Sunday Severe Weather Risk Not Zero...

The SPC's (Storm prediction Center)  outlook for severe storms tomorrow only has us in level one risk.  However, they were not expecting what is currently going on in east Texas north of Houston.

The top graphic is the current Sunday SPC severe weather outlook with the middle graphic explaining the risk.  The bottom pic is the recent Tornado Watch for SE Texas.   What has happened is there has been a surge of moisture and warmth coming out of the Gulf around the backside of a cold high pressure system.

I've put arrows on the satellite view that shows the T-Storms casting shadows indicating the taller tops. Radar views have captured the explosive growth in the storms with numerous tornado warnings issued.  Houston's dew point has shot up to 70 as they are in the warm air sector.  My concern for Sunday is we will also get into the warm air sector with highs around 80 ahead of our next strong cold front.  Based on what has developed to our west this afternoon, we should pay attention to the weather tomorrow as our severe risk could increase.

As the surface high along the East coast shifts out to sea, another cold blast is moving southward out of Canada that will take us from shorts on Sunday back to Winter weather gear for most of next week.

In the short term, tonight will be breezy & very mild with lows in the 60s (above our normal highs).  Sunday will be stormy at times with many sunny breaks and dry hours.  The greatest threat for strong storms comes later in the day.

Finally, the long range models are hinting that we'll have several opportunities for freezes (even on the South Shore) later this month.   I'm saddened because I know what that means to my many plants.

The colors of my hanging bougainvillea's remain brilliant with my top hat begonias and Crown of Thorns looking great.  My variegated ginger plants are nearing the top of my 6 foot fence.  Alas, that's the cycle of the seasons.   I'll do my hack and whack after the freezes and then watch Mother Nature heal with the warmer weather of Spring.

And for you cold air & snow geeks, I didn't forget you.  Look at these satellite views of the cold air pouring  over the Gulf stream off the East coast behind yesterday's snowstorm.  The tighter pics reveal the snow on the ground with northern Virginia (including D.C. ) covered with white while southern VA. getting all rain.  I love how the topography shows up.  Look at the finger lakes popping in New York.  Do ya miss it?  Hey, if we can get into the deep cold later this month, and a low develops down over the Gulf, who knows...it could happen here!!!   Yea, and the Saints will win the Super Bowl!   Saints 31 Falcons 17.  Who Dat!  Stay tuned!