Arctic Cold Is Cut Off, Spring-like Week Coming, 2 Rain Chances

The well-advertised upper pattern shift is underway, with only the Great lakes & Northeast still in the deep freeze.  That is courtesy of a deep surface low well off the east coast, bringing down an Arctic air mass to many of the major cities.  Despite bright sunshine, their temps have stayed in the single digits and teens.

But that is the air we had last week.  An upper ridge has built over us, resulting in much warmer temperatures that will last all week into Mardi Gras.

You can see the surge in dew points over South Texas, and that low-level moisture is coming our way.  Morning fog issues will plague us for most of this week.

Look for our totally sunny skies to give way to more clouds.  There will be a slight chance for a stray shower on Wednesday, but the main rain threat appears to arrive for the big parades this Saturday.  Timing will be crucial, and it's too soon to narrow down who will get wet.

The only thing for sure is that we will not have any real cold weather return until after Mardi Gras.  With such good weather, I'm going fishing with Captain Hylton Monday & Tuesday.  Might not post until Wednesday.  Enjoy the mild temps.  Stay tuned!

Cold Is Gone Through Mardi Gras, Family Gras Thrill Of a Lifetime

Obviously, the parades have started, and most/many of you only think about Parade Weather.  After an extended cold stretch, the upper east coast trough /Polar Vortex has lifted out, and an upper ridge will build over us, bringing a long period of warm, dry weather. Will it last for every day through Mardi Gras?  Maybe, but there are two days (Friday & Saturday) that we could have to deal with showers.  Here's the local NWS outlook maps.

 

Will we ever have more cold weather?  Absolutely, but not in the short term (8-14 days).  Remember the nearby snow cover of last week.  It's retreated back to the north.

That snow pack is keeping the cold over the Northeast, but the pattern flip has really warmed the central plains and southern states.

Look at the 70s & 80s back over Texas. That warmth is heading our way.  If you plan to attend any parades on Sunday, DON'T FORGET THE SUNSCREEN!!!    

If you haven't uncovered your plants or moved them back outside, do it as temps will be very Spring-like all week.  Finally....

Last night, thanks to my good long-time friend Greg Buisson, I was honored to introduce the main act at Family Gras. I remember Herman's Hermits as a main band from the 60s.  In fact, lead singer Peter Noone and I are the same age, being born in 1947.  What I didn't know about Peter is how funny he is & how great a voice he has.  This was one of the best concerts I ever attended, and the crowd loved them.  If you ever get a chance to attend his concert, don't hesitate.  He's well worth it.  Enjoy this great Mardi Gras parade weather and, oh yeah, the Super Bowl is tomorrow.  Seattle 27, New England 17.  But who cares?!!!  Stay tuned!