2009.07.04
First rain in weeks likely; maybe last rain for weeks, too
After such a rainy May and first half of June, it's been nearly 3 weeks (June 17) since either Roanoke or Blacksburg got more than .01 inch of rain. That may change overnight and early Sunday, as an approaching low-pressure system and cold front spread moisture over the region. This rain may resemble more of a cold-season general rain rather than the thundery downpours more typical of this time of year, as Gulf of Mexico moisture overspreads relatively mild air near the surface. The Hydrometeorological Prediction Center projects that Southwest Virginia west of Roanoke may get .50 to .75 inch, while regions to the east may get .25 to .50 inch by early Sunday evening. (Link to rain potential map here).
While most of Southwest Virginia isn't hurting in the drought department right now thanks to surplus rains that preceded the recent dry period, we might want to get our tanks topped off tonight and Sunday, as there are strong indications that a long dry period (several days to perhaps weeks) may follow tonight's rain. Temperatures will continue to be very mild at first this week, but summerlike heat may gradually return by next weekend.
The first part of the rain mass to our wet fizzled coming over the mountains, leaving only sprinkles on Fourth of July fireworks in the Roanoke and New River valleys. We'll see if additional rain moving out of Kentucky and Tennessee meets the same fate overnight. With moisture building overnight, at least some of that will probably dampen our mornings going to church or Fifth of July activities.
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Haven't seen much of the Bermuda HIGH since May and even then is was a reluctant visitor.
Dry is the trade-off for cooler summer temps. Hard on backyard gardens but no complaints from me.
Comment by Sirius...The Star Dog — July 5, 2009 @ 9:50 am
It's been really nice here the last several days in Floyd Co.; we've had the windows open and plenty of fresh air with cool mornings in the mid-50s and afternoon highs only reaching the low 70s; only made it to 66 today. My guess is, we'll be paying for having sweatshirt weather in early July within the next few weeks' time... Pay me now or pay me later, as they say... But we'll take the cool weather for sure!! Welcome rains as well, did not have to water the garden today! Only had .17" in the rain gauge, but that's enough for now. Will have to keep our fingers crossed for some diurnal T-storms next week.
Comment by Julie — July 5, 2009 @ 7:22 pm
The last few years, it seems like the Bermuda high only wants to hang out in wintertime, when it can deflect winter storms away.
Comment by Kevin Myatt — July 5, 2009 @ 8:10 pm