Wringing out Water in Space

This is a great video to share with the kids. It's from International Space Station Commander Chris Hadfield who shows a group of students how to wring out water on the ISS. Check it out!

Windy! and MUCH Cooler.

80°. 

That was the high temperature recorded at the Toledo Express Airport Thursday, April 18th. Nearly 20° above normal for this time of year, and only a few degrees shy of the record high. 

Let's do some quick math:

Map of NW Ohio/SE Michigan shows 24-hour Temperature Change

As of 2pm, Friday afternoon, temperatures are 36 degrees COLDER than they were at this time yesterday. 

That would make the current temperature roughly 44°.

Temperature Map of Ohio at 2pm, Friday, April 19th

The reason for the few degree difference is the timing. Thursday, the high of 80 degrees was reached later in the afternoon hours. 

So, why the significant difference? Two words. Cold front. Clearly depicted on the temperature map, the cold front is now pushing most of Thursday's warmth and moisture out of the Toledo area and into parts of NY, PA, and MD. Goodbye, 80s.

Also the culprit of Thursday's chance for severe weather, this very strong cold front developed early in the week, and stemmed down from a strong low pressure system, through the midwest, and into parts of Texas. Storm reports ranging from funnel cloud and tornado sightings to wind damage and flash flooding came out ahead of this cold frontal boundary Thursday afternoon.

The cold front approaching NW Ohio was the driving force of Thursday's chance of severe weather

This type of event, known as a QLCS, or a Quasi-Linear Convective System, is known for producing strong winds, and spinning up multiple weak tornadoes. It's nature is defined by the developing squall line as it pluses forward in a wavy pattern from north to south. At the surface, the powerful low pressure system is the driving force, and severe weather is often detected in the 'warm sector' ahead of the cold front. 80°? Yeah. That's our warm sector. 

Luckily for us, there was minimal severe weather to speak of in NW Ohio. The conditions were prime for the development of large hail, damaging winds, and even a possible tornado. But sometimes, even ideal conditions can come up short. 

As meteorologists, we are never unhappy when severe weather doesn't happen. If it must happen, we'd rather it happen in an open field, miles away from civilization, where we can study it. But in a highly populated area? No thanks. 

So, today, instead of picking up debris, and calling the Red Cross, we're simply dealing with colder, windier conditions. Since the low pressure system that passed north of Ohio was SO strong, we are now seeing winds between 20-30mph sustained and gusts up to 45mph. 

Sustained wind speeds as of 2pm, Friday, April 19th

Air will rush from high pressure to low, in an attempt to balance the atmosphere, and achieve a state of equilibrium. As the low tracks further and further away from Ohio, winds will continue to flow towards it. Hence, our Wind Advisory for SE Michigan. 

Wind Advisory in effect for Hillsdale, Lenawee and Monroe Counties until 10pm, Friday, April 19th

So, when will these winds die down? Soon. 

The low pressure system will move far enough away that it will lose its grasp on NW Ohio and surrounding areas, and the gusty winds will travel East along with it. Tomorrow will be much calmer, but still cold. We can't bounce back from these plummeting temperatures THAT quickly. In fact, there's a chance of flurries overnight into Saturday. 

Both Saturday and Sunday will be cool, but dry. And much less windy. 

7-Day Forecast, valid April 19th-April 25th, 2013

Maumee at Waterville, Blanchard: Near Floodstage-- More Rain on its Way

As of 5:00am Sunday morning, the Maumee river at Waterville was just a foot above flood stage. This is good news, as today's combination of dry conditions, warmer air, and partly sunny skies will continue to improve upon the flooding situation from last week.

Unfortunately, for all of you fishermen (and women!) out there, this still doesn't make fishing for Walleye a possiblity without a boat. High temperatures today will reach the upper 50s, however. So a walk down by the water, and perhaps throwing the line in from shore is still a possibility. This weather was made for enjoying!

 South of Toledo, the Blanchard River, in Findlay, has now fallen nearly 2' below flood stage. It peaked early Friday, after nearly 3'' of rainfall, at 14.1'. Historically, the river has been known to crest over 18.5ft! The most recent extreeme flooding event of the Blanchard occured in March of 2009 when the river reached 15.41' at its highest level.

Both rivers crested above flood stage late last week due to heavy-- nearly non-stop rain showers.

 

According to the forecast QPF, or Quantitative Precipitation Forecast, Nearly an inch (likely more) is going to fall next week. So far, we've seen rain in excess of 2'' this month, and after this extended weather event next week, we could potentially double that number.

 

 

 

Expect additional flooding to occur, especially Wed-Thurs.

 

Here's your 7-day:

Happy SUNday! :)

Signs of Spring

Another beautiful morning is yet again finally showing a sign that spring is going to show up after all.  Here is how this morning looked a little before 9 AM.  Blue skies and sunshine!

Now for some forecasting fun.  Did you notice the puffy looking cumulus clouds develop Wednesday afternoon?  That's likely to happen again and here is why.  The sun angle this time of the year is much greater and stronger.  This provides more energy to the lower atmosphere that will eventually fuel spring storms and summer heat.  Here is a diagram of the atmosphere later this afternoon in the form of something called a Skew-T model.  I'll point out two things, first a very steep lower level lapse rate that will allow air to freely rise this afternoon and secondly available lower level moisture. 

I also look closely at what is known as the Convective Temperature (ConvT).  This is the surface temperature that has to be reached for pure convection, or rising air to occur.  At this point, the sunny start to the morning will quickly be dotted with "fluffy" looking cumulus clouds developing.  This explains how a morning (stable atmosphere) can start off clear and sunny only to be followed by clouds that seem to develop out of the blue.  It is important to note there must be sufficient lower level moisture for the clouds to actually develop.  Later this season, this very process is the same one that often leads to afternoon showers or scattered thunderstorms. 

Snow Still Going South

Toledo and much of Northwest Ohio will continue to be on the dry side of a system that will bring heavy rain/snow to the Ohio River Valley. Places like Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana could see over 8" of snow. Locally a dry northeast wind and a weakening system will mean any snow will likely remain well south of the Toledo Metro.

Here is our latest snow forecast:

March 18th Cedar Point Timelapse

Early morning freezing rain made for a unique view from high on top of the 'Top Thrill Dragster' with fog developing late in the afternoon as winds went calm.

Spring is How Close?

The recent stretch of colder than average air has many in Ohio and Michigan asking: 'Where is spring!?'

Our calendars say spring starts on Wednesday but long range weather charts show winter isn't ready to make the switch just yet. Highs much of this week will remain in the 30s, around 10-20 degrees below average.

Just to add some insult to injury, look how much colder the next few days will be compared to last year.