Sunday, March 11, 2012

noticeably milder... (pm.11.mar.12)>

Thin, high clouds have been on the increase the last few hours, but still, we have a fine evening underway.  Lots of sunshine today boosted my high temperature to 62.1F (16.7C) on Tushita Road just below the Mountaineering Center.  In my books, that's the warmest temp since last Sunday.

I ventured up above Dharamkot this afternoon and saw that the rhododendrons are blooming sporadically... there were a few trees full of blossoms, and others bare.  It was another one of those late winter/early spring days when it felt hot in the direct sun, but chilly in the shade, or during a gust of wind.  The fact that we held on to the sun for the entire day is a sign that our atmosphere is warming up not only at the surface, but in the mid- and upper-levels as well, though.

A general trend toward warmer weather is expected throughout the coming week, but we will have to contend with a weak storm system tomorrow into Tuesday.  Computer models are still in conflict mode as far as how this plays out... but we'll need to be prepared for a round or two of showers and thunderstorms, mainly from Monday afternoon into Tuesday afternoon.  As we've already witnessed this season, thunderstorms this time of year can be quite feisty... be prepared.

SUNDAY NIGHT:
increasing high clouds.  not as cool...
low: 9C (49F)

MONDAY:
a mix of clouds and some sun.  mild temps, with an increasing chance of a period of showers and thunderstorms.
high: 17C (62F)

TUESDAY:
partly cloudy, to mostly cloudy at times.  a few showers and thunderstorms in the area.
morning low: 9C (49F)
daytime high: 17C (62F)

WEDNESDAY:
sunshine and a period or two of clouds.
morning low: 10C (50F)
daytime high: 17C (63F)

THURSDAY:
partly to mostly sunny.  comfortable temps.
morning low: 10C (50F)
daytime high: 18C (64F)

FRIDAY:
sunshine and just a few clouds.  warmest of 2012?
morning low: 11C (52F)
daytime high: 19C (66F)