Beau Dodson's WeatherTalk Blog

December 3, 2016: Unsettled weather ahead of us.

We have some great sponsors for the Weather Talk Blog.  Please let our sponsors know that you appreciate their support for the Weather Talk Blog.

Milner and Orr Funeral Home and Cremation Services located in Paducah, Kentucky and three other western Kentucky towns – at Milner and Orr they believe in families helping families.  You can find Milner and Orr on Facebook, as well.

Logo- Plain JPEG

.

2015-03-27_21-14-30

Are you in need of new eye glasses?  New contacts?  Perhaps you need an eye exam.  Then be sure and visit the Eye Care Associates of western Kentucky (the Paducah location).
For all of your families eye care needs.  Visit their web-site here.  Or, you can also visit their Facebook page.

.

2015-10-08_17-58-26

Best at Enabling Body Shop Profitability since 1996. Located In Paducah Kentucky and Evansville Indiana; serving all customers in between. They provide Customer Service, along with all the tools necessary for body shops to remain educated and competitive. Click the logo above for their main web-site.  You can find McClintock Preferred Finishes on Facebook, as well


BANNER OPTION 2
Expressway Carwash and Express Lube are a locally owned and operated full service Carwash and Lube established in 1987. They have been proudly serving the community for 29 years now at their Park Avenue location and 20 years at their Southside location. They have been lucky enough to partner with Sidecar Deli in 2015, which allows them to provide their customers with not only quality service, but quality food as well.  . If you haven’t already, be sure to make Expressway your one stop shop, with their carwash, lube and deli. For hours of operation and pricing visit www.expresswashlube.com or Expressway Carwash on Facebook.

.
.

2016-10-30_19-43-57

.

I have launched the new weather texting service!  I could use your help.  Be sure and sign up and fully support all of the weather data you see each day.

This is a monthly subscription service.  Supporting this helps support everything else.  The cost is $3 a month for one phone, $5 a month for three phones, and $10 a month for seven phones.

Winter storm forecasts will be posted on the www.weathertalk.com website.  Look under the Daily Weather Summary tab.  Forecasts begin the week of Thanksgiving.

For more information visit BeauDodsonWeather.com

Or directly sign up at Weathertalk.com

2015-12-18_21-14-12

bottomlineitgif

This forecast update covers far southern Illinois, far southeast Missouri, and far western Kentucky. See the coverage map on the right side of the blog…

Winter storm forecasts will be posted on the www.weathertalk.com website (under the Daily Weather Summary tab).  Remember, a typical month costs me over $700 to provide you all of the data and forecasts.  Your support is crucial.

The winter storm forecasts can be found under the Daily Weather Summary tab.  You will also find the password there.  The password will NOT be the one you use to sign into your personal weather talk account.

The winter storm outlook has been updated (Wednesday, November 30th)  The next update will be Monday, December 5th

Here is the link to the new update – Daily Weather Summary tab

2016-11-26_12-47-34

..

.

Monitor the Beau Dodson Weather Facebook page and the blog for 25 days of Christmas giving!  I will be giving away weather radios and some other items!  There will be forty winners.  Contest begins now.

You may enter once each day!  You have to wait 24 hours before each entry.  For example, if you enter at 10 on Friday then you can enter again at 10 am on Saturday.

.

December 2, 2016
Friday Night:  Increasing clouds through the night.
What impact is expected
None.
My confidence in this part of the forecast verifying:  Medium.  Some adjustments are possible.
Temperatures:  Lows in the 28-34 degree range.
Wind Chill:
Winds:  Northwest and north 0-5 mph
What is the chance for precipitation?
  MO ~ 0%.  IL ~ 0%.  KY ~ 0% .  TN ~ 0%
Coverage of
precipitation
:  None.
Will there be a chance for frozen precipitation?  No

Is severe weather expected?  No
Should I cancel my outdoor plans?  No
Sunset will be at 4:37 p.m.
Moonrise will be at 9:12 a.m. and moonset will be at 7:34 p.m.  Waxing Crescent

.

December 3, 2016
Saturday:  Becoming cloudy.  A chance for light rain or sprinkles during the afternoon.  Small chance for a few pellets of sleet.  Rain chances will be higher near Poplar Bluff vs Carbondale. during the afternoon hours. 
What impact is expected? Perhaps some wet roadways.

My confidence in this part of the forecast verifying:  Medium.  Some adjustments are possible.
Temperatures:  High temperatures in the 45-50  degree range.
Wind Chill:
Winds:  Variable at 4-8 mph
What is the chance for
precipitation? MO ~ 30%.  IL ~ 20%.  KY ~ 20% .  TN ~ 20%
Coverage of
precipitation?
  Perhaps scattered during the afternoon and primarily over southeast MO and western TN.  Slowly spreading northeast Saturday evening/night.
Will there be a chance for frozen precipitation?  Small chance for a few sleet pellets at the onset of precipitation.

Is severe weather expected?  No
Should I cancel my outdoor plans?  No, but monitor afternoon radars.
Sunrise
will be at 6:52 a.m. and sunset will be at 4:37 p.m.
UV Index:  2-3

Moonrise
will be at 9:56 a.m. and moonset will be at 8:28 p.m.  Waxing Crescent
.
.

Saturday Night: Cloudy.  Chilly light rain.  Perhaps a pellet of sleet at the beginning of the rain.  Light rain may mix with a few wet novelty snowflakes.  Small chances, overall for any frozen precipitation.
What impact is expected
Wet roadways.  I will monitor temperatures concerning rain/snow mix.
My confidence in this part of the forecast verifying:  High.  This forecast should verify.
Temperatures:  Lows in the 32-38 degree range.
Wind Chill: 28-34 degrees.
Winds:  Northeast and east winds at 4-8 mph.
What is the chance for precipitation?
  MO ~ 90%.  IL ~ 80%.  KY ~ 90% .  TN ~ 90%
Coverage of
precipitation
:  Becoming widespread overnight.
Will there be a chance for frozen precipitation?  I can’t rule out some wet snow mixed in with the rain. No accumulation anticipated.
Is severe weather expected?  No
Should I cancel my outdoor plans?  Have a plan B.
Sunset will be at 4:37 p.m.
Moonrise will be at 9:56 a.m. and moonset will be at 8:28 p.m.  Waxing Crescent

.

December 4, 2016
Rainfall totals from Saturday night through Sunday morning should be 0.10″ to 0.30″.  Light event.
Sunday:  Cloudy.  A chance for morning showers.  Small chance for a wet novelty snowflake mixed in.  No accumulation.  Rain will push out of the region on Sunday afternoon.  Ending from west to east.  Damp day.  Cool temperatures.
What impact is expected? Wet roadways.  Again, I will monitor temperatures.

My confidence in this part of the forecast verifying:   High.  This forecast should verify.
Temperatures:  High temperatures in the 42-46  degree range.
Wind Chill:
Winds:  Northeast at 3-6 mph
What is the chance for
precipitation? MO ~ 60%.  IL ~ 60%.  KY ~ 60% .  TN ~ 60% (early in the morning and ending from west to east through the day)
Coverage of
precipitation?
  Scattered to widespread (mainly during the morning hours)
Will there be a chance for frozen precipitation?  Most likely just rain.  Perhaps a few wet snowflakes mixed in.
Is severe weather expected?  No
Should I cancel my outdoor plans?  Consider a plan B.  Damp weather.
Sunrise will be at 6:53 a.m. and sunset will be at 4:37 p.m.
UV Index:  0-1

Moonrise
will be at 10:38 a.m. and moonset will be at 9:26 p.m.  Waxing Crescent
.

Sunday Night:  Partly cloudy early.  Becoming cloudy overnight.  Chilly.
What impact is expected
None.
My confidence in this part of the forecast verifying:  High.  This forecast should verify.
Temperatures:  Lows in the 32-36 degree range.
Wind Chill:
Winds:  Northeast 0-5 mph
What is the chance for precipitation?
  MO ~ 0%.  IL ~ 0%.  KY ~ 0% .  TN ~ 0%
Coverage of
precipitation
:  None.
Will there be a chance for frozen precipitation?  No

Is severe weather expected?  No
Should I cancel my outdoor plans?  No

.

December 5, 2016
Monday:  Mostly cloudy.  Rain chances increasing through the day from south to north.  
What impact is expected? Wet roadways possible. 

My confidence in this part of the forecast verifying:  Medium.  Some adjustments are possible.
Temperatures:  High temperatures in the 46-52  degree range.
Wind Chill:
Winds:  East and southeast at 5-10 mph
What is the chance for
precipitation? MO ~ 40%.  IL ~ 30%.  KY ~ 40% .  TN ~ 40% (increasing chances during the afternoon hours)
Coverage of
precipitation?  
Scattered, but monitor updates.
Will there be a chance for frozen precipitation?  No
Is severe weather expected?  No
Should I cancel my outdoor plans?  No, but monitor radars after 12 pm
Sunrise
will be at 6:54 a.m. and sunset will be at 4:37 p.m.
UV Index: 0-2

Moonrise
will be at 11:17 a.m. and moonset will be at 10:26 p.m.  Waxing Crescent
.

Monday Night:  Cloudy. Widespread chilly rain.   A few thunderstorms possible.
What impact is expected
? Wet roadways.  Perhaps lightning.
My confidence in this part of the forecast verifying:  High.  This forecast should verify.
Temperatures:  Lows in the 40-46 degree range.
Wind Chill:
Winds:  Northeast and east at 5-10 mph
What is the chance for precipitation?
  MO ~ 80%.  IL ~ 80%.  KY ~ 90% .  TN ~ 90%
Coverage of
precipitation
:  Widespread.
Will there be a chance for frozen precipitation?  No
Is severe weather expected?  Unlikely, but monitor updates.
Should I cancel my outdoor plans?  Have a plan B.

.

December 6, 2016
Rainfall totals for Monday and Tuesday could be greater than 0.30″.
Tuesday:  Cloudy. Breezy.  Rain should taper off during the morning.  Perhaps some clearing in the afternoon.
What impact is expected? Wet roadways possible.  Lightning possible.

My confidence in this part of the forecast verifying:  Medium.  Some adjustments are possible.
Temperatures:  High temperatures in the 46-52  degree range.
Wind Chill:
Winds:  West and northwest at 7-14 mph
What is the chance for
precipitation? MO ~ 40%.  IL ~ 40%.  KY ~ 40% .  TN ~ 40% (mainly early in the day)
Coverage of
precipitation?
 Scattered, but precipitation will end through the morning hours.
Will there be a chance for frozen precipitation?  No
Is severe weather expected?  Unlikely
Should I cancel my outdoor plans? Monitor radars.  Morning rain possible.
Sunrise
will be at 6:54 a.m. and sunset will be at 4:37 p.m.
UV Index: 0-1

Moonrise
will be at 11:54 a.m. and moonset will be at 11:28 p.m.  Waxing Crescent
.

Tuesday Night:  Partly to mostly cloudy. 
What impact is expected
? Most likely none.
My confidence in this part of the forecast verifying:  Medium.  Some adjustments are possible.
Temperatures:  Lows in the 30-35 degree range.
Wind Chill:
Winds:  North and northwest 6-12 mph
What is the chance for precipitation?
  MO ~ 0%.  IL ~ 0%.  KY ~ 0% .  TN ~ 0%
Coverage of
precipitation
:  None.
Will there be a chance for frozen precipitation?  No.
Is severe weather expected?  No
Should I cancel my outdoor plans?  No

.

December 7, 2016
Wednesday:  Partly sunny early.  Becoming cloudy.  A chance for showers during the afternoon.  If the front arrives sooner than anticipated then falling temperatures are possible over southeast Missouri and southern Illinois.  Much colder behind the front.  Showers could change to light snow.  Monitor updates.
What impact is expected? Wet roadways.  Monitor updates concerning falling temperatures during the afternoon/evening hours.

My confidence in this part of the forecast verifying:  Medium.  Some adjustments are possible.
Temperatures:  High temperatures in the 45-50  degree range.  Temperatures may fall late in the day behind a strong cold front.
Wind Chill:
Winds:  Southwest turning northwest at 6-12 mph.  Gusts to 20 mph.
What is the chance for
precipitation? MO ~ 30%.  IL ~ 30%.  KY ~ 30% .  TN ~ 30%
Coverage of
precipitation? 
Perhaps scattered
Will there be a chance for frozen precipitation? Monitor updates.
Is severe weather expected?  No
Should I cancel my outdoor plans? I would monitor updated forecasts.
Sunrise
will be at 6:55 a.m. and sunset will be at 4:37 p.m.
UV Index: 0-3

Moonrise
will be at 12:30 a.m. and moonset will be at –:– p.m.  First Quarter
.

Wednesday Night:  Cloudy.  Showers possible.  Showers may change to snow showers.  Turning sharply colder.  Blustery conditions.
What impact is expected
Wet roadways.  I will be monitoring temperatures in case the rain changes over to frozen precipitation.  Flash freeze can’t be ruled out.  That is when moisture remains on roadways as temperatures quickly fall into the 20’s.  This can occasionally cause problems.  Monitor updates, as always.
My confidence in this part of the forecast verifying:  Low.  Significant adjustments are possible.
Temperatures:  Lows in the 24-28 degree range.
Wind Chill: 18-22 degrees
Winds:  Northwest 6-12 mph with stronger gusts likely.
What is the chance for precipitation?
  MO ~ 40%.  IL ~ 40%.  KY ~ 40% .  TN ~ 40%
Coverage of
precipitation
Scattered
Will there be a chance for frozen precipitation? Monitor updates.
Is severe weather expected? No
Should I cancel my outdoor plans?  Monitor radars and updates.  Precipitation is possible on Wednesday night.

.

December 8, 2016
Thursday:  Partly cloudy.  Breezy.  Much colder.  Precipitation likely ending before 9 am.  
What impact is expected? Monitor updates concerning precipitation changing to snow on Wednesday night/Thursday morning.  Low confidence.

My confidence in this part of the forecast verifying:  Low.  Significant adjustments are possible.
Temperatures:  High temperatures in the 35-40  degree range.
Wind Chill: 20-30 degree
Winds:  West and northwest at 10-20 mph
What is the chance for
precipitation? MO ~ 20%.  IL ~ 20%.  KY ~ 20% .  TN ~ 20%
Coverage of
precipitation? 
Precipitation should have come to an end by Thursday.  Monitor updates.
Will there be a chance for frozen precipitation?  Possible
Is severe weather expected?  No
Should I cancel my outdoor plans?  No, but it will be chilly
Sunrise
will be at 6:55 a.m. and sunset will be at 4:37 p.m.
UV Index: 1-2

Moonrise
will be at 1:06 p.m. and moonset will be at 12:31 a.m.  Waxing Gibbous
.

Thursday Night:  Mostly clear and cold.  Coldest temperatures of the season, thus far.
What impact is expected
?  Cold.  Low wind chill values possible.
My confidence in this part of the forecast verifying:  Medium. Some adjustments are possible.
Temperatures:  Lows in the 14-18 degree range.
Wind Chill: 10-15 degrees
Winds:  Northwest at 7-14 early and then 4-8  mph late
What is the chance for precipitation?
  MO ~ 0%.  IL ~ 0%.  KY ~ 0% .  TN ~ 0%
Coverage of
precipitation
None
Will there be a chance for frozen precipitation? No
Is severe weather expected? No
Should I cancel my outdoor plans?  No, but it will be cold

.

December 9, 2016
Friday:  Mostly sunny and cold.
What impact is expected?  None

My confidence in this part of the forecast verifying:  Low.  Significant adjustments are possible.
Temperatures:  High temperatures in the 35-40 degree range
Wind Chill
Winds:  West and northwest at 5-10 mph
What is the chance for
precipitation? MO ~ 0%.  IL ~ 0%.  KY ~ 0% .  TN ~ 0%
Coverage of
precipitation
? None
Will there be a chance for frozen precipitation?  No
Is severe weather expected?  No
Should I cancel my outdoor plans?  No, but it will be cold.
Sunrise
will be at 6:57 a.m. and sunset will be at 4:37 p.m.
UV Index: 1-2

Moonrise
will be at 1:44 p.m. and moonset will be at 1:38 a.m.  Waxing Gibbous
.

Friday Night:  Increasing clouds possible.
What impact is expected
?  None anticipated, at this time
My confidence in this part of the forecast verifyingLow.  Significant adjustments are possible.
Temperatures:  Lows in the 16-22 degree range.
Wind Chill: 10-15 degrees
Winds:  Northwest at 7-14 early and then 4-8  mph late
What is the chance for precipitation?
  MO ~ 0%.  IL ~ 0%.  KY ~ 0% .  TN ~ 0%
Coverage of
precipitation
: None
Will there be a chance for frozen precipitation? No
Is severe weather expected?  No
Should I cancel my outdoor plans?  No, but it will be cold.

More information on the UV index.  Click here

.
The School Bus Stop Forecast is sponsored by Heath Health and Wellness.  Located next to Crowell Pools in Lone Oak, Kentucky.

Visit their website here.  And. visit Heath Health Foods on Facebook!

Heath Banner

Heath Health Foods is a locally owned and operated retail health and wellness store. Since opening in February 2006; the store has continued to grow as a ministry with an expanding inventory which also offers wellness appointments and services along with educational opportunities.  Visit their web-site here.  And. visit Heath Health Foods on Facebook!

The weekend forecast is sponsored by Farmer and Company Real Estate.  Click here to visit their site.

2016-12-02_9-17-29

saturdaygraph

.Banner Ad 3

satnightgraphic

sungraphic

Farmer & Company Real Estate is proud to represent buyers and sellers in both Southern Illinois and Western Kentucky. With 13 licensed brokers, we can provide years of experience to buyers & sellers of homes, land & farms and commercial & investment properties.  We look forward to representing YOU!  Follow us on Facebook, as well

2016-11-29_20-07-56
2016-11-29_20-08-16

2015-03-20_19-08-11
Don’t forget to check out the Southern Illinois Weather Observatory web-site for weather maps, tower cams, scanner feeds, radars, and much more!  Click here

beausanalysis

An explanation of what is happening in the atmosphere over the coming day

  1. Increasing unsettled weather over the coming days.  Active pattern.
  2. Coldest air of the season next week?
  3. Winter storm update has been posted on the www.weathertalk.com website (under the Daily Weather Summary tab)  Be sure and sign up for the service in order to view the winter outlooks.  Remember, my monthly costs are around $700.00.
  4. BIG contest on Facebook!  I am giving away 25 Midland 300 NOAA weather radios (valued at $60 each)!  Subscriptions to the texting service!  A $100 gift card from Amazon.  The contest is open NOW!  You must wait 24 hours before entering each day.

I am giving away 25 Midland NOAA Weather Radios (a value of $60 per radio).  I am giving away 14 one year subscriptions to the texting service.  I am giving away a $100 Amazon gift certificate!

You may enter once per day through Christmas.  You must wait 24 hours before re-entering.  The contest ends at 6 pm on Christmas Day!  There will be FORTY winners!

Winners will be randomly drawn through the service that runs my contests.

You can find more information on the Beau  Dodson Weather Facebook page and/or the daily weather blog updates.

The contest ends on Christmas Day at 6 pm.

You may enter once each day!  You have to wait 24 hours before each entry.  For example, if you enter at 10 on Friday then you can enter again at 10 am on Saturday.

 

Click graphic to enter the contest.

2016-11-27_16-46-56

Also

I have updated the winter storm forecast.  I update the winter storm outlook twice per week.  It is updated more frequently during inclement weather.  There was quite a bit to talk about today.  See the graphic further down in the blog.  It has the instructions on how to view the outlook.  Remember, the password is NOT the same password you use to sign into your Weather Talk account.  The password can be viewed behind the Daily Weather Summary tab.  There, you will find the link that will take you to the winter storm outlook.

The next update will be issued on Monday.

Weather synopsis:

Key items to remember:

A.  Fast moving pattern will cause uncertainty to be higher than normal on forecast details.   Changeable forecasts are possible.

B.  The coldest air of the season is forecast to arrive next week.  This will begin on Wednesday night.  Perhaps the coldest mornings will be Thursday or Friday.  Still working out the details.  Teens are a good possibility.

C.  I continue to monitor our snow chances on Saturday night and again next week.  Accumulating snow is unlikely on Saturday night/Sunday morning (see details further down).  I will monitor the Wednesday night/Thursday event.

D.  Check back frequently for updates.  Don’t leave with one forecast three days out.  Monitor updates.  We are entering the time of year where the forecasts can change rather quickly.

The weatherman is going to earn his keep over the coming weeks.  A fast jet stream pattern promises multiple cold fronts, low pressure centers, Canadian high pressure centers, and precipitation chances.  Might some of this be snow?  We shall see!

Here is the jet stream at the 250 mb level.  Way up into the atmosphere.  The colors represent wind speeds.  You can tell that it is active.

This first image is for Sunday morning.  Strong jet stream over our region.  Those purple colors represent 150 knot+ winds.  Good thing those winds are high aloft!  They won’t cause problems at the surface.

gfs_uv250_us_10

This next image is for Tuesday night and Wednesday.  Active jet stream.

gfs_uv250_us_21

Watch what happens late next week.  The jet stream dives into our area from the northwest.  This will usher in chilly temperatures by Wednesday night into Saturday.  This is the 500 mb level.  Not quite as high as the 250 mb level of the atmosphere.

2016-12-02_8-30-22

The main weather story for the weekend is increasing rain chances on Saturday into Sunday morning.  Light showers may reach far southeast Missouri, the Missouri Bootheel, and western Tennessee before sunset on Saturday.  Sprinkles to light showers.  Not anticipating heavy rain.

The rain will then spread north and east Saturday evening and night.  The precipitation will come to an end by Sunday late morning/afternoon.

Rainfall totals should be light.  I am anticipating 0.05″ to 0.30″.  There is some possibility of heavier totals along the Missouri and Arkansas border and the Kentucky and Tennessee border.  Severe weather is not anticipated.

Colder air will filter into the region Saturday night.  Temperatures may drop into the lower to middle 30’s.  If this happens then some of the light rain could change to light snow or a rain/snow mix.  At this time, no accumulation is anticipated.

Keep in mind, elevated surfaces and bridges freeze before other surfaces.  If temperatures fall below freezing then use caution.  Again, this does not appear to be a likely scenario.

Here is my latest snow and ice forecast for Saturday night and early Sunday morning.  It is unlikely this event will cause problems.  My only concern would be bridges and overpasses.  That would be a concern if temperatures were to actually fall into the 30-32 degree range.  This is a low risk event.

2016-12-02_7-49-14

 

What is the chance of X amount of rain falling on Saturday/Sunday?

 

2016-12-02_15-12-15

 

Evaporational Cooler:

There is quite a bit of dry air at the surface on Saturday and Saturday night.  This can cause rain and snowflakes to evaporate as they fall to the earths surface.  This shows up as virga on radar.  What is virga?  The radar beam is several thousand feet aloft (depending on your location in relation to the radar).  That means the radar beam is not at the surface.  You can see rain and snow falling on radar, but it does not mean it is reaching the ground.  This happens quite often during the winter months.  This is because the air is typically drier during the winter months.

Here is a sounding.  A sounding is basically a slice of the atmosphere during a specific time.  The bottom of the graphic represents the ground.  The top of the graphic is tens of thousands of feet aloft.  See where the green and red line do not meet?  That indicates dry air.  When they touch the atmosphere is saturated.  Over a period of time, if precipitation continues to fall, the atmospheric slice/column will increase in moisture.  Eventually, when these two touch, the rain and snow will reach ground level.

The white zone is clouds.  The red squiggly line is the temperature.  The green line is the dew point.  The colors on the right represent wind speed.  Purple circles are the strongest winds.  Those are towards the middle and top.  Why is that?  Because the jet stream winds are stronger as you move higher into the atmosphere.  The white and red circles at the bottom represent 0 to 20 knot winds.  The line coming off the circle represents wind direction.

I have witnessed virga last for hours and hours on radar.

Have you ever seen clouds like this?  This is virga.  You can see precipitation falling from the clouds, but it is not all the way to the ground.  If it is not all the way to the ground then it is evaporating because of drier air at the surface.

6a0105371bb32c970b011570a522ca970c-1

Here is the sounding

2016-12-02_7-54-06

Here is the dew point map for Saturday morning.  Low dew points.  Dry air.  Dew point is a measure of moisture in the atmosphere.  It is a better gauge than using relative humidity.

sfctd-wxt_ov

 

Saturday night’s precipitation event:

Let’s take a look at high resolution model guidance and how it handles the timing of the precipitation.

This first map is for 6 am on Saturday.  Is it raining?  No.  The green colors represent rain and the blue colors represent snow.  Darker colors represent heavier precipitation.

The air is too dry at the surface for the rain to reach the ground in our local area.  At least during the first half of Saturday.  It will take time to the atmospheric column to moisten enough to allow rain drops to reach the surface.  Keep that in mind when you view these graphics.

The rain is reaching the ground as you move into Arkansas and perhaps into the Memphis area of western Tennessee.  I know some of you are heading to Memphis on Saturday morning for a marathon.  Plan on some rain showers and chilly temperatures.  The best case if the rain holds off until late morning or afternoon.  Not a sure bet.

namconus_ref_frzn_scus_30

This next image is 12 pm Saturday.  Again, most of this is not reaching the ground in our local area.  I can’t rule out some sprinkles or light showers as you move further west into southeast Missouri and western Tennessee.  The further west and south you drive the better the odds for showers by Saturday afternoon.

The darker green colors to our south represents rain that is reaching the ground.  Yellow represents moderate to heavy rain/storms.

namconus_ref_frzn_scus_36

This next image is for 6 pm on Saturday.  Some of this is likely reaching the ground.  Again, especially true as you move towards the Bootheel and western Tennessee.

namconus_ref_frzn_scus_38

This next image is for 12 am on Sunday.  Showers are possible over our area.  Look to the north.  Snow in Iowa and parts of central Illinois.  There will be a small chance for snow in our area.  Mainly over northern parts of southeast Missouri into southern Illinois and perhaps northwest Kentucky.  I am not anticipating accumulating snow.

namconus_ref_frzn_scus_40

This next image is 6 am on Sunday.  The blue has shifted southward.  That represents light rain/snow mix or light snow.   Most of our area remains rain.  I can’t rule out some novelty snow flakes.

namconus_ref_frzn_scus_42

 

Rainfall totals with the Saturday night/Sunday morning event should be light.  Here is what the model guidance is showing for that time period.

Light rainfall totals are anticipated on Saturday into Sunday morning.

qpf_048h-wxt_ov-5

The image below is the GFS model guidance.  You can see that the numbers are low.  Not a lot of rain anticipated.  Heaviest totals would be over the Missouri Bootheel and along the Missouri/Arkansas border and then east into western Tennessee.

qpf_048h-wxt_ov-3

Finally, this last image is for the afternoon hours on Sunday.  Rain should end Sunday morning.  Lingering longest over the Pennyrile area of western Kentucky.

namconus_ref_frzn_scus_46

The Monday and Tuesday storm system:

System number one will barely exit the area before another system arrives on Monday into Monday night.

On Monday an area of low pressure will push northward out of Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana.  This will spread moisture back into our region on Monday and Monday night.  I can’t rule out some thunderstorms, but severe weather appears unlikely.  As always, monitor updates.  Severe weather with hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes will be possible as you move towards southern Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.  Areas that were hit hard over the past week might have more severe storms to deal with.

Perhaps some lightning in our region. Especially true for Kentucky and Tennessee.

Rainfall totals with the Monday into Monday night event should be heavier than the Saturday/Sunday event.  Rainfall totals of 0.25″ to 0.60″ will be possible.

The guidance is painting the heaviest totals from southeast Missouri into extreme southern Illinois and then Kentucky/Tennessee.  This will depend on the track of the area of low pressure.

Here is what the GFS and GEM models are showing for rainfall totals on Monday into Tuesday morning

qpf_048h-wxt_ov-4

This next image is the Canadian GEM model guidance

qpf_048h-wxt_ov-6

There remains some questions as to the exact track of the area of low pressure on Monday and Monday night.  If the low were to shift further west then our thunderstorm chances would increase.  At this time, it appears the low will stay to our south and southeast.  If we had a bit more cold air to work with then this would be a decent snow event.

Here is the 12 pm Monday weather map.  Green represent rainfall totals from the previous six hours.  This first image would be 6 am to 12 pm rainfall totals.  Most of the rain remains to our south during the first half of Monday.

Rain will spread north and east during the afternoon hours.

You can see the area of low pressure near the Texas and Louisiana border.

gfs_mslp_pcpn_frzn_scus_14

This next image is for the 12 pm to 6 pm time frame on Monday.  The colors represent rainfall totals.  This is likely not a heavy rainfall event, but perhaps higher totals than the Saturday/Sunday system.

You can see the low moving into Mississippi on this map.

gfs_mslp_pcpn_frzn_scus_15

This next image is for 6 pm to 12 am Monday night/Tuesday morning time frame.  Moderate rain in our local area.  The low remains to our south.
.
gfs_mslp_pcpn_frzn_scus_16
 .
This last map is for 12 am to 6 am on Tuesday.  Rain should be on the way out by late Monday night and especially Tuesday morning.
Notice the low has moved into central Kentucky.  I will be keeping a close eye on the track of the area of low pressure.
.
gfs_mslp_pcpn_frzn_scus_17
.
Here is the dew point map for Monday and Monday night.  Typically, for severe weather to occur, you would be monitoring for dew points in the upper 50’s to  lower 60’s (or higher).
.
This map is for 12 am on Tuesday.  You can see the higher dew points are well south of our region.
.
sfctd-wxt_ov-1
.
This next map is for 6 am on Tuesday.  The higher dew points are pushing off to the east.  This means that severe weather is unlikely in our local area.  The low would have to shift way west and northwest to pull the higher dew points into our local area.
.
sfctd-wxt_ov-2
.
.
Another precipitation event Wednesday/Thursday:
.
Confidence there will be a cold front move through our area Wednesday/Thursday is high.
Confidence there will be measurable rainfall on Wednesday and Thursday is medium.
Confidence snow will fall behind the front on Wednesday night/Thursday is low.
Confidence that much colder air will arrive on Thursday/Friday is high.
.
Yet another system will move into our region on Wednesday and Thursday.  Model guidance is all over the place with the track and strength of this event.  Some rain appears likely on Wednesday afternoon into Wednesday night.  Much colder air arrives Wednesday night into Thursday.  Teens are a possibility by Thursday or Friday morning.
.
Some of the guidance indicates the rain might change to snow on Wednesday night.  Confidence is low.
.
The GFS model guidance has completely lost the Wednesday/Thursday precipitation event.  It now shows no precipitation occurring.  The Canadian GEM model guidance shows a strong cold front moving through the area with rain changing to snow.
.
Here is what the GEM model was showing last night.  This map is for 12 am on Thursday.  You can see an area of low pressure over the Missouri Bootheel.  Rain in our area.  Snow to the west.  Green represents rain.  Blue is snow.  Pink is sleet.
.
gem_mslp_pcpn_frzn_scus_25
.
This next image is for Thursday at 6 am.  You can see some wintry mix in our local area with falling temperatures.
.
gem_mslp_pcpn_frzn_scus_26
.
Look at what it shows in today’s update.  See what I mean about models in the long range?  They are not accurate.  You look for patterns and not details during the winter months.
.
Poof.  Precipitation is gone.  A cold front, yes.  Precipitation no.  Let’s keep monitoring trends in the data.
.
gem_mslp_pcpn_frzn_scus_23
.
Here are the GFS guidance temperatures for Thursday and Friday morning.  BRRRR
.
Click images for larger views
.
 gfs_t2min_mc_26
.
and Friday
.
gfs_t2min_mc_29
Friday morning zoomed into our local area
2016-12-02_15-29-32
.
Models are showing another system next weekend.  Low confidence.  Too far out.
.
Active pattern.  Changeable forecasts.  Monitor updates.
.
gem_mslp_pcpn_frzn_scus_34
.
.
 
WINTER STORM UPDATE:  

UPDATED on Wednesday, November 30th 

I have updated the winter storm outlook.  The third of the season.  The winter storm outlook will be posted twice a week.

You can view the forecast by following these instructions.  Remember, the winter storm outlook is behind the paywall.  It is $3 a month.  A typical months worth of expenses is $700.00 or more.  This helps offset the costs.

The next winter storm update will be posted on Monday, December 5th.  Posts are made more frequently when necessary (when winter weather is forecast).

To sign up for the text messages you can visit www.beaudodsonweather.com

2016-11-25_19-48-51

Find me on Twitter, as well!

.2016-11-19_11-50-24

.

How much rain is expected over the coming days?

Dry weather is anticipated through Saturday morning.  I will be tracking another system Saturday afternoon into Sunday afternoon/evening.  I will be monitoring a potential system December 5th/6th and yet another one for December 7th through the 9th.

Here are the rainfall totals for the Saturday afternoon into Sunday morning event.  WIDE range of opinions on the models.  I do not believe this will be a substantial rain event.  A couple of models spit out higher totals.

There could be some snow mixed in on Saturday night/Sunday morning.  At this time, significant accumulations are not anticipated.

This image is the official NOAA/WPC rainfall forecast graphic.

.
This is from Saturday through Friday.  This would include all three rain events.

wpc_total_precip_ky_28

I zoomed in on the image

wpc_total_precip_stlouis_28

..

.Temperature Outlook

Saturday morning low temperatures

..sfctmin_006h-wxt_ov-5

.
Saturday afternoon 4 pm temperatures
.
sfctmax_006h-wxt_ov-5
.
Sunday 
morning low temperatures

.sfctmin_006h-wxt_ov-6
.
.

Sunday afternoon temperatures at 4 pm
.
.sfctmax_006h-wxt_ov-6

Monday morning low temperatures
.
sfctmin_006h-wxt_ov-7
.
Monday afternoon high temperatures
.
sfctmax_006h-wxt_ov-7
.

Regional Radar

http://www.weatherobservatory.com/weather-radar.htm.
.
.
12345r

We have regional radars and local city radars – if a radar does not seem to be updating then try another one. Occasional browsers need their cache cleared. You may also try restarting your browser. That usually fixes the problem. Occasionally we do have a radar go down. That is why I have duplicates. Thus, if one fails then try another one.

If you have any problems then please send me an email beaudodson@usawx.com

WEATHER RADAR PAGEClick here

We also have a new national interactive radar – you can view that radar by clicking here.

Local interactive city radars include St Louis, Mt Vernon, Evansville, Poplar Bluff, Cape Girardeau, Marion, Paducah, Hopkinsville, Memphis, Nashville, Dyersburg, and all of eastern Kentucky – these are interactive radars. Local city radars – click here

.

2014-11-03_15-49-30

Live Lightning Data – zoom and pan:  Click here
Live Lightning Data with sound (click the sound button on the left side of the page): Click here

2014-11-24_13-38-04

Can we expect severe thunderstorms over the next 24 to 48 hours?  Remember that a severe thunderstorm is defined as a thunderstorm that produces 58 mph winds or higher, quarter size hail or larger, and/or a tornado.

Friday night through Monday morning:  Severe weather is not anticipated.

Monday afternoon into Tuesday night:  I will be closely monitoring an area of low pressure that is forecast to pass near our region.  Perhaps some lightning.  At this time it appears the severe weather threat will remain to our south and east.

I will be monitoring a storm system December 7th through the 8th.
.

.2014-11-03_7-32-16

Updated rain probabilities for the weekend.
.

whatamiconcered
.
No major concerns through Saturday afternoon.
.

..2014-12-21_20-26-42

Here is the official 6-10 day and 8-14 day temperature and precipitation outlook.  Check the date stamp at the top of each image (so you understand the time frame).The forecast maps below are issued by the Weather Prediction Center (NOAA).
.


.
The latest 8-14 day temperature and precipitation outlook.  Note the dates are at the top of the image.  These maps DO NOT tell you how high or low temperatures or precipitation will be.  They simply give you the probability as to whether temperatures or precipitation will be above or below normal.
.

.

.

2015-05-28_13-49-52

Here are the current river stage forecasts.   You can click your state and then the dot for your location.  It will bring up the full forecast and hydrograph.

Click Here For River Stage Forecasts

2015-01-15_11-23-23

Who do you trust for your weather information and who holds them accountable?

I have studied weather in our region since the late 1970’s.  I have 38 years of experience in observing our regions weather patterns.  I hold a Bachelor’s of Science in Geo-sciences with a concentration in Broadcast Meteorology.  I graduated from Mississippi State University.

My resume includes:

Member of the American Meteorological Society.

NOAA Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador. 

Meteorologist for McCracken County Rescue Squad.  I served from 2005 through 2015
Meteorologist for the McCracken County Rescue Squad 2015-current

I own and operate the Southern Illinois Weather Observatory.

Recipient of the Mark Trail Award, WPSD Six Who Make A Difference Award, Kentucky Colonel, and the Caesar J. Fiamma” Award from the American Red Cross

In 2009 I was presented with the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety Award. 

Recognized by the Kentucky House of Representatives for my service to the State of Kentucky leading up to several winter storms and severe weather outbreaks.

I am also President of the Shadow Angel Foundation which serves portions of western Kentucky and southern Illinois.

There is a lot of noise on the internet.  A lot of weather maps are posted without explanation.  Over time you should learn who to trust for your weather information.

My forecast philosophy is simple and straight forward.

  • Communicate in simple terms
  • To be as accurate as possible within a reasonable time frame before an event
  • Interact with you on Twitter, Facebook, and the blog
  • Minimize the “hype” that you might see on television or through other weather sources
  • Push you towards utilizing wall-to-wall LOCAL TV coverage during severe weather events

I am a recipient of the Mark Trail Award, WPSD Six Who Make A Difference Award, Kentucky Colonel, and the Caesar J. Fiamma” Award from the American Red Cross.  In 2009 I was presented with the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety Award.  I was recognized by the Kentucky House of Representatives for my service to the State of Kentucky leading up to several winter storms and severe weather outbreaks.

If you click on the image below you can read the Kentucky House of Representatives Resolution.

2015-01-15_12-22-08

Many of my graphics are from www.weatherbell.com – a great resource for weather data, model data, and more

2014-11-24_13-59-16

awaremail

You can sign up for my AWARE email by clicking here I typically send out AWARE emails before severe weather, winter storms, or other active weather situations. I do not email watches or warnings. The emails are a basic “heads up” concerning incoming weather conditions.

Comments are closed.