2009.03.31
The first "April showers" of spring
Rain amounts of a quarter to half inch appear to be likely across most of the Southwest Virginia overnight and into Wednesday as showers break out along a cold front advancing eastward. Thunderstorm activity near the Gulf Coast may cut off a richer flow of moisture that would cause heavier rain, but considering there is more rain likely on the way Thursday night and Friday and then again early next week, there's no need to get all of it at once.
With April beginning at midnight, these indeed with be the first of the April showers that are said to lead to May flowers.
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I've got a fair number of flowers up now. The daffodils and primrose are blooming abundently, and my cleveland pears are getting ready to blossom within maybe another week (bradfords elsewhere already are, along with some redbuds and other plants). I've also got tulips coming up, and my flowering crabapple trees are getting ready too. The next few weeks will also give me an idea of how many of my plants I got in the ground last year have managed to survive...which will lead to my spring shopping list at Lowes, which I hope is minimal!
Comment by Other John — March 31, 2009 @ 4:59 pm
The SE USA rain pattern is nothing like is has been in the previous three years. Have we killed off the La Nina drought-causer for 2009?
Comment by Rick — March 31, 2009 @ 7:05 pm
Looks like the convection cut off the moisture yet again, just a few passing scattered showers moving through. All we've had so far is a few sprinkles...not even enough to completely dampen things. I hope the next rounds of rain are a little more impressive, though the long-range models seem to indicate a steady flow of storms and precip. for the next 2 weeks with a storm about every 3-4 days streaming off the Pacific, so it definitely looks like we have a very good chance at getting some more good soakers out of the pattern.
Comment by Other John — March 31, 2009 @ 8:20 pm
About a tenth of an inch in the Roanoke area ... the only time it rained pretty good here was when I neglected to wear a rain jacket walking my dog this morning ... but like you said, more chances coming, including a much bigger one Thursday night and Friday (major severe weather outbreak possible in states to our southwest)
Comment by Kevin Myatt — April 1, 2009 @ 10:33 am
We got just over a tenth too. I saw that the area is now down to just the "Abnormally Dry" drought status with the recent rains, and the CPC is also showing us as having good chances of being cool and wet for the next 2 weeks. Here is the drought monitor site link:
http://www.drought.unl.edu/dm/DM_southeast.htm
Let's keep up with the frequent rains and we might be able to break the shackles of the drought. We can only hope!
Comment by Other John — April 2, 2009 @ 10:10 am