Next Front Weaker, Some Needed Showers, Phil Saw His Shadow

 After another freezing start (29 at MSY), bright sunshine has allowed us to quickly warm to near 60. Tuesday might top 70 if we have enough sunshine ahead of our next front Tuesday night into Wednesday. We aren't the only ones seeing the shadows today as Punxsutawney Phil  (official Ground Hog) saw his proclaiming 6 more weeks of Winter.  That really doesn't mean a thing for those of us scientists who have studied weather over the centuries.  The north ALWAYS has 6-8 more weeks of Winter while those of us in the South know trees/flowers start blooming once into March.  But the myth continues.  I grabbed these shots while watching The Weather Channel this morning.

It's become a big business day as thousands show up to view Phil & buy all the different stuff vendors offer for sale.  For us, we're just trying to recover from this massive Arctic outbreak that has pushed through the Gulf and into the Caribbean.

Despite bright sunshine, most of Florida, including Miami, will stay in the 50s!

 

We have a pattern change coming as the deep east coast trough has lifted out and a weak upper ridge moves over us bringing a brief warm up.

You can see the surge of warmer air across Texas and up the front range of the Rockies.  Also, they is a surge in low level moisture coming off the Gulf as 50-60 degree dew points head northward.  Our next front will arrive early on Wednesday and that should trigger some showers before our next cool down for Wednesday PM into early on Friday.

Hopefully, these warmer temps will quickly melt the snow cover that is still visible on satellite views.

Note, the South Shore stays above freezing all week.  I have moved my plants out of my shed and uncovered those in the ground.  The ones I didn't protect are toast and I'll pull them out once we warm up later this month.  Remember, I will have my next podcast tomorrow.

It's an enjoyable 35 minutes learning about the REAL John Snell, including 

getting to know his wife Anita.  However, you must subscribe ($2/month) at bobbreck.com to hear & see John's story.  We'll focus more on Hurricanes once we reach April, but during the cold months I'm interviewing some of your favorite Ch. 8 personalities.  There are no ads and for $2/month, it's a no brainer.  Come join us.  Stay tuned and HAPPY GROUND HOG's Day!