Thursday, February 5, 2009

Put Away the Snow Blowers and Prepare for Possible Strong Thunderstorms


Here in Indiana we have recorded severe weather and even tornadoes in every single month of the year. Last year on February 5th we had a tornado warning in the Lafayette viewing area for Montgomery County. While Montgomery County dodged the worst of the weather, Putnam County wasn't so lucky. Here is an excerpt from last year Lafayette Weather Blog.

Here in Indiana: A possible tornado hit 10 miles south of Montgomery County last night in Bainbridge. We picked the rotation up on Live Doppler 18 and luckily it weakened as it moved into Clinton County. There were reports of trees down and damage to barns and mobile homes. There was also an 82 mile per hour wind gusts near Terre Haute brought down numerous trees and powerlines.

There were over 100 reports of tornadoes from Texas to Ohio on February 5, 2008. The Storm Prediction Center shows us all the storm reports above. It looks like something you would see in March or April. But here at home we can easily go from snow in the forecast yesterday to a chance of severe weather next week. We have a better chance of seeing thunderstorms on our Live Doppler 18 over the next seven days than snow. What a change! Some of the latest data just in does show a possibility of strong storms as close to home as Missouri by next Monday and this could easily swing our way. We will have to keep a close eye on it. Make sure to review your family safety plan for severe weather. In Florida, they had their tornado drills yesterday in accordance with severe weather awareness week and even here in Indiana we need to be reminded that tornadoes can and do happen even here at home this time of year. You can see why below.

We have a clash of seasons that sets up this time of year. I am showing the lion and the lamb because here in the Hoosier state our March Madness weather patterns usually come early. Nature goes by its own calendar. This is the time of year we can have picture-perfect weather and it can be as calm as a lamb but it doesn't last very long and that lion roars back in the form of a blizzard like we saw in 2007. We also have to be on guard for ice storms and supercell thunderstorms. Sometimes we get everything in one day. We have been known to have snow and tornadoes on the same day like we saw in the winter of 1996. The frenetic February weather is punctuated in our almanac that has an almost 100 degree difference between our record highs and lows. That is incredible! This fact should be in Ripley's Believe it or Not! LOL This is the biggest record temperature range of the entire year and this week alone we will go from sub-zero weather tonight to temperatures 66 degrees warmer by the middle of next week.

Look at the huge spread of temperatures on today's weather map. You see the clash of seasons already setting up with Spring-like 60s in Oklahoma to sub-zero weather in Upstate New York. The bigger those temperature differences, the stronger our low pressure systems that form, and the higher risk of severe weather. I still think we will hold off on any strong storms until next week and of course we will watch the flooding situation closely. I will have an update on that potential during tonight's newscasts. Hopefully we can keep the strongest thunderstorms away so we can enjoy our warmest weather of the year on the way. You see it being ushered in by our strongest warm front of the year. Get out the short-sleeves.

Yes, I finally have warm weather to talk about tonight after we just got through our coldest January since 1994. We can thank that stronger sun angle and those longer daylight hours. We can actually take a walk outside after dinner and catch up with neighbors we have not seen in weeks. A nice break in our winter weather is on the way and I do not see it returning until at least late week. Today be ready for transition weather! We could still see some blowing and drifting snow with a south wind gusting near 30 mph. Be careful on those East-West roads so you can enjoy our milder highs in the middle to upper 20s. The wind will let up tonight setting the stage for a beautiful Friday with highs back in the 40s. Have a great day!!


60 comments:

Anonymous said...

Mike Thanks for the update!

Hope we dont get the severe weather. Will take a brief shower and a warm weather for the next few days. Hope the flooding is minimal.

Richard

Anonymous said...

Justin,
Looks like its back to the maps. :) Keep us posted as well as Mike. Don`t you love the Indiana weather. :)

Richard

Anonymous said...

Like I told Mike tonight....OH #%$! I am not ready for severe weather....but had better get ready! Feb is the month of extremes....and we all had better review our plans and procedures.... don't give up on winter just yet!!

At 1:16 AM... my temp is -2

Chris in Tipton

Anonymous said...

To all faithful WLFI viewers.... I wish that I had WLFI on my cable....take a good look and a long listen at Mike. He is this areas GOD-SEND!!!! He is such a good on air presence....and an incredible forecaster! Don't ever hate on him....he does the best that he can....and if often right on! One day, he will leave WLFI for a better opportunity.....and we all will be worse off....He is simply the best that we have in this part of Indiana....and he does a heck of a job! Thanks, Mike!

Chris in Tipton

Anonymous said...

OH-- one thing I emailed Mike about tonight was SEVERE WEATHER IN INDIANA IN THE WINTER! AND...Indiana's tornado alleys.... he said that he would do the leg work and get back to us on here....there are many little alleys in Indiana....and we are in the area of at least 2....

One thing that I have not heard mentioned anywhere....but I can see it being a big problem over the next 2-3 days.....FOG!!!!!!

Chris in Tipton

Anonymous said...

Chris,
Good obsevation!!! Never even thought about the fog. With the warm up I think it will be pretty dense. So be careful driving.
I was looking at a map at weatherunderground.com Here is the link to the map. Animate the map and if you ask me this storm is moving very fast and headed NE.

http://www.wunderground.com/modelmaps/maps.asp?model=NAM&domain=US

Let me know what you all think.

Richard

Anonymous said...

Mike.
Is this due to the lining up of the planets and very few solar flare activity. I don`t know but I think it all deals with the magnetic field.
I was also reading a comment made by Dr. Jeff Masters. Is The Globe Cooling.
It is on the main page of weatherunderground.com I found it quite interesting.

Richard

Anonymous said...

I couldn't access the link...but will copy/paste tomorrow....I really think that toward the end of February....we get back to winter!!! The 8-14 day outlook has us back to -/temp and + precip!!!

In 1984....we had a high of 65 on Valentine's Day....and 11" of snow on the 27th!!!!! THIS IS THE ROLLER COASTER MONTH!!!!!

Chris in Tipton

Anonymous said...

Chris,
Hopefully we can dodge alot of these up and downs and get to business with warm weather. You have a good day I need to get away from here until this evening. I felt like I was talking to myself since it is so late. I return to work Tuesday and am very ready. I have been off work from surgery and its making me stir crazy.

Richard

Anonymous said...

Not uncommon to see the bad weather through IHSAA sectional time.

Anonymous said...

SO...are we done with snow? Are we starting Spring early?

Anonymous said...

What kind of lives do you people have.Theres hundred of things going on in this world and you want to talk about something we have zero control over.

Anonymous said...

Why did you vist the blog?

Anonymous said...

Maybe you should go to wall street blog and see if you can't fix the economy!

Anonymous said...

Weather geeks love to talk about the weather. No we have no control of the weather, but we can keep each other updated.

Were you here on this blog during last years severe stroms? Amazing how all looked out for each other!

Some folks have great weather stations and radars that many do not, they can follow the track of severe stroms, and know when to look for rotation bow echos, lightning, on and on.

This blog can save lives..and following the weather for many is a fun hobby.

Also the reg. bloggers have become like a family, we wonder and worry when we dont see posts from them during bad wx. or not.

I really do believe if something awful, such as a tornado were to hit one of the reg bloggers homes,any bloggers for that matter, that others would pull together and help in anyway they could, if only words of encouragment, or more.. I witnessed that during the flooding of 2008!

Anonymous said...

Oh and because of this blog, I was able to help a family find a temp home for their pets during the floods of 2008, while they were being relocated and cleaning up the horrible mess.

I am proud to say the pets were reunited with their family, and those folks are finally getting there home back in order..I am greatful I was able to help.

Also some have a great fear of storms, and the blog can be a comfort to those...

Anonymous said...

Yes, the blog is good for those of us that don't have cable and/or TV. So in severe weather situations I turn to the blog to find out what what's going on with the weather, updates, etc. It's helpful. Keep it up y'all! :)

Anonymous said...

Yeah, I don't think I am ready to hear about thunderstorms yet. :)

Mike, do you think that the la nina pattern is out of the picture or is she going to play games with is this season again?

If I am right, that's why we had all the severe stuff last year...right?

Only bad thing is that I want the warmer weather but don't want the t-storms...can't have one or the other though. :)

Anonymous said...

Well, What I would like to know is if we will have a normal spring season this year. Last year, we had such a chilly spring. It was even chilly down in Florida, but here it was still below normal closer to summer.

Also, how come we can feel such a difference in the sun already, because isn't the sun its worse state Dec 22nd? or so? So are we at the equivalent to the month of November?

I am excited about the warmer weather, but if it was anything like it was in December, where we got a tornado warning in my county, not cool.

Perhaps, I could get a good detailing done on my car? Yep!

Anonymous said...

Glad to see you posting again Brow! Thought of you when reading the poem about Indiana Weather."35 above people cookout LOL

Anonymous said...

Dang its cold! 4* this morning we I left for work..now up to 9* windchill -1..this is going to be some warm up..I dont like it when the temps are so cold then gets into the upper 30's 40's..and higher> I feel bad stoms comming.

Fl is haveing an awful time with temps and crops...Temps bad!

Anonymous said...

Mike, I have a question. On your February map it says our area will be 'stormy'. Does that mean thunderstorm stormy or winter weather(snow)stormy? Thanks for clarifying. I hope winter isn't over so soon! I'm hoping for a few more good snows! Do you think we will have one more 3-6 incher storm? Thanks!.....Ron in Crawfordsville

Anonymous said...

we need more winter to keep this snow from melting. Winter is still young only 65 days in. let it snow , let it snow, let it snow.

Anonymous said...

Richard It is always to the maps with me! I don't like to look at a five day forecast I would rather do it myself! lol..... But I could say it will be overtime here with the maps before long! ;)

Justin.

Anonymous said...

Wind is really picking up in Laf. temp of 18* I am watching some blowing snow already.

Anonymous said...

Oh gosh....this was my fear early on when Mike forecasted "early winter, early spring"...both with possible flooding AND severe wx. And shall I remind you all that the FIRST tornado watches of the year included MY county in Jan of 2008? Something very wrong about that, LOL!

I chuckled at the mention of basketball season and heavy snow. My oldest DD was born the last week of Feb 1961. After she was born in the afternoon it started to snow. By 7:00 that night the roads were closed! Now, six of her first NINE birthdays the roads were closed! Yep, it was high school tourney time! People used to get stranded in high school gyms cuz by golly they were NOT going to miss a ball game, LOL!!

I have seen the talk of severe wx next week on other wx sites I belong to. I was hoping it did not get this far north. I also fear flooding. With a quick snow melt AND heavy t-storm rains, that is how we got into trouble last Jan 8th.

Good for YOU the one who lambasted the negative poster. We ARE family here on this blog and we protect our own :-)

Chris in Tipton, just hang here on the blog to find out updated conditions. At least you can get a feel of what is coming your way. I am tucked over here close to the IL state line which means I usually get hit with storms before the Laf area gets them.

We will get through whatever comes our way!

MA in REM (enjoying the sunshine for now!)

temp has climbed from 1* this morning to 15* right now.

Anonymous said...

Happy Weatherman's Day!!

Anonymous said...

I will admit I am the one that blasted the negativity. Shame on me andf orgive me if I did do the wrong thing. (We have a blog here in Attica in which I DO NOT participate and you can start a sincere thread and someone will rip you apart). I really like this blog and there are very nice people on here and we do not need any of this. Once again to the negative person is if you come back don not be negative read get involved and get close. Very well could be important to you!!!

(\o/) Love the Bloggers

Richard

Anonymous said...

With the warmer weather coming, I will no longer be in the mood to have any more snow. I would be happy to have it all go away. But, slowly.

Every day, I think our chances grow a bit lower of winter hanging on. ever so slightly each day, with warmer sun, longer days.

I want to go outside today! Still too cold.

Anonymous said...

Yeah, we'll still have some cold weather and maybe some snow (?) but yes, the days of winter are slipping past us :)

Anonymous said...

Today is National Weatherman's Day, I think everyone should give Mike a pat on the back for a job well done!

Anonymous said...

I also posted to the negative poster. My post was is the one about bloggers being a family and the importance of this blog..also about the animal rescue..

still will sign anonymous...

I think some know who I am...

Anonymous said...

CoCoRahs !!! Here is the e-mail I recieved back from Purdue. (Justin Your On Top Of Things)! ;)So I did get in touch with Warren County Learning Center (No matter what county you are from you can use it) and sent them a short message of interest and the attached e-mail.

Hi Richard,

We hold CoCoRaHS training sessions at various locations around Indiana.
Our current schedule is found at the web site: www.cocorahs.org
where you can click Indiana on the upper map (with green colored states).
If you scroll down on the next page that comes up you will see a list
of our upcoming trainings. We schedule new meetings every month so you
should check back to see if we are coming to your area soon. Usually we
will get an invitation from the county extension / Master Gardener group
in a county to come give a CoCoRaHS training talk once enough people
there have expressed interest in possibly joining CoCoRaHS.

On that same web page you will see a list of local coordinators who
also perform training sessions. If one of these cities is close to you
please email the person listed there to inquire about upcoming training
sessions they are scheduling in that area.

Another option is walk in trainings. If only one or two people in an
area are interested in a training session, then we welcome those people
to travel to a coordinator office (rather than us come to them) and receive a
one-on-one training session with the local coordinator. We have had
quite a few people choose this option when it appears we won't be
traveling to your area in the near future.

Ken Scheeringa
Associate State Climatologist
Indiana State Climate Office

Anonymous said...

I would rather have more snow than thunderstorms! Come on SNOW!

Anonymous said...

I want warm temps, normal rainfall, a nice little t-shower every now and then, spring and summer...No sever weather, snow or rain! Wishful thinking:)

Anonymous said...

Justin, did you start your own blog???

Anonymous said...

Yeah, I almost forgot:



Happy Weatherman Day Mike!



Here is a cake for you: click to view

Anonymous said...

I am one of those people that finds comfort in this blog during severe thunderstorm weather. I'm like a little kid when it comes to severe weather :-) and I try not to panic whenever I hear our sirens go off here in town. My husband thinks I am silly when I get blankets and pillows ready *just on case* but, I would rather be safe than sorry!! Reading this blog does absolutely bring me comfort. It is definitely a wonderful way of staying updated!

Anonymous said...

**Just IN case.. ooops typo :-)

Anonymous said...

Yes I did. Richard good for you for finding out what you needed to know! When will you sign up!

Like Mary anne said it really is a lot of fun! And doen not take long every morning!

Justin.

Anonymous said...

Richard, and others, do not apologize for bashing the negative bloggers. Some were on here during a school outage and caused the blog to be "babysat" due to obscene posts. we do not need THAT here, especially when severe wx threatens! We have a really good blog going here.

Brow did you deliver that cake to Mike? That is cute!

STay safe all!

MA in REM

Anonymous said...

I KNEW it!! MIke just used the "F" word on the wx segment...FOG. When we have had very cold wx with snow on the ground, with a strong warm front moving in we have heavy fog if there is no wind. yuck! Dense fog is almost as bad to drive in as snow.

MA

Anonymous said...

Yep Mary anne I heard it to! ANyone going out in the morning please take you time and allow yourself some extra time!

Be safe..........

Justin.

Anonymous said...

Darn I missed the news! It is to foggy in the morning? Drats! Is a dence fog advisory a possibility?

Teri in Laf.

Anonymous said...

Just IN,
I am still waiting from WLC to see if they can set up a meeting there.. If they can`t I will travel to one locally. Waiting to see where the meetings are the first of April. If there isnt any close by I will do the online version. Just IN where did you pick up your 4 inch rain gauge. I can build a snow board. ;)

Richard

Anonymous said...

Richard you can pick up a four inch rain gauge just about anywhere. You can get one at Rule King, Wal-Mart, anywhere really!

Justin.

Anonymous said...

Teri,
I believe Mike stated that patchy fog would be in the evening hours Friday Night.

Richard

Anonymous said...

Thank you Justin!

Richard

Anonymous said...

Mike Happy Meteorologist Day!!!
You all deserve this each quarter or season of the year!!!


Richard

Anonymous said...

Richard, thank you. I slept during the newscast..I have been under the weather so to speak..

I have had the stomach stuff on and off for the last week or so. My Dr. is now thinking that it could be due to something I ate. Like peanuts:((

I eat a trail mix about every
other day, small amounts. Just found out to day that the brand I eat has been recalled due to salmonella contamination.

I think I just have the flu. Going to give it another day.

Tei

Anonymous said...

I am so excited for the warmer temperatures and thunderstorms next week. =) -Yall be safe tonight I heard we might have fog-

Anonymous said...

Well My high today was 32* degrees and it felt nice! I still want that 40s and 50s however nothing comes without a price and rain is on the way!

Bloggers ready????? lol.....

Justin.

Anonymous said...

Fog tonight? the temp is 20*!

Anonymous said...

No I dont think fog for the morning, as Richard posted Mike said for Friday night

Anonymous said...

I posted patchy fog in the evening Friday night. ;)

Richard

Anonymous said...

Blogger family I got the big layoff notice!!! Keep us in your prayers. Things are not to good here but wife has a job! I am thankful for that.
Not been a good day for me was very upset and dissapointed with my employer. I had the day to weigh the pros and cons....so I feeeeeel much better now.

Richard

Anonymous said...

When I was shoveling & digging out of the last snowstorm & enduring the frigid temps..I kept telling myself "This Too Shall Pass"..and one day Mike will forecast temps in the 50s..and..YIPPEE..that's in the latest forecast..

A huge THANKS for that "warmer" forecast from me & all the other non-snow & cold lovers..

It's just what we need to get us thru the rest of the Winter until Spring arrives!

Anonymous said...

Richard....sorry to hear about the job :( Will keep you and your family in our prayers :) Teri...hope you get to feeling better soon. I have axed all peanut stuff out...what a bad thing alot of people have been effected by it. Richard, saw a bald and a junenile eagle yesterday up here in northern carroll co....bout three miles from the river. Have you seen the big nest north of 24 in cass co. awesome, looks like a car upside down in a tree it is huge. Can see if from the road...but have to look for it.
CarrollCoGirl

Anonymous said...

Richard: I will keep you in my prayers.

F/C

Anonymous said...

Wow how awesome is this that you all are like family! I had the pleasure to meet one of your bloggers, Richard. A very smart and intellectual man. It was a joy to meet you and to read a world that I knew nothing about. Maybe I can become a weather blogger and part of ya'alls family network! Thanks. and have a great day.