Noticeably Cooler Weekend, But Extreme Cold Staying North & East...

We hit 80 again today, just short of the record of 83, but that's about to change.  A strong cold front will sweep through after daybreak and temps will be 15-20 degrees colder for Saturday & Sunday's highs.  Frankly, since many of us are suffering from allergies/sinus problems, it will be a welcome change as much drier air will accompany the chill.

The top map is the currect surface map with the middle being temperatures at 4 PM.  The bottom graphic is temps at 6 PM.   Note, Houston dropped 15 degrees with frontal passage, but both Dallas & Oklahoma City's temps actually rose a little.  That tells me the core of the very cold air is not charging southward, but will slide off more to the east.  Here's why.

The top graphic is the current upper air chart for 18,000' above us with a trough to our west.  See how that trough does not dig down to the Gulf coast (middle pic), but quickly pulls/lifts to the Great Lakes by Sunday morning.  The bottom is valid for Monday morning showing another fast moving upper trough that will bring back the rain threat for Monday night into Tuesday.  That is why only the far North Shore need worry about near freezing temps. Sunday & Monday.

Lake Pontchartrain's water temperature has recover back to 70+ and that is another reason the South Shore will not have any frost/freeze problems with this front.

The daylight satellite view had us in clear skies with clouds approaching from the west.  Radar at 6:30 pm had widespread showers/storms covering much of Louisiana.  Computer models are not bullish on that holding up when it gets to us.

Skies should clear by late Saturday afternoon with the front pushing well off the coast for Sunday.  If you're dressed for it, Sunday will see bright sunshine with brisk NNE winds and comfy cool (low 60s) temps.

The remains of Nicole are now soaking much of the Northeast with colder air to follow her.  Seeing all the videos regarding the beach erosion along Florida's East coast reminds me of Gulf Shores after Hurricane Ivan in 2004.  Several structures collapsed along the beach and one high rise condo tower had the pilings exposed underneath.  Since the beaches are so much part of their tourism dollars, they quickly hired dredges to pump the sand back onto the beaches and rebuilt the protection dunes.  The topography of the ocean along Florida's East coast is much different than along the northern Gulf coast.  The shelf has a gradual slope in the Gulf, but quickly drops off along the East coast.  It will be way more difficult and expensive to rebuild those beaches.  It's always amazing to me to see the power of moving water.  Enjoy your weekend and Who Dat!   Saints 24 Steelers 17.  Stay tuned!