Wednesday, April 25, 2012

moody skies... (am.25.apr.12)

The sun is trying to peek through clouds just after sunrise this morning.  I have 0.09" (2mm) in the rain gauge from last evening's thundershowers -- not much, considering the fact that we had thunder rumbling around the area almost continuously from 3pm until 10pm.  The overnight low temp here on Tushita Road just below the Mountaineering Center has been 60.4F (15.8C).

We're continuing to see sudden and dramatic swings in weather conditions... from full sunshine and warm temps to clouds, thunder and a cool breeze... in a matter of just a couple of hours.  This springtime variability is due to a continuing parade of weak upper-level disturbances and associated pools of colder air aloft, riding over the top of seasonably warm air in the lowest layers of the atmosphere.  Classic instability, as you've heard me talk about many times before if you're a regular follower of the blog.

Although we'll continue to see nice stretches of sunny and warm weather... this risk of random thundershower development will continue to plague us during the afternoon and evening hours.  Rainfall amounts should remain very light for the most part, but just be aware of the potential for rapid changes, and be prepared if you plan to be away from shelter.

Temperatures will continue to average very close to normal for the remainder of the week, but there are indications of a cool-down over the weekend... along with a chance of more widespread, significant rainfall.  Still too early to tell how it will pan out, but stay tuned for updated info...

WEDNESDAY:
a mix of clouds and sunshine.  risk of a thundershower or two in the area during the PM hours.
high: 25C (77F)

WEDNESDAY NIGHT:
chance of a thundershower before midnight.  otherwise partly cloudy.
low: 17C (62F)

THURSDAY:
warm, with sunshine and occasional clouds.  an isolated PM thundershower?
high: 26C (79F)

FRIDAY:
partly cloudy with a couple of showers or thunderstorms possible late in the day.
morning low: 18C (64F)
daytime high: 26C (78F)

SATURDAY:
both clouds and sun.  good chance of a period of thunderstorms.
morning low: 16C (61F)
daytime high: 24C (76F)

SUNDAY:
clouds and some periods of sun.  good chance of some showers and thunderstorms in the area.
morning low: 15C (59F)
daytime high: 23C (73F)