2009.07.26
Between the temperature extremes this week, but maybe wet
I wrote in a Weather Journal column earlier this week about how temperatures are extremely cool for July in much of the northern and eastern states, while they are blazing in Texas. Here are some articles from The Associated Press detailing the effects of the unusually cool summer weather from the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest to the East Coast and the extreme heat and drought in Texas.
Locally, we'll be between the temperature extremes this week. The core of the coolest air will drift westward slightly, so we won't have temperatures way below normal, but the hottest air to the southwest will also be kept at bay, so don't expect stifling heat, either. Normal this time of year for Roanoke is highs in the upper 80s and lows in the upper 60s, and temperatures this week will likely be in the mid 80s most days with upper 60s at night, so very near or slightly above below normal. Expect moisture to build through the week with stalling fronts and weak disturbances providing a chance of showers and storms each day. The chances of heavier and more concentrated rain may grow later in the week as thicker sub-tropical moisture builds into the region.
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Looks like showers and storms are on the increase late this evening in the Roanoke and New River valleys. Don't be surprised to hear some thunder and a few downpours.
Comment by Kevin Myatt — July 26, 2009 @ 10:55 pm
We got rumbled pretty well for a long period of time last night. Several very close lightning strikes, including one barely across the field in front of our house, we got shook pretty well by that one. Rain was quite heavy too, we got over an inch last night.
Comment by Other John — July 27, 2009 @ 8:36 am
Expect some showers and storms to fire this afternoon, mainly along and east of the Blue Ridge. Would not be surprised to see some severe thunderstorm warnings go up in the Piedmont counties and Southside Virginia later today.
Comment by Kevin Myatt — July 27, 2009 @ 11:19 am
We only got .02" of rain last night; most of the storminess stayed west of us but the distant lightning was pretty. Storms look to be firing much further east today, and watches/warnings already up for the piedmont and points east...
Comment by Julie — July 27, 2009 @ 2:15 pm
Almost two inches of rain fell at our home in Washington County near Saltville from Saturday night through this morning. Storms especailly heavy last night with severe lightning and heavy rain.
Comment by Michael R. Hoback — July 27, 2009 @ 3:24 pm
There's not much reason to change this blog entry for Tuesday. It may be our weakest day for showers and storms, but there will probably be some in daytime heating (90 not entirely out of the question for Roanoke, but probably mid-upper 80s). Chances will increase with a front and upper-leve disturbance on Wednesday.
Comment by Kevin Myatt — July 28, 2009 @ 12:02 am
103 degrees is projected for Portland, Oregon later this week. WOW!! Glad we're not out there.
Comment by scott — July 28, 2009 @ 10:53 am
My wife Nancy and I now have our 2nd weather dog. I am off work today, and was watching tv about 2:30 pm when Nancy called out that our male dog Blondie was acting "antsy." So I checked Nexrad radar. Nothing. But within 5 minutes it was raining pretty good. Unbelievable. It is now about 4:15 and we just got hit with a brief but intense downpour. Folks, if your dog starts acting worried and there is no other apparent reason for it, and there is lots of humidity in the air, roll up the car windows. it may be about to rain, even if radar indicates otherwise!!!
Comment by Doug Griggs — July 28, 2009 @ 4:19 pm
My dog just gets in the tub if there's a storm within about 50 miles. Great hiking dog, not much of a storm-chasing dog! Still remembers good Arkansas tornado-drill training, though.
Comment by Kevin Myatt — July 28, 2009 @ 5:34 pm