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!

Pattern Shift Means Warmer Temps Next 10-14 Days

For the past 3 weeks, an upper trough has been persistent over the Great Lakes & eastern states, bringing colder air and lots of snow.  The Western states, on the other hand, have been dry and mild.  That is about to change as the eastern trough retreats back into Canada with a ridge shifting over us.  You can see the current pattern on satellite views.

Now look at how computer models are lifting the trough/cold air back into Canada.

That pattern change should mean mild to warm weather through Mardi Gras.

There will be a couple of days with rain chances, but temperatures should be in the 60s & 70s, making for comfortable parade watching.   Look at the change in the upper air pattern according to the GFS model.  We begin with today on top, followed by the flow for Saturday.

The eastern trough lifts out, taking the Arctic cold with it.

Another trough develops over the Northeast with a building ridge shifting over the South.

So the eastern states are covered in clouds and cold temps, while the West is sunny and mild.

The past 3 weeks have had no snow falling over the main ski areas, with many locations not having enough snow to ski.  That should change beginning this weekend.

Just to point out how unusually warm the West has been, Montana is in the 60s in February!  Even Denver is 60+.  With parades starting tomorrow night, this weekend's weather looks near perfect.

Unlike previous years when the weather was a factor for Family Gras in Metairie, this weekend should bring out some huge crowds.  I have the honor of introducing Peter Noone & Herman's Hermits Friday night at 7 PM.  

The party kicks off at 3 PM, and I hope to see you there. Saturday will be a little cooler, but with sunny skies, if you're dressed for it, it'll feel great!  Stay tuned!