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May 2016 Observations and Discussion


Hawkeye

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It was pretty amazing how quickly the smoke moved in this morning. Heard the main source was a fire in Minnesota. We went down to 1/2 mile visibility at the airport and you would have thought the fire was somewhere in your neighborhood the smell was so strong.

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It's looking like we may have more lows in the 30s coming this weekend. :(

season snowfall: 34.8"

'22-23: 30.2"      '21-22: 27.1"      '20-21: 52.5"      '19-20: 36.2"      '18-19: 50.2"      '17-18: 39.5"

Average snowfall: ~30"

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Looks like a rather chilly cool shot this coming weekend and that may be the last of the 30's we see for a while...hopefully..Euro brings a few days in a row with sub 0C 850's Sat-Mon near the Lakes/Midwest region while the W/SW U.S. torches.

 

GEFS/EPS starting to see the pattern flip by the 17-18th and pop goes the ridge.

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It's looking like we may have more lows in the 30s coming this weekend. :(

 

Yep unfortunately we're not done with the troughs yet. Holding back on planting flower in the ground. Going to keep them in the pots through the weekend. 

There was actually some scattered frost here this morning with a low of 34. Mostly coolish weather through next Tuesday. Thursday looks the nicest this week, with 60s.

Mercer Island, 350 ft

2021-2022: 11.6", 02/21

2020-2021: 15.6"

2019-2020: ~10"

2018-2019 winter snowfall total: 29.5"

2017-2018: 9.0", 2016-2017: 14.0"

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Long ways out, but the GEFS/EPS/CFSv2 showing some agreement for a nice ridge developing near the Midwest/Lakes region for Memorial Day Weekend.  I think you guys deserve it and businesses in the area certainly need it.

 

http://origin.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/people/mchen/CFSv2FCST/weekly/images1/wk3.wk4_20160507.NAsfcT.gif

 

http://origin.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/people/mchen/CFSv2FCST/weekly/images1/wk3.wk4_20160507.z500.gif

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Tom, I hope you bring back some warmth from AZ! No 90s please, but 70s would be nice.  :D

 

Low 50s and cloudy with an east wind today. Feels more like April 9th.

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Mercer Island, 350 ft

2021-2022: 11.6", 02/21

2020-2021: 15.6"

2019-2020: ~10"

2018-2019 winter snowfall total: 29.5"

2017-2018: 9.0", 2016-2017: 14.0"

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Tom, I hope you bring back some warmth from AZ! No 90s please, but 70s would be nice.  :D

 

Low 50s and cloudy with an east wind today. Feels more like April 9th.

Heading home sometime this coming weekend.  Going to drive back with a new car and prob sleep one night near OKC...this will be a 2-day trip instead of going non-stop 26-27 hours like we usually do.  Excited to be heading back finally and hopefully enjoy those nice 70's and 80's Chitown summers are all about!

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Farmers still trying to plant around here.  After all of our rain of April and early May, we had some drying and the top crusted over.  Last nights .30 of an inch helped to soften the soil and the forecast is for another inch or so Tuesday night.  Our school graduation is this weekend and looking like temps in the low 50's with light rain and wind.  Many graduation receptions are outside so it will be a miserable weekend for those.  My daughter is a 9th grader so we have already decided in 3 years that her reception will be inside so no matter what the weather everyone will be comfortable.

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Heading home sometime this coming weekend.  Going to drive back with a new car and prob sleep one night near OKC...this will be a 2-day trip instead of going non-stop 26-27 hours like we usually do.  Excited to be heading back finally and hopefully enjoy those nice 70's and 80's Chitown summers are all about!

 

Getting a new car is always exciting! I could never drive straight through like that. I have to stop after 1000 miles.

Warmest low this month has been 42° here! Trees still about 10 days behind schedule. 

 

Wind driven rain tonight at 46° right now.

Mercer Island, 350 ft

2021-2022: 11.6", 02/21

2020-2021: 15.6"

2019-2020: ~10"

2018-2019 winter snowfall total: 29.5"

2017-2018: 9.0", 2016-2017: 14.0"

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That was true! South Haven reported snow for awhile. Too warm for accumulation though.

 

50s today, then summer tomorrow, then back to typical spring weather.

 

Some more crappy weather on the EURO again days 5-10.

 

Thanks Geos for confirming that. Guess I wasn't far off with my joke (one county NW) LOL. So sad.

 

Getting a new car is always exciting! I could never drive straight through like that. I have to stop after 1000 miles.

Warmest low this month has been 42° here! Trees still about 10 days behind schedule.

 

Wind driven rain tonight at 46° right now.

 

Happy to report that after this past nice weekend (3 of past 4 now - YES!) the leafing-out of trees has caught up to near normal here in SCMI.

 

Another nice thing is how Saturday turned out being warmer after all and mostly sunny and no rain which was great! My car thermo got up to a very warm 74*F.

 

With a car full of fine young ladies going to Prom, had to run the A/C to keep all that hotness in check! ;)

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Winter 2023-24 Snow Total = 53.1" (90% Normal Season)  Largest Storm: 12" (1/12-13)   Oct: 0.1 Nov: 2.9 Dec: 7.5 Jan: 31.7 Feb: 6.0 Mar: 4.3 Apr: 0.1

Avg = 59.2"  (Harrison): 2023-24 = 53.1" 

Avg = 45.0"  (KDTW): 2022-23 = 33.5"   2021-22 = 35.6"    

Avg = 49.7"  (KRMY): 2020-21 = 36.2"   2019-20 = 48.0"   2018-19 = 56.1"   2017-18 = 68.3"    2016-17 = 52"    2015-16 = 57.4"    2014-15 = 55.3"    2013-14 = 100.6" (coldest & snowiest in the modern record!)  2012-13 = 47.2"    2011-12 = 43.7"

Legit Blizzards (high winds and dbl digit snows): Feb 2011, Dec 2009, Jan 2005, Dec 2000, Jan 1999, Mar 1998, Nov 1989, Jan 1982, Jan 1978, Jan 1977, Apr 1975, Mar 1973, Jan 1967, Feb 1965, Jan 1918

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I picked up 0.73" of rain yesterday.  There were some storms with heavy rain(2-3") to the south, but here it was just a stratiform cool rain.

season snowfall: 34.8"

'22-23: 30.2"      '21-22: 27.1"      '20-21: 52.5"      '19-20: 36.2"      '18-19: 50.2"      '17-18: 39.5"

Average snowfall: ~30"

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GEFS/EPS still looking like we will be turning the corner later next week into the following weekend!  Summa time Chi is what I like to see!  Seems like we have been getting lucky over the past few years during MDW.  Hope the trend continues this year.

 

 

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Thanks Geos for confirming that. Guess I wasn't far off with my joke (one county NW) LOL. So sad.

 

 

Happy to report that after this past nice weekend (3 of past 4 now - YES!) the leafing-out of trees has caught up to near normal here in SCMI.

 

Another nice thing is how Saturday turned out being warmer after all and mostly sunny and no rain which was great! My car thermo got up to a very warm 74*F.

 

With a car full of fine young ladies going to Prom, had to run the A/C to keep all that hotness in check! ;)

 

Sometimes I wish I was that young still! Yeah I've been in those hotness situations.  :D

That's awesome you had your prom on a warm day, I did not. It was nice, but it was in the 50s. 

 

0.94" of rain from this system so and it looks like several more hours of cool rain to go yet. Been below 50° for the most part over the last 24 hours.

Mercer Island, 350 ft

2021-2022: 11.6", 02/21

2020-2021: 15.6"

2019-2020: ~10"

2018-2019 winter snowfall total: 29.5"

2017-2018: 9.0", 2016-2017: 14.0"

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GEFS/EPS still looking like we will be turning the corner later next week into the following weekend!  Summa time Chi is what I like to see!  Seems like we have been getting lucky over the past few years during MDW.  Hope the trend continues this year.

 

Well that's good. It's looks more like frost on Sunday morning/Saturday night now.

 

GFS showing snow where Money is and into central MI on Saturday night! A mix possible further south.

Mercer Island, 350 ft

2021-2022: 11.6", 02/21

2020-2021: 15.6"

2019-2020: ~10"

2018-2019 winter snowfall total: 29.5"

2017-2018: 9.0", 2016-2017: 14.0"

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The spring that keeps on giving.  I am now forecasted for 1-2 more inches of rain overnight tonight.  In my recollection, I have never seen this much green in the area and the amount of water that just is sitting on parts of fields.  We were spared here last night, but tonight might be different.  I think I have mowed my yard 7-8 times already.  I am mowing it every 3-4 days.  This is like early to mid June when it has rained and it is very humid.  I am coaching my son's 3-4 grade baseball team and we have already had 3 rain out practices, and we were forced off the field last night by approaching storm clouds and lightning.  

 

We know around here rain can shut off quickly and irrigation season then begins so enjoy the rain while we have it, just causes some issues when there is too much.

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Here comes the ridge Week 2...

 

http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/predictions/814day/814temp.new.gif

 

With some inevitable moisture...

 

http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/predictions/814day/814prcp.new.gif

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Ridge please!

Rain today was heavy enough to cause some significant ponding of water on road ways. Drove through several spots that were around 4" deep.

 

1.35" of rain total. High of 50°.

Mercer Island, 350 ft

2021-2022: 11.6", 02/21

2020-2021: 15.6"

2019-2020: ~10"

2018-2019 winter snowfall total: 29.5"

2017-2018: 9.0", 2016-2017: 14.0"

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The spring that keeps on giving.  I am now forecasted for 1-2 more inches of rain overnight tonight.  In my recollection, I have never seen this much green in the area and the amount of water that just is sitting on parts of fields.  We were spared here last night, but tonight might be different.  I think I have mowed my yard 7-8 times already.  I am mowing it every 3-4 days.  This is like early to mid June when it has rained and it is very humid.  I am coaching my son's 3-4 grade baseball team and we have already had 3 rain out practices, and we were forced off the field last night by approaching storm clouds and lightning.  

 

We know around here rain can shut off quickly and irrigation season then begins so enjoy the rain while we have it, just causes some issues when there is too much.

According to the GFS/GEFS, your region may be torching into the upper 80's, possibly 90's by Day 10-15, depending if there are storms nearby.  90's may be a stretch due to all the moisture in the ground.  A flip to a more typical summer like pattern is in the works.  A pretty strong trough develops in the west/southwest that looks to pump the ridge into the central CONUS.

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It was 50° for 11 straights hours starting at 2pm yesterday - 1am this morning. Dense fog was real bad last night and this morning. Still a little foggy at this hour.

Mercer Island, 350 ft

2021-2022: 11.6", 02/21

2020-2021: 15.6"

2019-2020: ~10"

2018-2019 winter snowfall total: 29.5"

2017-2018: 9.0", 2016-2017: 14.0"

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It was 50° for 11 straights hours starting at 2pm yesterday - 1am this morning. Dense fog was real bad last night and this morning. Still a little foggy at this hour.

Mid/Long range forecasts looking fantastic for later next week into the weekend!  Gotta get through this chilly weekend and summer wx is around the corner.  I miss the smell of fresh cut grass!

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Mid/Long range forecasts looking fantastic for later next week into the weekend!  Gotta get through this chilly weekend and summer wx is around the corner.  I miss the smell of fresh cut grass!

 

That smell has been common here!

Mercer Island, 350 ft

2021-2022: 11.6", 02/21

2020-2021: 15.6"

2019-2020: ~10"

2018-2019 winter snowfall total: 29.5"

2017-2018: 9.0", 2016-2017: 14.0"

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Another 1.5 inches last night.  No place for water to go.  Baseball fields covered in water this morning.  Sun is out with a nice northwest breeze so hopefully a little drying today.  Weekend looks cool and showery.  School is out next Wednesday morning and summer break is upon us so would be a great time for the ridge to pump up.

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These 850mb temperatures are really low for mid May.

 

 

Yikes -

 

Mercer Island, 350 ft

2021-2022: 11.6", 02/21

2020-2021: 15.6"

2019-2020: ~10"

2018-2019 winter snowfall total: 29.5"

2017-2018: 9.0", 2016-2017: 14.0"

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Fog is back in full strength again tonight. Visibility probably a half a block.

Mercer Island, 350 ft

2021-2022: 11.6", 02/21

2020-2021: 15.6"

2019-2020: ~10"

2018-2019 winter snowfall total: 29.5"

2017-2018: 9.0", 2016-2017: 14.0"

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Lake Michigan water levels are approaching record levels.  Where's the beach???  Impressive turnaround since the summer torch of 2013 when they were at record lows.

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/lake-county-news-sun/news/ct-lns-lake-michigan-water-levels-up-st-0511-20160510-story.html?utm_content=buffer84596&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

 

Ensembles still on board towards a summery look Week 2-3, in fact, it may last into the opening of June!

 

CiQf5UUWkAA9tgq.jpg

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This is for all of the cold and snow geeks out there!  Yes there is still some snow on the ground here in Michigan.  First here is the snow on ski hill across the river from Houghton Michigan

http://www.mtu.edu/webcams/ripley/motion.html

 

and for a close up Just strool down to the ski hill cam and then click on it for a close up of some of the last (I hope) snow on the ground here in Michigan.

http://www.mtu.edu/webcams/

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Here comes the ridge!  Check out these forecast 850's on the 12z Euro...The Lakes/Midwest will go from late March level temps this weekend to full blown summer the following weekend!

 

http://www.tropicaltidbits.com/analysis/models/ecmwf/2016051212/ecmwf_T850_ncus_10.png

 

http://www.tropicaltidbits.com/analysis/models/ecmwf/2016051212/ecmwf_T850_ncus_11.png

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Lot's of real estate covered by Freeze Warnings in the Plains/Upper Midwest.  Most likely will expand east into Wisconsin/Michigan tomorrow.  Here is a graphic showing the average last Spring Freeze.  Kinda late in some parts.

 

http://www.weather.gov/images/fsd/Freeze.PNG

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This is for all of the cold and snow geeks out there!  Yes there is still some snow on the ground here in Michigan.  First here is the snow on ski hill across the river from Houghton Michigan

http://www.mtu.edu/webcams/ripley/motion.html

 

and for a close up Just strool down to the ski hill cam and then click on it for a close up of some of the last (I hope) snow on the ground here in Michigan.

http://www.mtu.edu/webcams/

 

Two years ago there was some remnant snow on the slopes in the Lwr. Peninsula in JUNE! Plus that infamous snow pile in the tree shade on Mackinaw Island in June. I remember lots of snow on the slopes in NMI in May of '97 as well. Glad you have to go clear over to the western UP to find May remnants this year. Shows we're making progress climbing out of the brutal brrr stretch we've been in.

Winter 2023-24 Snow Total = 53.1" (90% Normal Season)  Largest Storm: 12" (1/12-13)   Oct: 0.1 Nov: 2.9 Dec: 7.5 Jan: 31.7 Feb: 6.0 Mar: 4.3 Apr: 0.1

Avg = 59.2"  (Harrison): 2023-24 = 53.1" 

Avg = 45.0"  (KDTW): 2022-23 = 33.5"   2021-22 = 35.6"    

Avg = 49.7"  (KRMY): 2020-21 = 36.2"   2019-20 = 48.0"   2018-19 = 56.1"   2017-18 = 68.3"    2016-17 = 52"    2015-16 = 57.4"    2014-15 = 55.3"    2013-14 = 100.6" (coldest & snowiest in the modern record!)  2012-13 = 47.2"    2011-12 = 43.7"

Legit Blizzards (high winds and dbl digit snows): Feb 2011, Dec 2009, Jan 2005, Dec 2000, Jan 1999, Mar 1998, Nov 1989, Jan 1982, Jan 1978, Jan 1977, Apr 1975, Mar 1973, Jan 1967, Feb 1965, Jan 1918

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Talk about crazy weather...I am in a "Frost Advisory" for tonight as temps will bottom out in the low 30's. :o

Snowfall for Winter 2023 -24 for Metro Detroit Area 

Oct 2023: 0.2" AN

Nov 2023: 2.2" AN

Dec 2023: 0.5" BN Insane!

Jan 2024: 17.0" AN

Feb 2024: 1.9"  BN Insane!

Mar 2024: 4.9" BN

April 2024: Trace

Season So Far: 26.7"

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Lake Michigan water levels are approaching record levels.  Where's the beach???  Impressive turnaround since the summer torch of 2013 when they were at record lows.

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/lake-county-news-sun/news/ct-lns-lake-michigan-water-levels-up-st-0511-20160510-story.html?utm_content=buffer84596&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

 

Ensembles still on board towards a summery look Week 2-3, in fact, it may last into the opening of June!

 

CiQf5UUWkAA9tgq.jpg

 

That comment about the erosion is a bad call. It is widely known that high lake levels lead to erosion, especially along the bluffs when the wave action kicks up. I can see that person isn't a geologist.

 

Reached 65° today and now light rain has moved in. Look like a light frost tonight and a hard one tomorrow night. Most people have not planted annuals yet, which is good. 

 

Looking like big impacts to the fruit trees in WI though.

 

Mercer Island, 350 ft

2021-2022: 11.6", 02/21

2020-2021: 15.6"

2019-2020: ~10"

2018-2019 winter snowfall total: 29.5"

2017-2018: 9.0", 2016-2017: 14.0"

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Didn't think I'd have to report any frozen precip until at least November, but currently seeing graupel during the middle of the day in May! 42° currently.

Mercer Island, 350 ft

2021-2022: 11.6", 02/21

2020-2021: 15.6"

2019-2020: ~10"

2018-2019 winter snowfall total: 29.5"

2017-2018: 9.0", 2016-2017: 14.0"

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Didn't think I'd have to report any frozen precip until at least November, but currently seeing graupel during the middle of the day in May! 42° currently.

Same here Geos! I could not believe my eyes, but yes, very wet snow mixed in with rain earlier this afternoon, no accumulations of course, but definitely crazy to say the least. Dropping in the low 30s tonight. I wonder if any 20s will be possible overnight. I can see some record lows tonight happening.

Snowfall for Winter 2023 -24 for Metro Detroit Area 

Oct 2023: 0.2" AN

Nov 2023: 2.2" AN

Dec 2023: 0.5" BN Insane!

Jan 2024: 17.0" AN

Feb 2024: 1.9"  BN Insane!

Mar 2024: 4.9" BN

April 2024: Trace

Season So Far: 26.7"

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I spent a couple hours covering all my tender plants.  I hate early/late frosts/freezes.

season snowfall: 34.8"

'22-23: 30.2"      '21-22: 27.1"      '20-21: 52.5"      '19-20: 36.2"      '18-19: 50.2"      '17-18: 39.5"

Average snowfall: ~30"

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Yesterday we left AZ and drove all the way just outside of OKC to spend the night. It's dang chilly here! Only 52F, with a heavy overcast. Thankfully, the rest of the drive back home looks dry. OKC, I'm not that far from you buddy!

 

Watching the local news here, I saw that Marquette, MI had 2" of Lake Effect Snow! Wow, pretty amazing to see in mid May.

 

Got another 14 hours or so of driving left to go. Atleast it won't be as boring of a drive as NM and the Pan Handle. Driving through OK/MO/IL ain't that bad. See you in Chicago!

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I had just a bit of light frost in the open part of my yard this morning.  The patch of clouds around midnight likely saved us a few degrees.

 

It will still be below normal for the next week.

season snowfall: 34.8"

'22-23: 30.2"      '21-22: 27.1"      '20-21: 52.5"      '19-20: 36.2"      '18-19: 50.2"      '17-18: 39.5"

Average snowfall: ~30"

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