Much Cooler, Actually More Like Normal.

Notice the maximum temperature map from yesterday when daytime highs were well into the 80s and even some low 90s across the state. Not quite at record levels for us, but still mighty warm for this time of year. Then, notice the 24 hour temperature change map from about mid-afternoon and it is obvious that some much cooler air is headed our way. Actually, that cooler air will just be a return to more normal conditions since we have been so much above normal over the last several days. In fact, it should be no surprise that so far this October, temperatures are running nearly 4 degrees above normal. The more normal readings for the rest of the month will bring that number down some, but this will still be a very warm October by the time it is all said and done.

The cooler air coming our way is due to a cold front that is moving through the state this evening and brisk northerly winds will bring the cooler and drier air with it. Unfortunately, not much in the way of rain is expected and what showers or thunder does occur tonight will have long since ended by sunrise Tuesday morning. That will be followed by lots of sunshine for the next several days along with the more seasonal temperatures.

Northerly winds of 10-15 Tuesday will become very light and return to a more SE direction on Wednesday. A stronger southerly wind on Thursday will be followed by another shift to northerly winds for Friday as another cold front arrives. This system looks to be basically dry but will be followed by even cooler conditions for Friday and Saturday. Not for long though as brisk southerly winds return on Sunday and Monday in advance of what looks to be a stronger storm system coming our way early next week. This system has the potential for more in the way of showers/storms, but that is certainly subject to change at this time frame so not going to get too excited about those prospects just yet.

Notice also the 8-14 day outlooks which would take through the end of next week. The longer range guidance has a strong signal suggesting warmer than normal temperatures throughout that time period so what cooling we do receive this coming weekend will not last long. Also, our chances of any significant rain makers are only slightly better than normal through that time period as well. By the way, our normal first freeze date is typically during that first week in November, but if this outlook verifies that does not appear to be very likely.

So, stay tuned and check back for updates.

Dick Faurot