Hurricane Preparedness Week...

Ugh, isn't the virus creating enough stress?  Do we really need to add to that?  Not yet, but the start of the 2020 Hurricane Season begins June 1st and NWS, NOAA & NHC are reminding us of that by making the first week in May Hurricane Preparedness Week.

Obviously there is nothing going on, but every couple of years we can get an early preseason storm in May.  They often spin up on the tail end of cold fronts and , if models are correct, we have 2-3 fronts that should push down into the sub-tropics during the next 2-3 weeks.

If you have heard the early season projections, all of the "experts" are indicating 2020 will see an above average (16-20) named storms with 3-4 major hurricanes.   Their thinking seems to be based on 2 factors.   The above map is the sea surface temperature anomalies with the red indicating warmer than normal and the bluish cooler.   1) Warmer water temps plus 2) no El Nino = more storms.   I've seen many years have both conditions and something pops up (African Dust) unexpectedly and the high numbers don't happen.   Whatever, we don't need to add any additional stress now.   I'll discuss a preparedness issue each day this week.  

We had our 2 week stretch of severe weather in April and, as typical of May, the storm threat usually shifts to the north.  You can see the frontal boundary lining up across Kansas, Arkansas eastward towards Atlanta.  North of the front it's much cooler and drier while to the south, dew points are in the 60s & 70s.

What these maps don't show you is the plunge in the jet stream coming later this week that will bring down some really chilly air for the eastern half of the country.  Our first front arrives before daybreak on Wednesday with re-enforcing cold air coming for the weekend.  The North Shore could dip into the 40s again with 50s south.  In fact, the 10-14 day outlook calls for below normal temps through May 20th.     I say most of us won't complain since the higher sun angle in May means it can no longer get real cold.  Try to "enjoy" staying home, stay healthy and stay tuned!