Category Archives: Updates

FORECAST UPDATE- CLEARING TODAY?

[su_note note_color=”#defcdc”] Update 10 AM: I just downloaded the new HIRESW NMMB2 and HIRESW ARW2  (yes, so many  models, so little time.)  They are a little less optimistic about clearing.  At best, patchy clearing with highly scattered sprinkles possible, increasing about 4-5 PM.

HIRESW NMMB2      2 PM Simulated Radar and cloud cover

Well, we’re going to get a bike ride in, I hope.

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…from earlier—

The low clouds and widely scattered showers were expected this morning.

I just downloaded the very latest NAMNEST, HRRR and RAP model data.

All models have winds shifting to the west about 11-12:30 PM, bringing in some drier air.  The HRRR is most optimistic about seeing some sun and bright skies by 12-2 PM.  The NAM NEST also has brightening skies by 2 PM, although not as clear as the HRRR.

I’m using the (sometimes unreliable) built-in cloud parameters, but clearing also supported by looking at the humidity fields.

HRRR cloud forecast 2 PM  (Arrow shows clearing skies)
NAMNEST Cloud Forecast 2 PM  Arrow points to few clouds.
NAM 3-D humidity below 70% (grey, not blue here!) shows areas of clearing.

The models maintain an increased chance of showers again about 4-7 PM as the main front moves through and again this evening.

We’ll see if the patchy clearing occurs as predicted.

FORECAST UPDATE 9 AM

My snow forecast last night of “a coating at best” needs to be revised downward to virtually nothing.

Temps remain even warmer than predicted (34 º+)  and available moisture is very low right now.   QPF was only predicted at 0.01 inches water per hour and that’s turning out to be model noise.

Current radar is unimpressive:

NEXRAD    (Courtesy of weathertap.com)

So with predicted precipitation so small, most of the models showed model noise as precip.   (Looking back, the Canadian high resolution model from last night got this right.)  Heavier rain is expected tonight.