Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

What a difference a day can make. Notice the map on the right which shows the 24 hour change in temperature. At least the winds have subsided and will only be on the order of 8-15 mph during the day today. Light and variable winds are expected for tonight and light southerly winds for Sunday. The winds are not expected to be particularly strong over the coming week either as no major storm systems look to be coming our way anytime soon. There will be some day to day variation in the wind direction as some weak fronts move into the state, but at this point no big storms are foreseen.

That also means a dry forecast and since 2010 ended up nearly 8" below normal, it looks like 2011 is also getting off to a dry start. Speaking of 2010, the month of December was the first month with below normal temperatures since last March and was nearly 2" below normal in precipitation. The dryness started back in the middle of July and there is no real relief in sight. We are well into our dry season now as the winter months are typically the driest time of year. As has been mentioned before, we are also in a developing drought situation. If we do not receive some significant moisture before things start to green up in the Spring, we could also have a serious wildfire season this year.

That is why I have spent some extra time around my place clearing out dead trees, brush, and broken limbs…..just in case.

At any rate, I trust this will be a happy and prosperous New Year for you and yours. As always, stay tuned and check back for updates.

Dick Faurot