Forecasting the weather over the next 5-7 days will not be a task for the faint of heart. A series of fast-moving storm systems will be sweeping across the Northeast in rapid succession, each with its own set of unique challenges. But the greatest challenge of all will be correctly timing each system as this will have a huge impact on sensible weather throughout the period.
System #1 will be taking a swing at Upstate NY beginning tomorrow and lasting into tomorrow night. At this point I expect showers to break out across Western NY between 5AM and 8AM...but the rain should hold off until between 11AM and 2PM here in Binghamton. Once the rain begins, it will last for approximately 8-10 hours before coming to an end. Temperatures will be held down in the upper 40s and lower 50s due to the combination of cloud cover and moisture.
A break in the action will quickly follow tomorrow night into Thursday...and it actually looks like Thursday will be a beautiful spring day across the area! The day may begin with a bit of low cloud cover and patchy fog here in the Southern Tier, but the clouds/fog will rapidly burn off by 9-10AM and plenty of sunshine will follow for the rest of the day. Temperatures will respond to the sunshine by rebounding into the 60s. The warmth/moisture should allow the recently-emerged vegetation to advance a bit...and you can bet those peepers will be peeping both Wednesday night and Thursday night!
System #2 looks to take aim on the region late Thursday night into Friday. This system looks a bit more potent than its predecessor...meaning the potential is there for somewhat heavier rainfall. Strong winds may also be an issue on the ridgetops south of the Thruway, and also along the Lake Erie shoreline...and a few spots could see gusts pushing 45 or even 50 mph.
Another brief but significant shot of cold air will follow in the wake of system #2...and the higher elevations south of the Thruway may once again pick up a light coating of snow Friday night into early Saturday morning. Another break and period of moderating temperatures can be expected during the back half of the weekend.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
The Peepers Are Back!
A bit ahead of schedule? Perhaps. But make no mistake, the spring peepers were out in full force this past weekend...an uplifting reminder that Old Man Winter is slowly but surely loosening his icy grip. For those who either, a) don't know me, or b) haven't lived in a rural area at any point in their life...spring peepers are tiny tree frogs that make an unmistakeable "peeping" noise on balmy spring evenings, typically beginning around sunset and lasting into the wee hours of the morning. They are one of the most familiar frogs in eastern North America.
The spring peeper is a fascinating specimen. Approximately the size of a thumb nail, the peeper is often heard but rarely seen. They are typically found in fishless, temporary wetlands associated with forested habitats like marshy woods, non-wooded lowlands, or near ponds and swamps. Between the months of March and June, hundreds of tiny peeper eggs are laid in the water, with the strings or clumps of eggs attached to twigs and aquatic vegetation. After the breeding season they move into woodlands, old fields or shrubby areas. As the days cool, the peepers dig into the soft mud near ponds where they will ultimately go into a type of partly-frozen hibernation for the winter.
Never heard what a peeper sounds like: Click on the link below for an audio clip:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Springpeepers.ogg
The spring peeper is a fascinating specimen. Approximately the size of a thumb nail, the peeper is often heard but rarely seen. They are typically found in fishless, temporary wetlands associated with forested habitats like marshy woods, non-wooded lowlands, or near ponds and swamps. Between the months of March and June, hundreds of tiny peeper eggs are laid in the water, with the strings or clumps of eggs attached to twigs and aquatic vegetation. After the breeding season they move into woodlands, old fields or shrubby areas. As the days cool, the peepers dig into the soft mud near ponds where they will ultimately go into a type of partly-frozen hibernation for the winter.
Never heard what a peeper sounds like: Click on the link below for an audio clip:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Springpeepers.ogg
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Welcome to My Blog!
This blog is something I created about a year ago, but my goal from this point forward is to update it at least once every few days...especially during periods of active/severe weather. My posts will generally revolve around the weather in/near Binghamton...but if something particularly noteworthy is occurring elsewhere in the country, I may focus on that. Comments are always welcome!
Today could potentially be an "interesting" weather day here in the Southern Tier. We're beginning the day on a cloudy/gloomy note, but forecast models are indicating there may be a period of significant drying in the mid levels of the atmosphere by around 2PM...enough drying to yield a few breaks of sunshine, perhaps. Some of the warmest air we've seen so far this year is currently moving in several thousand feet above our heads...but an inversion is preventing that air from "mixing down" to the ground. If any breaks of sun are able to develop, the inversion will weaken and our temperature could suddenly spike from the 50s to near 70° this afternoon! I was forecasting 65° for today's high.
A strong cold front and upper level disturbance will swing across the area late this afternoon or early this evening. If the clouds don't break and temperatures remain in the 50s all day, this front will just be accompanied by a period of rain showers. If the sun comes out and temperatures rapidly warm up, however, the possibility is certainly there for a few scattered thunderstorms! Come on sun!! I may post a few updates throughout the day if conditions warrant.
Have a wonderful Sunday!
Today could potentially be an "interesting" weather day here in the Southern Tier. We're beginning the day on a cloudy/gloomy note, but forecast models are indicating there may be a period of significant drying in the mid levels of the atmosphere by around 2PM...enough drying to yield a few breaks of sunshine, perhaps. Some of the warmest air we've seen so far this year is currently moving in several thousand feet above our heads...but an inversion is preventing that air from "mixing down" to the ground. If any breaks of sun are able to develop, the inversion will weaken and our temperature could suddenly spike from the 50s to near 70° this afternoon! I was forecasting 65° for today's high.
A strong cold front and upper level disturbance will swing across the area late this afternoon or early this evening. If the clouds don't break and temperatures remain in the 50s all day, this front will just be accompanied by a period of rain showers. If the sun comes out and temperatures rapidly warm up, however, the possibility is certainly there for a few scattered thunderstorms! Come on sun!! I may post a few updates throughout the day if conditions warrant.
Have a wonderful Sunday!
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