WEEKEND WEATHER FORECAST

[su_note note_color=”#d9f2da”]Fri 10:45 pm. Minor forecast updates highlighted below for Saturday.[/su_note]

The forecast for this weekend continues to evolve and has changed since I posted my “Weekend Outlook” yesterday. A dip in the jet stream, a stalled front to our south and a secondary coastal low will make for a less than stellar weekend.

A front will move through this evening with some showers. Most of the dynamics are moving to our north and the showers are not expected to be very heavy.

After the frontal passage which hangs to our south, skies had been expected to clear. However today’s NAM and GFS have upper air disturbances moving through our area that will cause significant cloudiness for Saturday, [su_highlight]mostly in the afternoon.[/su_highlight]  A northerly wind will bring cooler temperatures and the much of the day will be somewhat windy, [su_highlight]breezy[/su_highlight] with winds diminishing later in the afternoon. High temperatures 66-68.

For Sunday, there is still disagreement between the GFS and NAM regarding the timing and amounts of rain during the daytime hours.

It’s based on the uncertainty regarding low pressure developing along the stalled front to our south and the transfer of energy to a coastal low expected to develop.

The NAM has been consistent forecasting heavy rain for much of Sunday. It is supported by the European model (ECMWF).

The GFS and the new FV3-GFS have the rain moving in before daybreak with a hiatus during the late morning and afternoon hours.  So if the GFS and FV3-GFS are correct, Sunday mid-day won’t be a washout.  Impossible to say which is correct, but it’s something to hope for.  All models have it cloudy with an easterly cold wind and temperatures in the mid 50s!

Indigo Buntings Sighted

It’s been five years, almost to the day, that we were treated to seeing Indigo Buntings in our backyard and on our feeders.  Incredibly beautiful in color – they’re transient visitors, at least to our backyard.  (I believe they prefer open fields with tall brush/grasses.)

They’re difficult to photograph –  the slightest movement inside the window seems to scare them away.  I was lucky to get 3 pictures the other day.  They were back this morning, but I unable to get the camera working before they disappeared.   The last time around, they were here for only two days.   The photo color was not enhanced… this is really their color!

Indigo Bunting (male)
Indigo Bunting (male)
Indigo Bunting (male)

 

The Indigo Buntings returned this evening.  They look like different male Buntings from those seen a few days ago.

Another Male Indigo Bunting
Another male Indigo Bunting

The females are yellowish tan and look like finches.  I’m sure they’re also around but I haven’t realized they are Indigo Buntings.