Weekend Looking Good, Tuesday Looking Wet.

Now that October is history, a quick look back at the month and where we stand so far this calendar year is in order.  Despite the very warm beginning and end of the month, October turned out to be about ½ degree cooler than normal.  The total ‘official' rainfall as recorded at the airport was 3.52" which is 0.41" below normal.  That leaves us more than 6" below normal on precipitation so far this year.  At least we are better off in that respect than we were at this time last year and the year before that  when we were on the order of 9-10" below normal in precipitation. 

The recent heavy rains for some locations have moved out leaving us with the prospects for a very pleasant weekend.   A re-enforcing surge of cooler air is arriving this afternoon with a brisk NW wind.  Temperatures will be in the upper 60s to near 70 this afternoon which is pretty close to normal, but only in the lower 60s Saturday and the mid 60s Sunday which is on the cool side.  It will also be rather chilly in the morning hours with lows near 40 Saturday and in the 30s to start the day Sunday. 

The brisk NW winds of this afternoon will settle down after sunset with a light NW wind and clear skies for the high school football games this evening.   Temperatures will be dropping into the lower 50s by the time the games are over.  Lighter northerly winds for Saturday will also make for some fine football weather for the TU game that afternoon. 

Light winds early Sunday morning will become gusty that afternoon and from the SE followed by strong southerly winds for Monday & Tuesday.  That will result in a much warmer start for Monday and Tuesday mornings with lows generally in the 50s.  Daytime highs will likely be in the 60s both days as cloudy skies will also be the general rule.  A few showers are possible Monday, but the chances will be really ramping up for that night and particularly for Tuesday and Tuesday night.  Notice the 7 day QPF map on the right which suggests the possibility of another round of potentially heavy rainfall which will be most likely during that time frame.  There is still some uncertainty regarding the timing, but current indications suggest a strong cool front will be pushing through the state Tuesday night bringing an end to the rain by Wednesday morning.   That will be followed by some chilly conditions going into the latter part of next week.

So, stay tuned and check back for updates.

Dick Faurot