Quick Weather Update

My forecasting “jam” is typically elaborating on the weather 2-10 days from now. But, there’s very little to talk about here with boringly beautiful but dry weather. We’re just stuck under an upper level high (as shown by the colored contours) with sinking air giving blue skies, as shown by this European model forecast for Sunday morning. The blue arrows show the surface winds, which will turn from east to southeast on Sunday ushering back more humidity by Monday. Mostly sunny days should continue through at least April 19.

In contrast, there’s a lot that can be said concerning the long-range outlook for May into summer. Unfortunately, I just ran out of time due to some medical issues. I will mention a few things under “Long Range Ramblings” and get into my hurricane outlook on Sunday’s post.

The Foreca graphic shows the slow increase in temperature — most prominent in the jump in low temperatures from Sunday to Monday as the moisture returns. Very little chance of rain during this period, but there will be early morning clouds especially near the Lake and Sound as well as a cloudy period late Wednesday and Thursday. Time to start watering. Afternoons will be breezy as a bit of a sea breeze kicks in making it feel great.

There will be a few localized temperature differences. Highs in inland areas such as Hammond and Franklinton will be 3-4 degrees warmer while those near the Lake or Sound will be a few degrees cooler. Vice versa on the low temperatures.

Highs will climb into the mid 80s (upper 80s inland, low 80s near the Lake and Sound ) for the weekend of the 18th and 19th with lows in the 60s. Time to turn those pool heaters on. Next chance of any rain of consequence —- possibly April 20-23 (?).

For summer vacation planning: 1) Not the year to plan a trip to Acapulco or Puerto Vallarta due to an expected very active Eastern Pacific Hurricane season. 2) If traveling to Hawaii, early and mid summer will be great with lots of warm water but there could be a tropical storm or hurricane scare there in August or September. 3) Great year to travel to the Caribbean. Not expecting much in the way of hurricanes here (next week, I’ll give you more thoughts on the season.) 4) Domestically, pick the Smokies over Branson if you want to avoid the heat.