Gearing up for a week of heat and more shooting stars than rain showers!

April 18, 2011

The drought is really catching up to us in more than one way. Of course we heat the atmosphere from the ground and typically this time of year a southeast flow off the ocean would be more than enough  to keep temperatures closer to normal in the upper 70s and lower 80s. But after a wet start to the year we are running about 2.5 inches below normal since March 1st. Also the main storm track is staying well to our north with more severe weather likely in the Midwest. All these factors mean the heat is on! This dry ground heats up in a hurry and as a result I do think temperatures will top out in the upper  80s to near 90 most of the week. It will feel more like June than April. The humidity will be on the increase and it could trigger a sea breeze thunderstorm the next couple afternoons but right now the main sea breeze collision would likely take place near Interstate 75. I think the most common type of cloud you will see in the sky will not be cumulonimbus or thunderstorm clouds but the pyro clouds you see above. Yes this is the name of clouds caused by wildfires. We have at least two dozen of these going on in our viewing area. Sometimes if they grow large enough in scope and size they have been known to spark thunderstorms but I do not see that happening here at home. Late week will feature a front making a move on the First Coast but it will likely stall to our north keeping rain chances on the low side Thursday and Friday. Easter weekend right now looks like a stronger ocean breeze will kick in but it will remain sunny and dry with above average temperatures in the middle to upper 80s. Yes, so make sure to water the plants and follow any water restrictions in your area.

One other interesting note this week is the Lyrid meteor shower will start heating up as well and peak Friday night into Saturday. I will have more on the blog on this during the week. Look northeast especially after midnight to just before the sunrises. Take care and I will see you soon! Tonight make sure to catch the underrated moon and I will post some pictures here on the blog tomorrow and have a pattern change update and let  you know if it will hold off until after Easter!