Mostly Dry, Almost Hot Weekend...

As we finish April & head into May, we continue a mostly dry trend.  The main storm track remains across the northern states, although there is a weak upper disturbance over the eastern Gulf bringing some showers to the Florida beaches.  Our rain chances this weekend will be very low without any trigger besides daytime heating coming our way.

We have left our severe weather season which now shifts farther to our north and west.  That is where SPC has the greatest risks this weekend.

Today's level 4 (Moderate) risks shifts to the east and weakens tomorrow.  That is where the heaviest rainfall is expected to fall.

The top graphic is the total rainfall for the next 5-7 days.  The 4-6" bullseye is located over Oklahoma northward into Kansas, Nebraska into Iowa.   Since no super heavy rainfall is expected over the upper Mississippi & Ohio River basins, the Mississippi River crest has reached New Orleans with a gradual decline coming during the first 1-2 weeks of May.   This should mean we won't have to worry about the Spillway being opened this year.

There is quite a storm over the central plains with a cold rain with some snow on the northern side.  We'll stay in the warm air sector through the weekend into most of next week.  However, long term models are hinting we may not be done with cold fronts.   Of course may cold fronts are mainly fronts that bring us drier air, but we'll take a few more.

What you should feel every day ino next week is the increase in temps and humidity that will produce a summertime feel.  David even has us in the 90s late next week.

But it's still nice out tonight so don't waste the evening by staying inside.  I'll enjoy my walk with Bailey.

If you're going to Jazz Fest, make sure you use sunscreen and wear a hat.  Enjoy your weekend and stay tuned!