Cooler Today, Warmer Sunday

Another windy but dry cool front pushed through the state last night which will leave us with lots of sunshine, a brief cool-down for today, followed by a quick warm-up for Sunday. In fact, temperatures will be well above normal at least through the middle part of the coming week. That means the month of January will end on a very mild note and since we are running nearly 6 degrees above normal so far this month, it will be quite a contrast to January of last year which was more than 2 degrees colder than normal. That 8 degree swing from one year to the next is remarkable to say the least. Will publish more on that in the days to come.

As mentioned, we can expect lots of sunshine today and the strong NW winds of last night will be much weaker during the day today with winds generally on the order of 10-15 mph. This will at least bring temperatures down to near normal levels with an afternoon high near 50. Tonight will be clear and cold, but our winds will be quickly returning to a more southerly direction overnight which should keep temperatures from totally bottoming out with lows near 30.

Sunday and Monday will also have lots of sunshine and daytime highs near 60 Sunday and well into the 60s Monday. A more S to SW wind of 10-15 mph on Sunday will give way to a stronger S to SW wind of 15-30 mph on Monday. The strength of the winds, the warmer temperatures, lower humidity levels and the dormant vegetation all add up to an enhanced fire danger situation for Monday and quite likely Tuesday as well.

A weak cool front will be in the area by Wednesday with a weaker northerly wind and somewhat cooler, but still above normal temperatures. There may be enough moisture pooling ahead of this system for a slight chance of showers for the more eastern counties for later Tuesday and on Wednesday, but this does not now appear to be much of a rain maker. However, much cooler air should be gradually working its way into the state over the course of the coming weekend.

So, the month of January looks to be ending on a very mild note and it looks like a quiet start to the month of February. Quite a contrast to what we experienced just one year ago.

In the meanwhile, stay tuned and check back for updates.

Dick Faurot