Monday, May 7, 2012

thermometer obsession... (am.07.may.12)>

We have mostly clear skies as the sun rises over the mountains on this Monday morning.  I've recorded a mild overnight low temperature of 62.8F (17.1C), with no additional precipitation since last report.  Total rainfall over the weekend at my location on Tushita Road just below the mountaineering center was 0.35" (0.9cm).

Things certainly look promising at this hour of the morning, but we've been betrayed before, after a nice sunny start!  Our weather pattern has been in a major period of transition since last Thursday, as the pattern throughout all levels of the atmosphere shifts into more of a summer-time mode.  Unfortunately, we've been caught in between the building heat and sunshine on the plains, and the lingering cold air trapped in the mountains.  The computer models have been ignoring, or at least overlooking the micro-climate effects that have generated lots of clouds and occasional rounds of showers and thunderstorms the last couple of days.

Indications are strong that this warmer air will gradually take more territory over the next few days, allowing our temps to finally reach levels that we've been forecasting since late last week.  But... the threat of thunderstorms will remain with us as atmospheric battles continue to take place along the south and southwest-facing mountain ranges.  Looks like we'll have to remain braced for wild swings and sudden changes...

MONDAY:
sunshine and occasional clouds.  warmer... with a risk of a thundershower, mainly during the PM.
high: 26C (78F)

MONDAY NIGHT:
partly cloudy.  a thundershower or two in the area.
low: 18C (65F)

TUESDAY:
warm.  a mix of sun and clouds, with a chance of a period of thundershowers.
high: 27C (80F)

WEDNESDAY:
partly cloudy and warm.  a couple of showers and thunderstorms in the area.
morning low: 19C (66F)
daytime high: 27C (81F)

THURSDAY:
both sunshine and clouds.  summer-like... with a risk of a thunderstorm.
morning low: 19C (67F)
daytime high: 28C (82F)

FRIDAY:
partly cloudy skies.  good chance of a round or two of showers and storms.
morning low: 19C (67F)
daytime high: 27C (81F)