Friday, April 22, 2011

average for april... (am.22.apr.11)>

it is 57.3F (14C) with 100% clear skies at dawn.  there has been no measurable rainfall during the past 24 hours (despite a few sprinkles yesterday afternoon), and our total rainfall for the month of april stands at 5.97" (15.2cm).  that number is in record territory for april.

the big forecast question for the day concerns the possibility of more clouds and thundershower development over the mountains during the afternoon.  our overall weather pattern is quiet, but this pesky lingering pool of cold air aloft, in combination with a heated-up surface after a few hours of sunshine, has been giving us a few of hours of instability between about 1 and 4pm.  there will be lots of sun to both start and end the day, but just be aware of the potential for a mountain thundershower which could slide into mcleod as it dies out during the mid- to late afternoon.  on the other hand, the rapid warming aloft could squelch that potential today altogether... we'll have to wait and see.

the more significant news concerns the aggressive warming trend which is already underway, and which will continue into the middle of next week.  we are going to see the warmest temperatures of the year so far, along with skies that remain 70-80% sunny over the easter weekend... and for a few days thereafter.  i have a hard time remembering the last time we had a weekend without the threat of a major storm system moving in!  this year we've really had to scratch and claw our way to summer-like weather...

FRIDAY: lots of sun this morning.  becoming partly cloudy this afternoon with a random light thundershower possible.
high: 24C (75F)

FRIDAY NIGHT: mostly clear and pleasantly mild.
low: 15C (59F)

SATURDAY: mostly sunny skies... warming continues...
high: 25C (77F)

EASTER SUNDAY: lots of sunshine.  the warmest day of the year!
high: 26C (79F)

MONDAY: mostly sunny with summer-like warmth.
high: 27C (80F)

TUESDAY: partly cloudy, hazy and warm.
high: 27C (80F)