in Iowa ranged up to ten inches at Red Oak. Totals in Nebraska ranged up to 11 inches at Shickley. Freezing rain made roads treacherous in the Twin Cities area of southeastern Minnesota. Bitter cold arctic air invaded the Northern High Plains Region. Laramie WY was the cold spot in the nation with a morning low of 18 degrees below zero.
1988 - Thunderstorms spawned five tornadoes in North Carolina during the early morning hours. A powerful tornado ripped through one of the most densely populated areas of Raleigh destroying hundreds of homes and damaging thousands more. The tornado killed four persons along its 83 mile track, and injured 154 others. Total damage was estimated at more than 77 million dollars.
Click for larger image: The map below contains a zoomed view of the tornado that moved across the city of Raleigh on November 28, 1988. The fatalities, the majority of damage, and most of the injuries that occurred in Raleigh occurred between the red lines of the arrow shown below.
Weather History - Nov. 27
A photo of a Krakatoan eruption, May 27, 1883, taken one week after the eruption’s start. No more photographs were taken for next three months because of the darkness. Source: Tom Simkin and Richard S. Fiske: Krakatau 1883: The Volcanic Eruption and Its Effects” Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington, DC, 1983, p. 16.1883 - Fire engines were called out in New York City and New Haven, CT, as a result of the afterglow of the sunset due to vivid red ash from the Krakatoa Volcano explosion in August.
1989 - A storm system crossing the north central U.S. spread snow across the Dakotas and Minnesota. Heavy snow fell in western South Dakota, with 18 inches reported at Galena. Strong winds associated with the storm gusted to 50 mph in the Great Lakes Region and the Great Plains, with blowing dust reported in Kansas. Thunderstorms associated with the same storm system produced damaging winds in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana during the evening, with gusts to 73 mph reported east of Ypsilante MI. Unseasonably warm weather prevailed ahead of the cold front. Twenty-three cities from the Gulf coast to the Ohio Valley and the Mid Mississippi Valley reported record high temperatures for the date, including Saint Louis MO with a reading of 76 degrees.
2005 - A major winter storm affected parts of Nebraska and the Dakotas during the 27th-28th. Snowfall accumulations of 16-20 inches were observed in parts of eastern South Dakota, while wind gusts exceeding 60 mph also accompanied the snow, creating blizzard conditions. Thousands of power outages were caused by the combination of strong winds and heavy snow. In South Dakota, about 8,000 utility poles and 10,000 miles of transmission line were brought down by the storm.
Nice Weather Returns
After some welcome rain yesterday, dry weather returns today. Hello, I'm Meteorologist, Lauren Whisenhunt.
We received some beneficial rain Sunday night into Monday thanks to a low pressure system and its associated cold. It was able to pull a lot of Gulf moisture up into the area ahead of the frontal system and therefore, brought us some much needed rain. Rainfall amounts ranged between 0.75 inches and nearly 2 inches. Despite this rainfall, however, we are still almost 22 inches in deficit in Birmingham. As a result, the excessive drought continues for the CBS 42 viewing area.
For today, drier air will rebuild into the Deep South causing skies to clear as the day progresses. We will start off with cloudy skies this morning due to an upper level disturbance. However, as it moves out of the area we will become mostly sunny this afternoon. Daytime highs will be near 60 with Northerly winds between 5-10 mph.
Tonight into tomorrow, the dry weather will continue. On Wednesday, expect afternoon temperatures to be near normal in the mid 60s with partly cloudy skies.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Weather History - Nov. 26
1888 - A late season hurricane brushed the East Coast with heavy rain and gale force winds. The hurricane passed inside Nantucket and over Cape Cod, then crossed Nova Scotia.
1896 - Snow and high winds hit the Northern Plains and the Upper Mississippi Valley, with a Thanksgiving Day blizzard across North Dakota. The storm was followed by a severe cold wave in the Upper Midwest. The temperature at Pokegama Dam MI plunged to 45 degrees below zero.
1988 - Thunderstorms produced severe weather over the Central Gulf Coast States during the late morning and afternoon hours. Five tornadoes were reported in Mississippi, with the tornadoes causing a million dollars damage at Ruleville, and in Warren County. In Utah, the town of Alta was blanketed with 15 inches of snow overnight, and during the day was buried under another 16.5 inches of snow.
1896 - Snow and high winds hit the Northern Plains and the Upper Mississippi Valley, with a Thanksgiving Day blizzard across North Dakota. The storm was followed by a severe cold wave in the Upper Midwest. The temperature at Pokegama Dam MI plunged to 45 degrees below zero.
1988 - Thunderstorms produced severe weather over the Central Gulf Coast States during the late morning and afternoon hours. Five tornadoes were reported in Mississippi, with the tornadoes causing a million dollars damage at Ruleville, and in Warren County. In Utah, the town of Alta was blanketed with 15 inches of snow overnight, and during the day was buried under another 16.5 inches of snow.
Much Needed Rain is Falling Over Alabama
We are receiving some much needed rain today with improving conditions later this evening. Hello, I'm Meteorologist, Lauren Whisenhunt.A Cold Front will continue to move eastward today and thankfully we are receiving some beneficial rain across the CBS 42 viewing area. So far, we have seen anywhere from a 1/2 to 1 inch of rain, with some localized heavier amounts in a few locations. A surface Low associated with this cold front will continue move more on a Northeasterly path and should miss us as it moves into Western Tennessee by midday. Expect cloudy skies today with showers likely this morning, mainly to the East of I-65. This afternoon expect a chance for showers, otherwise, mostly cloudy with daytime highs near 60 degrees. We will continue to see breezy conditions today with winds out of the South initially becoming more westerly this afternoon between 5-15 mph. Tonight we can expect decreasing clouds with overnight lows around 40.
High pressure will build in tomorrow making way for mostly sunny skies and highs near 60.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Weather History - Nov. 25
1970 - The temperature at Tallahassee, FL, dipped to 13 degrees, following a high of 40 degrees the previous day. The mercury then reached 67 degrees on the 26th, and highs were in the 70s the rest of the month.
1987 - An early morning thunderstorm in southeastern Texas produced high winds which rolled a mobile home east of Bay City killing two of the four occupants. Thunderstorms produced locally heavy rains in central and eastern Texas, with nine inches reported at Huntsville, and 8.5 inches at Wimberly. Snow fell across northern and central Lower Michigan, with totals ranging up to nine inches at Cadillac.
1988 - Thunderstorms produced severe weather in Arkansas, eastern Oklahoma and northwest Texas during the day and into the night. Thunderstorms in Texas produced softball size hail at Alba, and wind gusts to 80 mph at Krum. Hail and high winds caused nearly five million dollars damage at Kaufman TX, and strong downburst winds derailed twenty-eight freight cars at Fruitvale TX.
1987 - An early morning thunderstorm in southeastern Texas produced high winds which rolled a mobile home east of Bay City killing two of the four occupants. Thunderstorms produced locally heavy rains in central and eastern Texas, with nine inches reported at Huntsville, and 8.5 inches at Wimberly. Snow fell across northern and central Lower Michigan, with totals ranging up to nine inches at Cadillac.
1988 - Thunderstorms produced severe weather in Arkansas, eastern Oklahoma and northwest Texas during the day and into the night. Thunderstorms in Texas produced softball size hail at Alba, and wind gusts to 80 mph at Krum. Hail and high winds caused nearly five million dollars damage at Kaufman TX, and strong downburst winds derailed twenty-eight freight cars at Fruitvale TX.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
A Holiday Bright Idea!
Bright Idea: If you hang outdoor lights, consider trading-in larger bulbs for mini-lights or light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Mini-lights use about five percent as much energy as traditional bulbs, and LEDs use even less. LEDs also last up to 20 years, and do not generate as much heat as traditional bulbs. Regardless of the type of lights you use, add an automatic timer to avoid running lights all day. Limiting your light display to six hours in the evening can save a significant amount of energy. Also, try using the new LEDs for decorating your Christmas Tree.
(The Alliance to Save Energy. 2005. Energy-Efficiency Tips from Alliance to Save Energy Record Energy Costs, Holiday Bills. http://www.ase.org/content/news/detail/2737.)
IRON BOWL!
(Jordan-Hare Stadium)
Tailgating: Increasing Clouds, becoming Mostly Cloudy. 46-56 F
Kickoff: Mostly Cloudy with a few Showers. 48 F, Chance of Rain 20-30%
End of Game: Mostly Cloudy with numerous Showers. 46 F, Chance of Rain 40-50%
Weather History - Nov. 24
1812 - Southwesterly winds of hurricane force sank ships and unroofed buildings at Philadelphia and New York City.
1863 - The "battle above the clouds" was fought on Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga. Pre-frontal clouds obscured the upper battle- field aiding a Union victory.
1982 - Hurricane Iwa lashed the Hawaiian Islands of Niihau, Kauai, and Oahu with high winds and surf. Winds gusting to 120 mph caused extensive shoreline damage. Damage totalled 150 million dollars on Kauai, and fifty million dollars on Oahu. The peak storm surge on the south shore was six to eight feet. It marked the first time in 25 years that Hawaii had been affected by a hurricane.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Weather History - Nov. 24
Whooops! I almost forgot about the Blog today! Its the holidays. I think it might have been an overdose of Turkey Leftovers.... meaning I fell asleep. **Big thanks to Lauren for handling the blog Wednesday and Thursday while I was stuffing myself silly with Turkey and Dressing.
1909 - Rattlesnake Creek was deluged with 7.17 inches of rain in 24 hours to establish a record for the state of Idaho.
1943 - Northern New Hampshire was in the grips of a record snowstorm which left a total of 55 inches at Berlin, and 56 inches at Randolph. The 56 inch total at Randolph established a 24 hour snowfall record for the state. In Maine, Middle Dam received a record 35 inches of snow in 24 hours.
2004 - An outbreak of severe thunderstorms produced reports of 54 tornadoes across portions of Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas and Alabama. In Texas's Hardin county, one person was killed with three injured when a tornado struck during the afternoon. (I worked this event in Meridian, Mississippi).
1909 - Rattlesnake Creek was deluged with 7.17 inches of rain in 24 hours to establish a record for the state of Idaho.
1943 - Northern New Hampshire was in the grips of a record snowstorm which left a total of 55 inches at Berlin, and 56 inches at Randolph. The 56 inch total at Randolph established a 24 hour snowfall record for the state. In Maine, Middle Dam received a record 35 inches of snow in 24 hours.
2004 - An outbreak of severe thunderstorms produced reports of 54 tornadoes across portions of Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas and Alabama. In Texas's Hardin county, one person was killed with three injured when a tornado struck during the afternoon. (I worked this event in Meridian, Mississippi).
Thursday, November 22, 2007
NOV. 22--WEATHER HISTORY
Weather History - Nov. 22
1641 - An observer at Boston, MA, recorded a "great tempest of wind and rain from the southeast all night, as fierce as a hurricane, and thereupon followed the highest tide which we have seen since our arrival here".
1957 - Extremely destructive Santa Ana winds blew from Oxnard to San Diego and inland parts of southern California. The high winds produced a 28,000 acre brush fire on a 40-mile front west of Crystal Lake. People were ordered off streets in some areas due to flying debris.
1987 - Eight cities in the eastern U.S. reported record low temperatures for the date. Elkins, WV, reported a low of 5 degrees above zero. Gale force winds continued along the Northern Atlantic Coast.
1641 - An observer at Boston, MA, recorded a "great tempest of wind and rain from the southeast all night, as fierce as a hurricane, and thereupon followed the highest tide which we have seen since our arrival here".
1957 - Extremely destructive Santa Ana winds blew from Oxnard to San Diego and inland parts of southern California. The high winds produced a 28,000 acre brush fire on a 40-mile front west of Crystal Lake. People were ordered off streets in some areas due to flying debris.
1987 - Eight cities in the eastern U.S. reported record low temperatures for the date. Elkins, WV, reported a low of 5 degrees above zero. Gale force winds continued along the Northern Atlantic Coast.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!
A strong cold front will bring much cooler weather for Thanksgiving. Hello, I'm Meteorologist, Lauren Whisenhunt.
Showers are ending this morning across Central Alabama after a strong cold front moved through the area. Behind the front, expect breezy conditions and temperatures will turn much cooler this afternoon with gradually clearing skies by tonight. Temperatures around 56 degrees at lunch time will fall through the 40s later during Thanksgiving afternoon as brisk northerly winds between 10 and 20 mph usher in this much colder air.
Mostly Clear skies will accompany cold temperatures Thursday night with lows in the mid 30s.
The BIG shopping day on Friday will be quite pleasant weather-wise with mostly sunny conditions and highs in the mid 50s.
It's a big weekend in the State of Alabama. It's time for the IRON BOWL! Right now it looks like we could see widely scattered showers on Saturday at Auburn along with cool temperatures. Highs should be in the mid to upper 50's with partly sunny skies. We have a 30% chance for rain during tailgating festivities. At game time, the chance of rain will increase to 40%. It will be around 50 degrees at the 7pm kickoff with temperatures falling to the upper 40s by the end of the game. So have the rain coat available as the chance of rain increases into Saturday night as you pull for your favorite team at the Iron Bowl in Auburn.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
November 21--Weather History
1985 - Hurricane Kate made landfall during the evening hours near Mexico Beach, FL. Wind gusts to 100 mph were reported at Cape San Blas FL. It was the latest known hurricane to hit the U.S. so far north.
1987 - Squalls in the Lower Great Lakes Region and the Upper Ohio Valley produced 14 inches of snow at Snowshoe WV, and nearly eight inches at Syracuse NY. Eleven cities in the eastern U.S. reported record low temperatures for the date. Record lows included 21 degrees at Pinson AL, 9 degrees at Syracuse NY, and 8 degrees at Binghamton NY. Gale force winds lash the Middle and Northern Atlantic Coast, and the strong northwesterly winds produced wind chill readings as cold as 30 degrees below zero. Winds gusting to 60 mph at Trumansburg NY toppled a chimney onto a nearby truck.
1987 - Squalls in the Lower Great Lakes Region and the Upper Ohio Valley produced 14 inches of snow at Snowshoe WV, and nearly eight inches at Syracuse NY. Eleven cities in the eastern U.S. reported record low temperatures for the date. Record lows included 21 degrees at Pinson AL, 9 degrees at Syracuse NY, and 8 degrees at Binghamton NY. Gale force winds lash the Middle and Northern Atlantic Coast, and the strong northwesterly winds produced wind chill readings as cold as 30 degrees below zero. Winds gusting to 60 mph at Trumansburg NY toppled a chimney onto a nearby truck.
Thanksgiving Eve Forecast
Storms threaten the busiest travel day of the year. Hello, I'm Meteorologist, Lauren Whisenhunt.A strong cold front will bring periods of showers and thunderstorms to Central Alabama this afternoon into tonight. Temperatures are starting off our day in the mid 50s to low 60s with mostly cloudy skies. Our forecast models have been fairly consistent calling for a good chance of showers and thunderstorms developing Wednesday afternoon and continuing into Wednesday night/early Thursday morning. The Storm Prediction Center has put the NW part of Alabama under a slight risk for severe thunderstorms. Stay with CBS 42 and we'll definitely keep you updated. The primary threat right now looks to be strong straight line winds.
Expect a chance of lingering showers through the morning hours on Thanksgiving. Behind the front, we will see breezy conditions and temperatures will turn much cooler Thursday afternoon.
It's a big weekend in the State of Alabama. It's time for the IRON BOWL! Right now it looks like we could see widely scattered showers on Saturday at Auburn along with cool temperatures. Highs should be in the mid to upper 50's with partly sunny skies. We have a 30% chance for rain during tailgating festivities and at game time that will increase to a 40% chance. It will be 51 degrees at the 7pm kickoff with temperatures falling to the upper 40s by the end of the game.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Weather History - Nov. 20
1900 - An unusual tornado outbreak in the Lower Mississippi Valley resulted in 73 deaths and extensive damage across Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee.
1914 - The high temperature of 28 degrees at Atlanta, GA, was their earliest daily high below the freezing mark.
1914 - The high temperature of 28 degrees at Atlanta, GA, was their earliest daily high below the freezing mark.
Stormy Weather Mid-Week
Springlike weather prevails for one more day. But changes are just around the corner. Hello, I'm Meteorologist, Lauren Whisenhunt.Fair skies will start off our day with temperatures yet again on the warm side come this afternoon. Highs will be in the mid 70's with plentiful sunshine. We will begin to see more of a southerly flow today which will allow moisture to increase across the area ahead of the next storm system approaching us from the northwest.
The continuing concern by mid week will be a developing storm system that will affect our forecast on Wednesday. Our forecast models have been fairly consistent calling for a good chance of showers and thunderstorms developing Wednesday afternoon and continuing into Wednesday night/early Thursday morning. The Storm Prediction Center has put us under a slight risk for severe thunderstorms. Stay with CBS 42 and we'll definitely keep you posted on the lasted information.
Expect a chance of lingering showers through the morning hours on Thanksgiving. Behind the front, we will see breezy conditions and temperatures turning much cooler Thursday afternoon.
It's a big weekend in the State of Alabama. It's time for the IRON BOWL! Right now it looks like we could see a few widely scattered showers on Saturday at Auburn along with cool temperatures. Highs should be in the mid to upper 50's with partly sunny skies. The chance of rain is 30 percent during tailgating hours. At game time, expect a chance of showers as well from kickoff at 7pm with temperatures falling to the upper 40s by the end of the game.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Weather History - Nov. 19
1987 - A sharp cold front pushed across the Great Lakes Region and the Mississippi Valley. Northwest winds gusting to 50 mph in Iowa caused some property damage around Ottumwa, and wind chill readings reached 16 degrees below zero at Hibbing MN. Showers and thunder- storms over Florida produced 5.80 inches of rain in six hours at Cocoa Beach.
1988 - Strong thunderstorms developed during the mid morning hours and produced severe weather across eastern Texas and the Lower Mississippi Valley into the wee hours of the night. Thunderstorms spawned twenty-one tornadoes, including thirteen in Mississippi. One tornado killed two persons and injured eleven others at Nettleton MS, and another tornado injured eight persons at Tuscaloosa AL. Thunderstorms produced baseball size hail in east Texas and northern Louisiana, and Summit MS was deluged with six inches of rain in four hours.
2003 - Flooding affected the central Appalachians and Eastern Seaboard, with some isolated 8-inch rainfall totals across mountainous areas. There were 11 deaths caused by flooding in the region.
1988 - Strong thunderstorms developed during the mid morning hours and produced severe weather across eastern Texas and the Lower Mississippi Valley into the wee hours of the night. Thunderstorms spawned twenty-one tornadoes, including thirteen in Mississippi. One tornado killed two persons and injured eleven others at Nettleton MS, and another tornado injured eight persons at Tuscaloosa AL. Thunderstorms produced baseball size hail in east Texas and northern Louisiana, and Summit MS was deluged with six inches of rain in four hours.
2003 - Flooding affected the central Appalachians and Eastern Seaboard, with some isolated 8-inch rainfall totals across mountainous areas. There were 11 deaths caused by flooding in the region.
Thanksgiving Week Forecast
A few welcome showers yesterday have ended and we will start off the week with patchy dense fog. Hello, I'm Meteorologist, Lauren Whisenhunt.A weak frontal boundary that moved through the area yesterday produced only a Trace of rain across much of Central Alabama. Behind the Front, High Pressure builds in from the North and make way for partly cloudy skies. However, after the light rain we received yesterday, it has left a very moist air mass in place across the area. Therefore, we are starting off our Monday with patchy areas of dense fog with visibilities as low as 1/4 mile. The fog should mix out around mid morning making way for partly cloudy skies. After a rather mild start to the morning, temperatures will climb into the low 70's this afternoon along with a light Southerly flow.
Tuesday will be on the warm side with above average temperatures. Highs will be in the mid 70's with plentiful sunshine. We will begin to see more of a Southerly Flow on Tuesday which will allow moisture to increase across the area and help feed a storm system approaching us from the West.
The continuing concern in the long term will be that developing storm system out West. The models have been fairly consistent with a possible severe weather situation developing Wednesday Night through the morning hours on Thanksgiving. The models have hinted at the possibility of a slow down, meaning that the stronger storms could be Thursday Morning through mid day.
It's a big weekend in the State of Alabama and yes, I'm talking about the Iron Bowl! Right now it looks like we could see a few widely scattered showers on Saturday along with cooler temperatures. Highs should be in the mid to upper 50's with partly cloudy skies. Chance of rain is 20%.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Weather History - Nov. 18
1873 - A severe storm raged from Georgia to Nova Scotia causing great losses to fishing fleets along the coast. In Maine, the barometric pressure reached 28.49 inches at Portland.
1957 - A tornado, 100 yards in width, travelled a nearly "straight as an arrow" 27-mile path from near Rosa AL to near Albertville AL, killing three persons. A home in the Susan Moore community in Blount County was picked up and dropped 500 feet away killing one person.
1988 - Thunderstorms developing along a warm front drenched Little Rock AR with 7.01 inches of rain, smashing their previous record for the date of 1.91 inches.
1957 - A tornado, 100 yards in width, travelled a nearly "straight as an arrow" 27-mile path from near Rosa AL to near Albertville AL, killing three persons. A home in the Susan Moore community in Blount County was picked up and dropped 500 feet away killing one person.
1988 - Thunderstorms developing along a warm front drenched Little Rock AR with 7.01 inches of rain, smashing their previous record for the date of 1.91 inches.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Potential Thanksgiving Day Storms
A weak Cold Front to our North is slowly dragging Southward and could help produce a few light showers before Noon on Sunday. A weak mid-level disturbance to our West will also help with some small precipitation chances Sunday Afternoon, but only a slight chance of rain overall doesn't offer much hope for a drought stricken Alabama.Winds will shift behind the Front Sunday Afternoon to more of a Northerly Flow. This will help us clear out for Monday and Tuesday. As High Pressure settles over us for the first half of the week, the clockwise flow around the High will begin to rapidly increase the amount of moisture in the air. It will also serve to produce above average temperatures Monday and Tuesday.
The biggest concern in the long term will be a developing storm system out West. The models have been fairly consistent with a possible severe weather situation developing Wednesday Night through the morning hours on Thursday (Thanksgiving Morning). The GFS Surface Chart above shows precipitation at 12Z Thursday(morning).
As I can remember, of the last five Thanksgivings I have seen in the Twin State Region (AL,MS), four of them had a healthy dose of severe weather Thanksgiving Day. The trend may be extended so pay close attention to the development of this system in the coming days.
Looking at the 850mb Chart for 12 Thursday (same time as other chart), you will notice the sharp contrast of temperatures. The Cold Air will swoop in for Friday and Saturday. Mornings will be in the mid 30's and afternoons in the mid 50's.
Drought and Wildlife
While we often think about the impacts of drought conditions on humans, it's easy to forget that water scarcity affects wildlife, too. As wild animals search for reliable food and water sources, they may be coming closer to humans than they would under normal conditions. Most of the time wildlife are harmless - enjoy viewing them, but remember to keep your distance and avoid contact. While it may seem like a good idea to feed or provide water to backyard wildlife to lend a hand, it is actually much better to let wildlife fend for themselves. Deer and other animals are adapted to certain natural foods, and switching up their diet can make them sick. Artificial food sources can cause wildlife to crowd together, increase competition between animals, and increase the possibility for spreading disease; wildlife can also cause significant damage to your backyard shrubs and trees. If you want to offer food for wildlife in your backyard, stick to bird feeders - birds will benefit from feeders, without the side-effects!
Weather History - Nov. 17
1927 - A tornado cut a seventeen mile path across Alexandria and southeastern Washington, DC, injuring 31 persons. The tornado struck the Naval Air Station where a wind gust of 93 mph was recorded. A waterspout was seen over the Potomac River ninety minutes later.
1989 - Freezing temperatures overspread the southeastern U.S. in the wake of the severe weather outbreak of the previous two days. Eight cities reported record low temperatures for the date, including Gilbert AR with a reading of 8 degrees. A fast moving storm blanketed the Great Lakes Region and Upper Ohio Valley with snow during the night. Totals ranged up to 12 inches at Pellston MI and Little Valley NY.
1989 - Freezing temperatures overspread the southeastern U.S. in the wake of the severe weather outbreak of the previous two days. Eight cities reported record low temperatures for the date, including Gilbert AR with a reading of 8 degrees. A fast moving storm blanketed the Great Lakes Region and Upper Ohio Valley with snow during the night. Totals ranged up to 12 inches at Pellston MI and Little Valley NY.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Drought Update
HYDROLOGIC OUTLOOKNATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BIRMINGHAM AL
900 AM CDT THU NOV 15 2007
...DROUGHT INFORMATION STATEMENT FOR CENTRAL ALABAMA...
SYNOPSIS...
HIGH PRESSURE PREVAILED ACROSS CENTRAL ALABAMA DURING MUCH OF THE PAST WEEK PRODUCING DRY CONDITIONS. HOWEVER...A COLD FRONT MOVED ACROSS THE AREA OVERNIGHT PRODUCING SOME MUCH NEED RAINFALL. THE RAIN WAS INSUFFICIENT...HOWEVER...TO PROVIDE ANY SIGNIFICANT RELIEF FROM THE DROUGHT CONDITIONS. AS A RESULT...THE AREA OF EXCEPTIONAL DROUGHT HAS BEEN EXPANDED SLIGHTLY WEST AND SOUTH ON THE LATEST U.S.DROUGHT MONITOR. THE LATEST U.S. DROUGHT MONITOR NOW HAS THE EXCEPTIONAL DROUGHT AREA EAST OF A LINE FROM NEAR ADDISON TO BERRY TO JUST WEST OF MARION TO LOWNDESBORO TO CLAYTON. SEVERE TO EXTREME DROUGHT CONDITIONS CONTINUE TO THE WEST OF THIS AREA AS FAR AS ALINE FROM JUST WEST OF HAMILTON TO GAINESVILLE TO DIXONS MILL.AREAS TO THE WEST OF THIS IN EXTREME WEST ALABAMA CONTINUE IN MODERATE DROUGHT CONDITIONS. THE DROUGHT MONITOR CLASSIFIES DROUGHT WITHIN ONE OF THESE FIVE CATEGORIES:
1) ABNORMALLY DRY
2) MODERATE
3) SEVERE
4) EXTREME
5) EXCEPTIONAL
DURING THE PAST WEEK HIGH PRESSURE PREVAILED WITH MOSTLY DRY CONDITIONS. A COLD FRONT PUSHED ACROSS CENTRAL ALABAMA OVERNIGHT PRODUCING WIDESPREAD MODERATE RAINFALL. RAINFALL AVERAGED BETWEEN ONE QUARTER AND ONE INCH. HOWEVER...THIS WAS NOT ENOUGH TO PROVIDE ANY LONGTERM RELIEF TO THE SEVERE DROUGHT CONDITIONS. NORMAL RAINFALL FOR NOVEMBER ACROSS CENTRAL ALABAMA AVERAGES BETWEEN FOUR AND FIVE INCHES.
SOME PRECIPITATION AMOUNTS FOR CENTRAL ALABAMA JANUARY 1ST THROUGH NOVEMBER 14TH:
BIRMINGHAM 26.07
MONTGOMERY 32.11
ANNISTON 17.32
TUSCALOOSA 22.10
CALERA 28.72
TROY 33.44
AVERAGE PRECIPITATION EXPECTED AND DEPARTURE FROM NORMAL FROM JANUARY 1ST THROUGH NOVEMBER 14TH:
BIRMINGHAM 46.97 DOWN 20.90
MONTGOMERY 47.14 DOWN 15.03
ANNISTON 45.48 DOWN 28.16
TUSCALOOSA 49.56 DOWN 27.46
HYDROLOGIC IMPACTS...
STREAMFLOWS CONTINUED TO DECLINE DURING THE PAST WEEK...BUT THE RAINFALL OVERNIGHT HAS TEMPORARILY CAUSED A FEW STREAMS TO RETURN TO A NORMAL FLOW FOR THIS TIME OF THE YEAR. THE UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY REPORTS THAT THE MAJORITY OF THE AREA`S STREAM GAGES ARE STILL REPORTING BELOW NORMAL FLOWS...WITH MANY AT ALL TIME LOWS.
MAJOR RIVER AND RESERVOIR LEVELS CONTINUE MUCH BELOW NORMAL WITH SERIOUS NEGATIVE IMPACTS CONTINUING. POOL LEVELS IN MOST MAJOR RESERVOIRS ARE AT OR BELOW NORMAL WINTER LEVELS...WITH SOME NEAR OR AT RECORD LOW LEVELS. SOME OF THE MOST SERIOUS IMPACTS CONTINUE ON THE COOSA AND TALLAPOOSA RIVERS. ALEXANDER CITY HAS EXTENDED WATERLINES DEEPER INTO THE LAKE TO MAINTAIN ITS WATER SUPPLY. ALABAMA POWER COMPANY REPORTS THAT HYDRO POWER PRODUCTION HAS BEEN REDUCED BY ALMOST TWO THIRDS DUE TO THE VERY LOW STREAMFLOWS AND RESERVOIR LEVELS. NAVIGATION ON THE ALABAMA RIVER BELOW MONTGOMERY ALSO CONTINUES TO BE IMPACTED BY LOW RIVER STAGES. GRADUAL DECREASES IN RIVER AND LAKE LEVELS WILL CONTINUE IF ADDITIONAL RAINFALL DOES NOT OCCUR. IT WILL TAKE SEVERAL INCHES OF RAINFALL TO PRODUCE ANY SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN RESERVOIR LEVELS ACROSS CENTRAL ALABAMA.
Weather History - Nov. 16
1959 - The most severe November cold wave in U.S. history was in progress. A weather observing station located 14 miles northeast of Lincoln MT reported a reading of 53 degrees below zero, which established an all-time record low temperature for the nation for the month of November.
1987 - High winds and heavy snow created blizzard conditions across parts of eastern Colorado. Wind gusts reached 68 mph at Pueblo, and snowfall totals ranged up to 37 inches at Echo Lake. In Wyoming, the temperature dipped to 14 degrees below zero at Laramie. Strong thunderstorms in Louisiana drenched Alexandria with 16.65 inches of rain in thirty hours, with an unofficial total of 21.21 inches north of Olla. Flash flooding in Louisiana caused five to six million dollars damage. (15th-16th)r. Their high that day was one degree above zero.
1999- Hurricane warnings were in effect for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands as Hurricane Lenny threatened the islands. Lenny packed winds of 115 mph and was not only unusual because it was so late in the season. It was also unusual because it moved west to east across the Caribbean, making it the first hurricane to approach Puerto Rico from the west.
1987 - High winds and heavy snow created blizzard conditions across parts of eastern Colorado. Wind gusts reached 68 mph at Pueblo, and snowfall totals ranged up to 37 inches at Echo Lake. In Wyoming, the temperature dipped to 14 degrees below zero at Laramie. Strong thunderstorms in Louisiana drenched Alexandria with 16.65 inches of rain in thirty hours, with an unofficial total of 21.21 inches north of Olla. Flash flooding in Louisiana caused five to six million dollars damage. (15th-16th)r. Their high that day was one degree above zero.
1999- Hurricane warnings were in effect for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands as Hurricane Lenny threatened the islands. Lenny packed winds of 115 mph and was not only unusual because it was so late in the season. It was also unusual because it moved west to east across the Caribbean, making it the first hurricane to approach Puerto Rico from the west.
Mild Weekend Forecast
A very cold start to our Friday with lows at or below freezing this morning. Hello, I'm Meteorologist, Lauren Whisenhunt.
Today expect lots of sunshine today with highs around 60 degrees. Typically this time of year, daytime highs are around 65.
Bundle up this evening as you head out the door because it will be chilly once again for the high school games. At kickoff, expect clear skies and temperatures around 48 degrees. Temperatures will be dropping throughout the game into the lower 40's. Overnight lows will drop to the mid to upper 30s.
The weekend will be milder with more of a southerly wind. Highs will be in the mid 60s tomorrow with partly cloudy skies. Sunday will be pleasant as well with highs in the upper 60s. We do have a slight chance for showers on Sunday, otherwise partly cloudy.
Have a great weekend!
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Weather History - Nov. 15
1900 - A record lake-effect snowstorm at Watertown, NY, produced 45 inches in 24 hours. The storm total was 49 inches.
1987 - Thunderstorms spawned twenty-two tornadoes in eastern Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma. A tornado moving out of northeastern Texas killed one person and injured ninety-six others around Shreveport LA causing more than five million dollars damage. Tornadoes in Texas claimed ten lives, and injured 191 persons. A tornado caused more than nineteen million dollars damage around Palestine TX. Severe thunderstorms spawned eighteen tornadoes in Mississippi and seven in Georgia the next day, and thunderstorms in southeastern Texas produced wind gusts to 102 mph at Galveston, and wind gusts to 110 mph at Bay City, killing one person. There were a total of forty-nine tornadoes in the south central U.S. in two days. The tornadoes claimed eleven lives, injured 303 persons, and caused more than seventy million dollars damage.
1987 - Thunderstorms spawned twenty-two tornadoes in eastern Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma. A tornado moving out of northeastern Texas killed one person and injured ninety-six others around Shreveport LA causing more than five million dollars damage. Tornadoes in Texas claimed ten lives, and injured 191 persons. A tornado caused more than nineteen million dollars damage around Palestine TX. Severe thunderstorms spawned eighteen tornadoes in Mississippi and seven in Georgia the next day, and thunderstorms in southeastern Texas produced wind gusts to 102 mph at Galveston, and wind gusts to 110 mph at Bay City, killing one person. There were a total of forty-nine tornadoes in the south central U.S. in two days. The tornadoes claimed eleven lives, injured 303 persons, and caused more than seventy million dollars damage.
Windy and Colder Today
The NWS in Birmingham has issued a Lake Wind Advisory for Central Alabama from 9am until 5pm. Hello, I'm Meteorologist, Lauren Whisenhunt.A LAKE WIND ADVISORY INDICATES THAT WINDS WILL CAUSE ROUGH CHOP ON AREA LAKES. SMALL BOATS WILL BE ESPECIALLY PRONE TO CAPSIZING.
A STRONG COLD FRONT MOVED THROUGH CENTRAL ALABAMA OVERNIGHT...AND BRISK NORTH WINDS WILL INCREASE TODAY BEHIND THE FRONT. SUSTAINED WIND SPEEDS OF 15 TO 25 MPH CAN BE EXPECTED ON AREA LAKES ANDWATERWAYS.
Expect much cooler and drier air to return to Central Alabama. Current dewpoints are in the 30's and 40's which indicates a very dry airmass over us. Overall, we received anywhere from a quarter to a half of an inch of rainfall yesterday. We will also see brisk northerly winds 10-20 mph today. When you factor in the winds and temperatures, the wind chill is going to make it feel a lot colder outside. Temperatures will slowly climb to around 58 degrees by lunchtime. Then, the brisk northwest winds will continue to pump colder air into the CBS 42 viewing area causing temperatures to fall for the rest of the day.
Tonight will be quite cold with overnight lows falling into the 30's Friday morning. Be sure to bring your pets inside tonight!
Friday we have lots of sunshine throughout the day. Highs will be in the lower 60s Friday afternoon. Bundle up Friday evening as it will be chilly once again for the high school games with lows dipping to the mid 30s by night's end.
The weekend will be milder with highs returning to the upper 60s by Sunday.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Weather History - Nov. 14
1987 - The first major snowstorm of the season hit the Southern and Central Rockies, producing 12 inches at the Brian Head ski resort in Utah overnight. Strong and gusty winds associated with the storm reached 52 mph at Ruidoso NM. In the eastern U.S., the temperature at Washington D.C. soared to 68 degrees, just three days after being buried under more than a foot of snow.
1989 - Unseasonably warm weather prevailed east of the Rockies. Temperatures reached 70 degrees as far north as New England, and readings in the 80s were reported across the southeast quarter of the nation. Nineteen cities reported record high temperatures for the date. For the second time in the month Dallas/Fort Worth TX equalled their record for November with an afternoon high of 89 degrees. The high of 91 degrees at Waco TX was their warmest of record for so late in the season. Heavy snow blanketed parts of Wyoming overnight, with a foot of snow reported at Cody, and ten inches at Yellowstone Park.
1989 - Unseasonably warm weather prevailed east of the Rockies. Temperatures reached 70 degrees as far north as New England, and readings in the 80s were reported across the southeast quarter of the nation. Nineteen cities reported record high temperatures for the date. For the second time in the month Dallas/Fort Worth TX equalled their record for November with an afternoon high of 89 degrees. The high of 91 degrees at Waco TX was their warmest of record for so late in the season. Heavy snow blanketed parts of Wyoming overnight, with a foot of snow reported at Cody, and ten inches at Yellowstone Park.
Storms Possible Today
A strong cold front will move through the area later today and bring us a good chance for showers and thunderstorms. Hello, I'm Meteorologist, Lauren Whisenhunt.
For Today, temperatures will continue to be above average with highs in the mid 70s. Typically this time of year, afternoon highs are near 66 degrees. A strong cold front will approach the CBS 42 viewing area tonight into early tomorrow morning. This front will bring us another chance of some much needed rainfall. Anywhere from a quarter to a half an inch of rainfall is expected. Across central Alabama, we are more than 20 inches below our normal amount of rain, thus keeping us in an exceptional drought.
Out ahead of this cold front, expect a 40 percent chance of scattered showers or thunderstorms during the day, especially during the afternoon hours with southwest winds increasing to 10 and 15 mph.
A better chance of rain will come as the front crosses central Alabama tonight and pushes a line of thunderstorms our way. This line of storms may have some potential to produce strong to severe thunderstorms. We will certainly monitor this situation carefully tonight and keep you updated on CBS-42 and wiat.com.
By tomorrow afternoon, much cooler and drier air will return to Central Alabama behind this cold front with brisk northerly winds 10-20 mph. Daytime highs will only be in the mid 50's with overnight lows falling into the 30's Friday morning.
To end our work week it will be chilly on Friday with plenty of sunshine throughout the day. Highs will be in the upper 50s Friday afternoon.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Weather History - Nov. 13
Dust storm approaching Stratford, Texas. Circa 1930's.1933 - The first dust storm of the great dust bowl era of the 1930s occurred. The dust storm, which had spread from Montana to the Ohio Valley the day before, prevailed from Georgia to Maine resulting in a black rain over New York and a brown snow in Vermont. Parts of South Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa reported zero visibility on the 12th. On the 13th, dust reduced the visibility to half a mile in Tennessee.
1987 - A storm moving off the Pacific Ocean produced rain and gale force winds along the northern and central Pacific coast, and heavy snow in the Cascade Mountains. Cold weather prevailed in the southeastern U.S. Five cities reported record low temperatures for the date, including Asheville NC with a reading of 21 degrees.
Cooler Air by Weeks End
We will continue to see above average temperatures today and tomorrow, with cooler air by the end of the week. Hello, I'm Meteorologist, Lauren Whisenhunt.
For Today, we will continue to have above normal temperatures with highs in the mid 70s. Typically this time of year afternoon highs are in the mid-60's. A weak cold front will approach the northern half of the state and then it will stall. We have a slight chance for showers during the afternoon and evening hours today, but most of us will remain dry. Across central Alabama, we are more than 20 inches below our normal amount of rain, thus keeping us in an exceptional drought.
A better chance of rain will come with a secondary cold front that will move through late Wednesday night into early Thursday morning. Out ahead of the front, we have a 40 percent chance for showers and thunderstorms Wednesday afternoon with highs in the mid to upper 70s.
Wednesday night, as the front moves through, it will bring a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Some of these storms could be strong at times. Stay with CBS 42 and we'll definitely keep you posted on this situation. Since this front will move through during the overnight, there won't be any significant instability from daytime heating. Nonetheless, we are in the middle of our fall severe weather season. Thus, we will keep you informed if any of these storms threaten with severe potential.
By Thursday afternoon, much cooler and drier air will return to the CBS 42 viewing area behind this cold front with brisk northerly winds. Daytime highs will be in the low 60's.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Tree Growth and Temperature
Photosynthesis, or the process through which plants use the Sun’s energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into sugar, is most efficient at a certain optimal temperature. Although plants throughout the World have adapted to conditions unique to their locations, the warm and wet conditions in the equatorial tropical rain forests support what are by far the most productive and diverse ecosystems on the Planet. It appears, however, that the optimal temperature for photosynthesis is being surpassed. Since the early 1980’s, the average temperature in Costa Rica’s tropical rainforest has risen, and this trend has corresponded to a steady decline in annual tree growth. Conditions are the warmest and driest during El Niño years, and the coolest and wettest during La Niña years. On average, trees in Costa Rica’s rainforest grow over 80 percent more during cool and wet La Niña years than they do during hot and dry El Niño years.
(Source: Clark, DA. “Tropical rain forest tree growth and atmospheric carbon dynamics linked to interannual temperature variation during 1984-2000.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2003), vol.100, pp. 5852-5857)
Weather History - Nov. 12
1968 - A severe coastal storm produced high winds and record early snows from Georgia to Maine. Winds reached 90 mph in Massachusetts, and ten inches of snow blanketed interior Maine.
1974 - A great Alaska storm in the Bering Sea caused the worst coastal flooding of memory at Nome AK with a tide of 13.2 feet. The flooding caused 12 million dollars damage, however no lives are lost.
1988 - Thunderstorms developing ahead of a cold front produced severe weather in the Lower Mississippi Valley during the afternoon and early evening hours. Thunderstorms produced wind gusts to 80 mph at Bovina MS. Morning thunderstorms drenched Atlanta TX with more than four inches of rain.
1974 - A great Alaska storm in the Bering Sea caused the worst coastal flooding of memory at Nome AK with a tide of 13.2 feet. The flooding caused 12 million dollars damage, however no lives are lost.
1988 - Thunderstorms developing ahead of a cold front produced severe weather in the Lower Mississippi Valley during the afternoon and early evening hours. Thunderstorms produced wind gusts to 80 mph at Bovina MS. Morning thunderstorms drenched Atlanta TX with more than four inches of rain.
Milder Weather This Week
Winds will become more southerly and increase our moisture across Central Alabama. Hello, I'm Meteorologist, Lauren Whisenhunt.It's going to be another beautiful day across Central Alabama with mostly sunny to partly cloudy skies. Temperatures will be a few degrees above average through the end of the week. Typically this time of year we have daytime highs near 66 with overnight lows in the mid-40's. Today, temperatures will warm up to around 72 degrees. High pressure will move off to the east of us, therefore, increasing our moisture with a nice, southerly flow.
Tuesday, a weak cold front will approach the northern half of the state and then it will begin to stall. We have a slight chance for showers tomorrow, but most of us will remain dry, unfortunately. Currently in Birmingham, we are 21+ inches in deficit. Our best chance for rain will come with a secondary system that will move through soon after the first one. We have a chance for showers and thunderstorms Wednesday Afternoon into Thursday Morning. However, by lunchtime Thursday, it looks like we begin to clear out with partly cloudy skies and highs in the low to mid 70's.
The long term trends for some scattered showers on Saturday and Sunday of next week, but that sure is a long way out. A lot can change by that time. Daytime highs will be in the mid 60's which is average for this time of year.
Have a great week!
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Warm with a Touch of Rain
A Nice Southerly Flow will bring us warmer temperatures and more moisture. Hello, I'm Meteorologist, Charles Daniel.
Enjoy another beautiful and warm day on Monday. We should be about 4-5 degrees above average across Central Alabama as a nice Southerly Flow brings an increase in moisture.
Tuesday, a Cold Front approaches the northern portion of the state and should begin to stall. It will be close enough to help with a shower or two late Tuesday and Tuesday Night. A Secondary Cold Front will come screaming in behind the first and drive it on through Wednesday Afternoon into Thursday Morning. This will be our best chance of rain. By lunchtime Thursday, I think we begin to clear out and sunshine will return.
The long term trends for some scattered showers on Saturday and Sunday of next week, but that sure is a long way out. A lot can change by that time. Just start thinking about alternate plans if you have any outdoors activities planned.
Enjoy another beautiful and warm day on Monday. We should be about 4-5 degrees above average across Central Alabama as a nice Southerly Flow brings an increase in moisture.
Tuesday, a Cold Front approaches the northern portion of the state and should begin to stall. It will be close enough to help with a shower or two late Tuesday and Tuesday Night. A Secondary Cold Front will come screaming in behind the first and drive it on through Wednesday Afternoon into Thursday Morning. This will be our best chance of rain. By lunchtime Thursday, I think we begin to clear out and sunshine will return.
The long term trends for some scattered showers on Saturday and Sunday of next week, but that sure is a long way out. A lot can change by that time. Just start thinking about alternate plans if you have any outdoors activities planned.
Put Yard Waste to Use
This is the time of year when leaves are falling and many homeowners head outside for a backyard clean-up. Instead of sending leaves, branches, and last season’s plants to the landfill, consider putting these items to use as mulch, compost, and wildlife habitat in your yard.
Raking leaves under shrubs and into garden beds will provide a protective layer of mulch around plants, as well as an area for birds and small animals to forage for food. You can also shred leaves with your lawnmower and add them to a compost pile. If you are trimming branches or cleaning up fallen debris, consider building a small brush pile in your yard to provide shelter for birds and other wildlife as weather cools. You may also want to hold-off on removing any seed-bearing plants and grasses until spring - these plants can serve as a food source for birds throughout winter. Please remember to keep your yard wastes out of the street and storm drain, where they can be carried into local waters during the next rain, putting water quality at risk.
(Source: Audubon at Home. 2004. Monthly Tips and Reminders for Your Healthy Yard. www.audubon.org)
Weather History - Nov. 11
1911 - The central U.S. experienced perhaps its most dramatic cold wave of record. During the early morning temperatures across the Central Plains ranged from 68 degrees at Kansas City to 4 above North Platte NE. In Kansas City, the temperature warmed to a record 76 degrees by late morning before the arctic front moved in from the northwest. Skies become overcast, winds shifted to the northwest, and the mercury began to plummet. By early afternoon it was cold enough to snow, and by midnight the temperature had dipped to a record cold reading of 11 degrees above zero. Oklahoma City also established a record high of 83 degrees and record low of 17 degrees that same day. In southeastern Kansas, the temperature at Independence plunged from 83 degrees to 33 degrees in just one hour. The arctic cold front produced severe thunderstorms and tornadoes in the Mississippi Valley, a blizzard in the Ohio Valley, and a dust storm in Oklahoma.
1940 - An Armistice Day storm raged across the Great Lakes Region and the Upper Midwest. A blizzard left 49 dead in Minnesota, and gales on Lake Michigan caused ship wrecks resulting in another 59 deaths. Up to seventeen inches of snow fell in Iowa, and at Duluth MN the barometric pressure reached 28.66 inches. The blizzard claimed a total of 154 lives, and killed thousands of cattle in Iowa. Whole towns were isolated by huge snowdrifts.
1940 - An Armistice Day storm raged across the Great Lakes Region and the Upper Midwest. A blizzard left 49 dead in Minnesota, and gales on Lake Michigan caused ship wrecks resulting in another 59 deaths. Up to seventeen inches of snow fell in Iowa, and at Duluth MN the barometric pressure reached 28.66 inches. The blizzard claimed a total of 154 lives, and killed thousands of cattle in Iowa. Whole towns were isolated by huge snowdrifts.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Weather Disco
Another Wonderful day on Sunday as we begin to warm up some. Hello, I'm Meteorologist, Charles Daniel.
A Surge of Drier Air moved into Central Alabama on a strong Northerly Flow on Saturday. This will allow us to see a nice and chilly morning Sunday as clear skies and light winds give us maximum radiational cooling.
Through the day on Sunday, winds will shift to become more Easterly and then Southeasterly. This will aid in our warming up. A trend which will continue through mid week. We should get back into the low 70's Monday and mid 70's Tuesday and Wednesday even with small rain chances showing up.
A Cold Front approaching from the Northwest will run up against a fairly stubborn Ridge of High Pressure. The Ridge may fight off the Front somewhat, helping it stall just to our North. It will still be close enough to bring us a few small rain chances Tuesday night. By Wednesday, the Front may drift Southward enough to help produce a few widely scattered showers in the afternoon, aided by daytime heating. This scenario will most likely play out again on Thursday.
Another push of Colder Air has been hinted at here and there for next weekend. A little to far out to see clearly right now.
A Surge of Drier Air moved into Central Alabama on a strong Northerly Flow on Saturday. This will allow us to see a nice and chilly morning Sunday as clear skies and light winds give us maximum radiational cooling.
Through the day on Sunday, winds will shift to become more Easterly and then Southeasterly. This will aid in our warming up. A trend which will continue through mid week. We should get back into the low 70's Monday and mid 70's Tuesday and Wednesday even with small rain chances showing up.
A Cold Front approaching from the Northwest will run up against a fairly stubborn Ridge of High Pressure. The Ridge may fight off the Front somewhat, helping it stall just to our North. It will still be close enough to bring us a few small rain chances Tuesday night. By Wednesday, the Front may drift Southward enough to help produce a few widely scattered showers in the afternoon, aided by daytime heating. This scenario will most likely play out again on Thursday.
Another push of Colder Air has been hinted at here and there for next weekend. A little to far out to see clearly right now.
Weather History - Nov. 10
1915 - An unusually late season tornado struck the central Kansas town of Great Bend killing eleven persons along its 35 mile track. The tornado destroyed 160 homes in Great Bend killing 11 persons and causing a million dollars damage. Hundreds of dead ducks dropped from the sky northeast of the track's end
1987 - A cold front brought snow to the Appalachian Region and freezing temperatures to the central U.S. Up to nine inches of snow blanketed Garrett County of extreme western Maryland. Freezing temperatures were reported as far south as El Paso TX and San Angelo TX. Gale force winds lashed the Middle Atlantic Coast and the coast of southern New England. Thunderstorms brought fire quenching rains to Alabama, and produced large hail and damaging winds to eastern North Carolina. Ahead of the cold front, seven cities in Florida and Georgia reported record high temperatures for the date as readings warmed into the 80s.
1989 - Windy and wet weather prevailed across Washington State. Strong southerly winds gusted to 70 mph at Rattlesnake Ridge, near Hanford. Six rivers in western Washington State rose above flood stage between the 9th and the 11th of the month, following eight days of moderate to heavy rain. Rainfall over the western slopes of the Cascade Mountains between the 3rd and the 10th ranged from 14 to 24 inches. High freezing levels also caused the early snowpack to melt, adding to the runoff in the rain-swollen rivers. Damage was heaviest in Whatcom County, where the Nooksack River caused nearly six million dollars damage, mostly to roads and bridges. 
Rattlesnake Lake near North Bend, Washington.
Friday, November 9, 2007
Weather History - Nov. 09
1913 - The "freshwater fury", a rapidly deepening cyclone, caused unpredicted gales on the Great Lakes. Eight large ore carriers on Lake Erie sank drowning 270 sailors. Cleveland OH reported 17.4 inches of snow in 24 hours, and a total of 22.2 inches, both all-time records for that location. During the storm, winds at Cleveland averaged 50 mph, with gusts to 79 mph. The storm produced wind gusts to 80 mph at Buffalo NY, and buried Pickens WV under three feet of snow.
1987 - Showers and gusty winds associated with a cold front helped extinguish forest fires in the Appalachian Region and clear out smoke in the eastern U.S. Thunderstorms produced locally heavy rains from eastern Texas to the Tennessee Valley. Longview TX received 3.12 inches of rain, including two inches in two hours, Tupelo MS was soaked with 2.80 inches of rain.
Milder Weather this Afternoon
Temperatures will warm up just in time for the weekend. Hello, I'm Meteorologist Lauren Whisenhunt.
It was a very cold start to our Friday morning with overnight lows once again ranging from the upper 20's to mid-30's. Temperatures look to return to normal come this weekend. Typically this time of year afternoon highs are around 67 degrees with overnight lows near 47. For today, expect mostly sunny skies with westerly winds increasing to around 5-10 mph by the afternoon hours. High temperatures will be pleasant in the upper 60s.
Friday night football will have seasonably cool readings in the 50s under mostly clear skies. Low temperatures will drop to the mid 40s by night's end. Be sure and grab a jacket before you head out this evening. Temperatures will cool off rather quickly after sunset.
High Pressure will remain dominant this weekend after a weak, dry frontal system moves through the area Friday into Saturday. This front will do little to affect the forecast. However, our winds will switch to become more northerly around 5 mph. We will see plenty of sunshine this weekend with highs ranging from the upper 60's on Saturday to lower 70's Sunday afternoon.
Enjoy your weekend!
It was a very cold start to our Friday morning with overnight lows once again ranging from the upper 20's to mid-30's. Temperatures look to return to normal come this weekend. Typically this time of year afternoon highs are around 67 degrees with overnight lows near 47. For today, expect mostly sunny skies with westerly winds increasing to around 5-10 mph by the afternoon hours. High temperatures will be pleasant in the upper 60s.
Friday night football will have seasonably cool readings in the 50s under mostly clear skies. Low temperatures will drop to the mid 40s by night's end. Be sure and grab a jacket before you head out this evening. Temperatures will cool off rather quickly after sunset.
High Pressure will remain dominant this weekend after a weak, dry frontal system moves through the area Friday into Saturday. This front will do little to affect the forecast. However, our winds will switch to become more northerly around 5 mph. We will see plenty of sunshine this weekend with highs ranging from the upper 60's on Saturday to lower 70's Sunday afternoon.
Enjoy your weekend!
Thursday, November 8, 2007
A Cold Start to our Thursday!
Hello, I'm Meteorologist Lauren Whisenhunt.
Overnight Lows (Thursday Morning): Birmingham 31, Anniston 28, Gadsden 25, Oneonta 29, Cullman 29, Jasper 30, Fayette 29, Hamilton 31, Tuscaloosa 29, Talladega 30, Sylacauga 29 and Clanton 30. BRRR!!!!!
A RED FLAG WARNING IS IN EFFECT FROM NOON UNTIL 6PM.
A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONSARE EITHER OCCURRING NOW...OR WILL SHORTLY. OUTDOOR BURNING IS STRONGLY DISCOURAGED.
We are seeing the Coldest Air of the season so far thanks to a strong ridge of high pressure. However, we will see a slight chance in the airmass over us come this afternoon as winds shift to become more southwesterly. Typically this time of year, daytime highs are around 67 and overnight lows near 44. Morning temperatures today ranged from the upper 20's to lower 30's. For today, expect mostly sunny skies and a high around 62 degrees with winds out of the SW 5-10 mph. Tonight, it will be clear and cold with overnight lows dropping into the upper 30's. Some locations could reach a few degrees colder, especially rural areas.
High Pressure will remain dominant today and tomorrow, but a weak, dry frontal system will move through the area Friday into Saturday. This Front will do little to affect the forecast right now. We will probably see a few extra clouds on Saturday and winds will more than likely shift to become more northerly behind the system. Expect lots of sunshine this weekend with highs ranging from the mid-60's to lower 70's.
Overnight Lows (Thursday Morning): Birmingham 31, Anniston 28, Gadsden 25, Oneonta 29, Cullman 29, Jasper 30, Fayette 29, Hamilton 31, Tuscaloosa 29, Talladega 30, Sylacauga 29 and Clanton 30. BRRR!!!!!
A RED FLAG WARNING IS IN EFFECT FROM NOON UNTIL 6PM.
A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONSARE EITHER OCCURRING NOW...OR WILL SHORTLY. OUTDOOR BURNING IS STRONGLY DISCOURAGED.
We are seeing the Coldest Air of the season so far thanks to a strong ridge of high pressure. However, we will see a slight chance in the airmass over us come this afternoon as winds shift to become more southwesterly. Typically this time of year, daytime highs are around 67 and overnight lows near 44. Morning temperatures today ranged from the upper 20's to lower 30's. For today, expect mostly sunny skies and a high around 62 degrees with winds out of the SW 5-10 mph. Tonight, it will be clear and cold with overnight lows dropping into the upper 30's. Some locations could reach a few degrees colder, especially rural areas.
High Pressure will remain dominant today and tomorrow, but a weak, dry frontal system will move through the area Friday into Saturday. This Front will do little to affect the forecast right now. We will probably see a few extra clouds on Saturday and winds will more than likely shift to become more northerly behind the system. Expect lots of sunshine this weekend with highs ranging from the mid-60's to lower 70's.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Freeze Warning
...COLD AIR CONTINUES TO SPREAD ACROSS CENTRAL ALABAMA...THE COLDEST AIR OF THE FALL SEASON SO FAR WILL CONTINUE TO SPREAD INTO CENTRAL ALABAMA TONIGHT. WITH CLEAR SKIES...DRY AIR...AND WINDS BECOMING CALM OVERNIGHT...CONDITIONS WILL BE PERFECT FOR TEMPERATURES TO DROP BELOW FREEZING ACROSS THE ENTIRE AREA.
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BIRMINGHAM HAS ISSUED A FREEZE WARNING...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO 8 AM CST THURSDAY.
ANOTHER NIGHT OF FREEZING TEMPERATURES IS LIKELY AGAIN TONIGHT.OVERNIGHT LOWS ARE EXPECTED TO DROP TO AT LEAST THE LOWER 30S INMOST AREAS...WITH SOME 20S LIKELY IN THE NORMALLY COLDER OUTLYING AREAS.
A FREEZE WARNING MEANS SUB-FREEZING TEMPERATURES ARE IMMINENT OR HIGHLY LIKELY. THESE CONDITIONS WILL KILL CROPS AND OTHER SENSITIVE VEGETATION.
Weather History - Nov. 07
1940 - The Galloping Gertie bridge at Tacoma, WA, collapsed in strong winds resulting in a six million dollar loss, just four months after the grand opening of the new bridge. The winds caused the evenly sized spans of the bridge to begin to vibrate until the central one finally collapsed. From that point on bridges were constructed with spans of varying size.
1951 - At 7 AM a blinding flash, a huge ball of fire, and a terrific roar occurred over parts of Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas, caused by a disintegrating meteor. Windows were broken in and near Hinton OK by the concussion.
Grab a Jacket!
A RED FLAG WARNING IS IN EFFECT FROM NOON UNTIL 6PM. Hello, I'm Meteorologist, Lauren Whisenhunt.
A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONSARE EITHER OCCURRING NOW...OR WILL SHORTLY.
A strong ridge of High Pressure will bring us the Coldest Air of the season so far. Brrrrr! Typically this time of year, daytime highs are around 67 and overnight lows near 44. Morning temperatures today ranged from the upper 20's to lower 30's. Keep your winter jacket handy the next couple of days because temperatures will drop back down near the freezing mark Thursday morning! Don't forget about your pets! Bring them inside tonight so they'll stay warm.
High Pressure will remain dominant through the rest of the week as a weak Cold Front approaches the area by Friday Evening. This Front will do little to affect the forecast right now. I think it may lend itself to produce a few extra clouds and that's it. The High Pressure will keep us Dry and Cold in the mornings and Cool in the afternoons through the work week. By the weekend expect Temperatures to gradually warm back into the Low 70's.
A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONSARE EITHER OCCURRING NOW...OR WILL SHORTLY.
A strong ridge of High Pressure will bring us the Coldest Air of the season so far. Brrrrr! Typically this time of year, daytime highs are around 67 and overnight lows near 44. Morning temperatures today ranged from the upper 20's to lower 30's. Keep your winter jacket handy the next couple of days because temperatures will drop back down near the freezing mark Thursday morning! Don't forget about your pets! Bring them inside tonight so they'll stay warm.
High Pressure will remain dominant through the rest of the week as a weak Cold Front approaches the area by Friday Evening. This Front will do little to affect the forecast right now. I think it may lend itself to produce a few extra clouds and that's it. The High Pressure will keep us Dry and Cold in the mornings and Cool in the afternoons through the work week. By the weekend expect Temperatures to gradually warm back into the Low 70's.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Freeze Warning
...COLDEST AIR SO FAR THIS FALL SEASON SWEEPING INTO CENTRAL ALABAMA......FREEZE WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO 8 AM CST WEDNESDAY...
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BIRMINGHAM HAS ISSUED A FREEZE WARNING...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO 8 AM CST WEDNESDAY. THE FREEZE WATCH IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT.
SOME OF THE COLDEST AIR SO FAR THIS FALL SEASON WILL OVERSPREAD THE AREA TONIGHT. AS WINDS DIMINISH AND SKIES REMAIN CLEAR...TEMPERATURES TONIGHT ARE EXPECTED TO FALL INTO THE 30 TO 35 DEGREE RANGE. IN SOME OF THE MORE NORMALLY COLDER LOCATIONS... READINGS MAY FALL INTO THE UPPER 20S.
A FREEZE WARNING MEANS SUB-FREEZING TEMPERATURES ARE IMMINENT OR HIGHLY LIKELY. THESE CONDITIONS COULD DAMAGE CROPS AND OTHER SENSITIVE VEGETATION.
A LAKE WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM CST THIS AFTERNOON. A LAKE WIND ADVISORY INDICATES THAT WINDS WILL CAUSE ROUGH CHOP ON AREA LAKES. SMALL BOATS WILL BE ESPECIALLY PRONE TO CAPSIZING.
Weather History - Nov. 06
1951 - Snow fell from the Texas panhandle to the Lower Great Lakes, leaving record totals of 12.5 inches at Saint Louis MO, and 14.1 inches at Springfield MO. Other heavier snowfall totals included 20 inches at Nevada MO, 13.5 inches at Sedan KS, 13 inches at Decature IL, and 10 inches at Alva OK. In the Saint Louis area, up to 20 inches was reported in Washington County.
1961 - Gusty winds and low relative humidity helped to spawn a fire through Bel Air and Topanga Canyons in Los Angeles County. Over 15,500 acres and 514 buildings were destroyed.
1989 - Unseasonably warm weather prevailed in the south central and southeastern U.S. Nine cities from Florida to Oklahoma and Texas reported record high temperatures for the date as readings warmed into the 80s. The high of 89 degrees at the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport in Texas equalled their record for November.
1961 - Gusty winds and low relative humidity helped to spawn a fire through Bel Air and Topanga Canyons in Los Angeles County. Over 15,500 acres and 514 buildings were destroyed.
1989 - Unseasonably warm weather prevailed in the south central and southeastern U.S. Nine cities from Florida to Oklahoma and Texas reported record high temperatures for the date as readings warmed into the 80s. The high of 89 degrees at the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport in Texas equalled their record for November.
Freeze Watch!
A Freeze Watch will go into effect after 9pm tonight for areas mainly along and north of I-20. Hello, I'm Meteorologist, Lauren Whisenhunt.
A strong cold front moved through our area late last night into early this morning. Behind this front, breezy northerly winds 10-15 mph with higher gust. We will continue to see much colder air being ushered in as we head through the day. Expect plentiful sunshine this afternoon with highs in the mid to upper 50's. High temperatures will be about 10 degrees BELOW normal this afternoon. Brisk northerly winds between 10 and 20 mph will definitely make it feel even colder with the wind chill factor.
A Lake Wind Advisory is in effect area-wide until 6pm for northerly winds 15-20 mph with locally stronger gusts...especially over open water areas.
Tonight will be quite cold with lows dipping to the mid 30s. The NWS has issued a Freeze Watch that will go into effect at 9pm tonight. PLEASE don't forget about your pets! Bring them inside where it is warm!
Wednesday will be chilly with mostly sunny skies. We will struggle to get close to 60 degrees by the afternoon hours. As high pressure settles over us Wednesday night, our winds will calm down and drier air will move in. Expect clear skies with overnight lows dipping down to near 32 degrees over much of the CBS-42 viewing area. As a result, once again protect the plants that you don't want to be harmed by these freezing temperatures.
Temperatures will return to normal as we head into the weekend. It looks to remain dry also for the rest of the week as well.
A strong cold front moved through our area late last night into early this morning. Behind this front, breezy northerly winds 10-15 mph with higher gust. We will continue to see much colder air being ushered in as we head through the day. Expect plentiful sunshine this afternoon with highs in the mid to upper 50's. High temperatures will be about 10 degrees BELOW normal this afternoon. Brisk northerly winds between 10 and 20 mph will definitely make it feel even colder with the wind chill factor.
A Lake Wind Advisory is in effect area-wide until 6pm for northerly winds 15-20 mph with locally stronger gusts...especially over open water areas.
Tonight will be quite cold with lows dipping to the mid 30s. The NWS has issued a Freeze Watch that will go into effect at 9pm tonight. PLEASE don't forget about your pets! Bring them inside where it is warm!
Wednesday will be chilly with mostly sunny skies. We will struggle to get close to 60 degrees by the afternoon hours. As high pressure settles over us Wednesday night, our winds will calm down and drier air will move in. Expect clear skies with overnight lows dipping down to near 32 degrees over much of the CBS-42 viewing area. As a result, once again protect the plants that you don't want to be harmed by these freezing temperatures.
Temperatures will return to normal as we head into the weekend. It looks to remain dry also for the rest of the week as well.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Drought Duration
The National Weather Service's Climate Prediction Center forecasts a slight improvement in drought conditions throughout the middle-Mississippi Valley, eastward and southward from October through December, meaning that Southeastern states may see slight improvement in drought conditions. However, because long-term drought conditions are "firmly entrenched" in much of the Southeast Region right now, it is extremely important to continue conserving water.
The kitchen is a great place to implement easy, water-saving habits:
--When you're cleaning up dishes, use a spatula to scrape dishes clean before putting them in the dishwasher, which will reduce the amount of water you use for pre-rinsing.
--Remember that many new dishwashers don't require you to pre-rinse dishes at all. Only run the dishwasher when you have a full load.
--Instead of running water to defrost foods, put them in the refrigerator to defrost overnight.
--Add an aerator to your kitchen faucet, which will slow the flow of water. Look for one that has a flow-rate no higher than one gallon-per-minute. Your local home improvement store can help.
(Sources: National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center: U.S. Seasonal Drought Outlook Archive - October-December 2007. http://www.cpc.noaa.gov/products/expert_assessment/sdo_archive/2007/sdo_ond07_text.shtml Conserve Water Georgia! Indoor Tips: http://www.conservewatergeorgia.net/Documents/indoor_tips.html; National Geographic, "The Green Guide: Faucets and Shower Heads: Lower the Flow." http://www.thegreenguide.com/blog/lighten-up/838)
The kitchen is a great place to implement easy, water-saving habits:
--When you're cleaning up dishes, use a spatula to scrape dishes clean before putting them in the dishwasher, which will reduce the amount of water you use for pre-rinsing.
--Remember that many new dishwashers don't require you to pre-rinse dishes at all. Only run the dishwasher when you have a full load.
--Instead of running water to defrost foods, put them in the refrigerator to defrost overnight.
--Add an aerator to your kitchen faucet, which will slow the flow of water. Look for one that has a flow-rate no higher than one gallon-per-minute. Your local home improvement store can help.
(Sources: National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center: U.S. Seasonal Drought Outlook Archive - October-December 2007. http://www.cpc.noaa.gov/products/expert_assessment/sdo_archive/2007/sdo_ond07_text.shtml Conserve Water Georgia! Indoor Tips: http://www.conservewatergeorgia.net/Documents/indoor_tips.html; National Geographic, "The Green Guide: Faucets and Shower Heads: Lower the Flow." http://www.thegreenguide.com/blog/lighten-up/838)
Weather History - Nov. 05
1894 - The famous Election Day snowstorm occurred in Connecticut. As much as a foot of wet snow fell, and the snow and high winds caused great damage to wires and trees. Winds gusted to 60 mph at Block Island RI.
1977 - A slow moving storm produced five to nine inch rains across northern Georgia causing the Toccoa Dam to burst. As the earthen dam collapsed the waters rushed through the Toccoa Falls Bible College killing three persons in the dorms. Thirty-eight persons perished at a trailer park along the stream.
1987 - Low pressure off the California coast produced stormy weather in the southwestern U.S. Flash flooding stranded 8000 persons in the Death Valley National Park of southern California. Thunder- storms over southern Nevada produced dime size hail and wind gusts to 68 mph around Las Vegas. Unseasonably mild weather in the northeastern U.S. was replaced with snow and gale force winds.
1977 - A slow moving storm produced five to nine inch rains across northern Georgia causing the Toccoa Dam to burst. As the earthen dam collapsed the waters rushed through the Toccoa Falls Bible College killing three persons in the dorms. Thirty-eight persons perished at a trailer park along the stream.
1987 - Low pressure off the California coast produced stormy weather in the southwestern U.S. Flash flooding stranded 8000 persons in the Death Valley National Park of southern California. Thunder- storms over southern Nevada produced dime size hail and wind gusts to 68 mph around Las Vegas. Unseasonably mild weather in the northeastern U.S. was replaced with snow and gale force winds.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Weather Disco
One more day of warmer temperatures as you head back to work or school, but the Cold Air will move in overnight. . Hello, I'm Meteorologist, Charles Daniel.Monday will be the last warm day we see for a little while. As the Center of High Pressure drifts to our East, we will begin to pick up a nice Southwesterly Flow in the atmosphere. This will help us warm up into the mid to upper 70's across Central Alabama. More importantly, this SW flow will bring an increase in moisture in the atmosphere. Don't get too excited. This slight increase in moisture will be enough to raise Dewpoints from the mid 40's into the low 50's. Still a very dry atmosphere as a Cold Front approaches. Clouds will slowly build up ahead of the front, but expect to see plenty of sunshine through most of Monday.
As the Front passes through Central Alabama Monday night, it could ring out a few showers here and there, but the overall rain chances are not impressive. I went with an aggressive 30% chance of rain. As the Front exits East Alabama Tuesday midday skies will quickly clear out and the sunshine will return.... the warmth won't!
Behind the Front, expect to see much, MUCH cooler temperatures. Morning temps will be as low as the Low 30's Wednesday morning and we will struggle to get close to 60 degrees in the afternoons on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Cold Front will bring us a re-enforcement of cold, dry air rather than a good chance of rain.
Drought Update
Synopsis...
The upper level low pressure system that brought rainfall to Alabama last week produced some scattered light rain last Thursday as it exited the region. Amounts were very light...averaging less than a tenth of an inch. High pressure then prevailed with dry conditions reported during the past week. However...the rainfall last week has provided some temporary relief to the severe drought conditions in Central Alabama...mainly in the western portions of the area. The latest U.S. Drought Monitor now has the D4 Exceptional Drought area east of a line from near Arley to Woodstock to Plantersville to Montgomery to Union Springs to Eufaula. D2 Severe to D3 Extreme Drought conditions continue to the west of this line as far as a Hamilton to Eutaw to Ft. Deposit line. Areas west of this line in extreme west Alabama are now in D1 Moderate Drought conditions.
The Drought Monitor classifies drought within one of these five categories:
D0...Abnormally Dry
D1...Moderate Drought
D2...Severe Drought
D3...Extreme Drought
D4...Exceptional Drought
During the past week, high pressure prevailed with mostly dry conditions. Monthly rainfall totals for October varied from around an inch in the extreme eastern counties of Central Alabama to a little over five inches in the extreme western counties. Normal rainfall for November across Central Alabama averages between four and five inches.
Even though some temporary improvement in drought conditions has occurred...mainly in the western areas...conditions will begin to deteriorate across Central Alabama again if additional rainfall does not occur.
Some precipitation amounts for Central Alabama from January 1st through October 31st :(For up to the most recent climate report...click on the city.)
Average precipitation expected and departure from normal from January 1st through October 31st :
Birmingham 44.89 -19.66
Montgomery 45.27 -13.16
Anniston 43.62 -27.43
Tuscaloosa 47.43 -26.27
Birmingham 44.89 -19.66
Montgomery 45.27 -13.16
Anniston 43.62 -27.43
Tuscaloosa 47.43 -26.27
Fire Danger Impacts...
The Fire Danger Risk remains high across Central Alabama. The Keetch-Byram Drought Indices (KBDI) remain generally in the 600 to 700 range north of a line from near Livingston to Alabaster to Auburn. This indicates a High Fire Danger continues. However...to the south of this line, indices are generally in the 400 to 500 range...indicating a less severe Fire Danger at this time.
The Alabama Forestry Commission reports that no counties are currently under a Fire Alert.
The Fire Danger Risk remains high across Central Alabama. The Keetch-Byram Drought Indices (KBDI) remain generally in the 600 to 700 range north of a line from near Livingston to Alabaster to Auburn. This indicates a High Fire Danger continues. However...to the south of this line, indices are generally in the 400 to 500 range...indicating a less severe Fire Danger at this time.
The Alabama Forestry Commission reports that no counties are currently under a Fire Alert.
Hydrologic Impacts...
Streamflows were beginning to decline once again as the effects from last week`s rainfall start to fade. The United States Geological Survey reports 40 to 45 percent of the state`s stream gages are reporting below normal flows...with ten percent of these gages at all time lows.
Streamflows were beginning to decline once again as the effects from last week`s rainfall start to fade. The United States Geological Survey reports 40 to 45 percent of the state`s stream gages are reporting below normal flows...with ten percent of these gages at all time lows.
Major river and reservoir levels continue much below normal with serious negative impacts continuing. Pool levels in most major reservoirs are at or below normal winter levels...with some approaching record low levels. Some of the most serious impacts continue on the Coosa and Tallapoosa rivers...where many boat landings have become unusable due to extremely low lake levels. On Lake Martin...all marinas have shut down because there is no access to them due to extremely low lake levels. Gradual decreases in lake levels will continue if significant rainfall does not occur.
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