April 2024 Observations and Discussion

[westMJim]

On Monday we will flip the calendar to April. So, it is just about time to talk about April. I will start out with some April weather history for Grand Rapids Michigan  Durning April the length of the time the sun is up increases from 12 hours 46 minutes on the 1st to 14 hours 6 minutes on the 30th The average H/L starts out at 52/32 on the 1st and is up to 64/43 by the 30th The mean average temperature for April at Grand Rapids is 47.6° the average precipitation is 3.99” the average snowfall is 2.0”

The top 5 warmest April’s at Grand Rapids are 53.8 in 1915, 53.7 in 2010. 52.8 in 1896 and 1955 and 52.1 in 1921.  The top 5 coldest April’s are 37.6 in 1907, 39.6 in 1950, 39.8 in 1975, 40.1 in 2018, 40.4 in 1926. The wettest April’s at Grand Rapids are 11.10” in 2013, 8.29” in 1909, 7.19” in 2011, 6.69” in 1999 and 6.37” in 1947. The dryest 0.39” in 1942, 0.77” in 2009 and 1899, 0.85” in 1915 and 0.98” in 1932. The most snowfall is 15.6” in 1961, 12.4” in 1982, 11.2” in 1926, 10.5” in 1952 and 10.1” in 1936. I lived in Bay City in 1975 and starting around 8PM on April 2nd and 6Am on April 3rd Bay City had over 15” of snow in a big time April snowstorm that had high winds and thundersnow. The record high for April at Grand Rapids is 90° set on April 29, 1899, the record low of 3 was set on April 7th, 1982, the low reached 7 on April 8th that same year there was 7” of snow on the ground at that time. There have only been 3 years in where April did not reach 70 or better. In 1950 the high for the month was just 67 in 1961 and 1907 the highest was just 68.

I did not live in Grand Rapids in 1956 but the most destructive tornado in west Michigan hit that year on April 3rd the storm was less than a half mile from were I now live. The afternoon of Tuesday, April 3rd, 1956 was warm and humid. Strong south winds had brought summer-like temperatures and humidity, with record highs in the upper 70°s at Muskegon and Grand Rapids. Holland and Kalamazoo both reached 80 degrees. Dew points were in the 60°s even near Lake Michigan. But a strong cold front was approaching from the west and out ahead of it, a line of violent thunderstorms had formed over Wisconsin and Illinois.  By 1 PM, a tornado had roared through Bancroft, Wisconsin, killing two people. Another tornado would level the town of Berlin, Wisconsin an hour later, leaving 7 more dead and 50 injured. Michigan was put on alert. The U.S. Weather Bureau (forerunner of the National Weather Service) office in Grand Rapids began notifying the public and civil defense officials that the risk of tornadoes across western Michigan was increasing. Some schools began letting out early, anticipating the severe weather to come.

The storms crossed Lake Michigan, and when they reached the west coast of Lower Michigan by late afternoon, they immediately began producing tornadoes. Three hours of terror would follow. At least four powerful tornadoes would be spawned, tearing their way across the landscape. When it was over, areas from Saugatuck to Traverse City, and inland to Middleville and Rockford were dealing with unprecedented destruction. Almost 20 people were dead and hundreds injured. Dozens of homes were obliterated. Many people’s lives were irrevocably changed.

The worst hit areas were Hudsonville and Standale, where entire neighborhoods were laid waste. Many people, some of them badly injured, helped in the immediate recovery by searching for neighbors trapped under the debris of what had been their homes. Police and National Guard units were dispatched to make sure roads were kept clear of sightseers, allowing the injured to be evacuated to hospitals. Dozens of seriously injured people were brought to hospitals in Grand Rapids, Holland, and Zeeland.

In the following days, the cleanup and rebuilding began. The Red Cross and Salvation Army would provide much needed supplies, including food, clothing and temporary housing. Homes and farms were rebuilt, even as family members recuperated in the hospital. But the impact of the storms would never be forgotten by those that lived through them.

[westMJim]

The official H/L yesterday at Grand Rapids was 46/37 there was no rain/snowfall or sunshine. The highest wind gust was 14 MPH out of the E. For today the average H/L is 52/32 the record high of 82 was set in 2010 and the record low of 13 was set in 1954 the most rainfall of 1.34” fell in 1954 the record snowfall of 4.8” was in 1972, 1972 also had the most on the ground with 6” Last year the H/L was 57/32.

In looking back at March 2024, the mean for the month at Grand Rapids was 40.5 that is a departure of +5.2 there was 3.74” of precipitation that is +1.35” the total snowfall was 7.2” that is a departure of -0.4” The high for the month was 71 there were 3 days with highs of 70 or better. The low for the month was 17.

[Tom]

Hello April!  Will April showers...OR...Snow Showers...bring May flowers this year???  Greener grass??  Boy, the epitome of a west-based Greenland Block looks to rock over the GL's/OHV region into the Northeast.  Gotta love it.

I'm looking at a Live shot from Snowbowl up in Flagstaff and the mountain looks heavenly, with white gold, over 200" so far this season.  Just beautiful to see...no joke, it looks like a place in Aspen, CO in the heart of Winter!

 

[gimmesnow]

I hate this pattern so much! Where was this in February? Could have been 10 inches of good snow.

[Hoosier]

On 3/30/2024 at 4:23 AM, westMJim said:

On Monday we will flip the calendar to April. So, it is just about time to talk about April. I will start out with some April weather history for Grand Rapids Michigan  Durning April the length of the time the sun is up increases from 12 hours 46 minutes on the 1st to 14 hours 6 minutes on the 30th The average H/L starts out at 52/32 on the 1st and is up to 64/43 by the 30th The mean average temperature for April at Grand Rapids is 47.6° the average precipitation is 3.99” the average snowfall is 2.0”

The top 5 warmest April’s at Grand Rapids are 53.8 in 1915, 53.7 in 2010. 52.8 in 1896 and 1955 and 52.1 in 1921.  The top 5 coldest April’s are 37.6 in 1907, 39.6 in 1950, 39.8 in 1975, 40.1 in 2018, 40.4 in 1926. The wettest April’s at Grand Rapids are 11.10” in 2013, 8.29” in 1909, 7.19” in 2011, 6.69” in 1999 and 6.37” in 1947. The dryest 0.39” in 1942, 0.77” in 2009 and 1899, 0.85” in 1915 and 0.98” in 1932. The most snowfall is 15.6” in 1961, 12.4” in 1982, 11.2” in 1926, 10.5” in 1952 and 10.1” in 1936. I lived in Bay City in 1975 and starting around 8PM on April 2nd and 6Am on April 3rd Bay City had over 15” of snow in a big time April snowstorm that had high winds and thundersnow. The record high for April at Grand Rapids is 90° set on April 29, 1899, the record low of 3 was set on April 7th, 1982, the low reached 7 on April 8th that same year there was 7” of snow on the ground at that time. There have only been 3 years in where April did not reach 70 or better. In 1950 the high for the month was just 67 in 1961 and 1907 the highest was just 68.

I did not live in Grand Rapids in 1956 but the most destructive tornado in west Michigan hit that year on April 3rd the storm was less than a half mile from were I now live. The afternoon of Tuesday, April 3rd, 1956 was warm and humid. Strong south winds had brought summer-like temperatures and humidity, with record highs in the upper 70°s at Muskegon and Grand Rapids. Holland and Kalamazoo both reached 80 degrees. Dew points were in the 60°s even near Lake Michigan. But a strong cold front was approaching from the west and out ahead of it, a line of violent thunderstorms had formed over Wisconsin and Illinois.  By 1 PM, a tornado had roared through Bancroft, Wisconsin, killing two people. Another tornado would level the town of Berlin, Wisconsin an hour later, leaving 7 more dead and 50 injured. Michigan was put on alert. The U.S. Weather Bureau (forerunner of the National Weather Service) office in Grand Rapids began notifying the public and civil defense officials that the risk of tornadoes across western Michigan was increasing. Some schools began letting out early, anticipating the severe weather to come.

The storms crossed Lake Michigan, and when they reached the west coast of Lower Michigan by late afternoon, they immediately began producing tornadoes. Three hours of terror would follow. At least four powerful tornadoes would be spawned, tearing their way across the landscape. When it was over, areas from Saugatuck to Traverse City, and inland to Middleville and Rockford were dealing with unprecedented destruction. Almost 20 people were dead and hundreds injured. Dozens of homes were obliterated. Many people’s lives were irrevocably changed.

The worst hit areas were Hudsonville and Standale, where entire neighborhoods were laid waste. Many people, some of them badly injured, helped in the immediate recovery by searching for neighbors trapped under the debris of what had been their homes. Police and National Guard units were dispatched to make sure roads were kept clear of sightseers, allowing the injured to be evacuated to hospitals. Dozens of seriously injured people were brought to hospitals in Grand Rapids, Holland, and Zeeland.

In the following days, the cleanup and rebuilding began. The Red Cross and Salvation Army would provide much needed supplies, including food, clothing and temporary housing. Homes and farms were rebuilt, even as family members recuperated in the hospital. But the impact of the storms would never be forgotten by those that lived through them.

4/3/1956 was quite the severe setup.  I've seen the surface maps from that day and it had one of those rare eastward dryline setups with dewpoints dropping all the way into the teens and 20s in IL/WI during the afternoon.  Those kind of setups usually result in bad things happening as it gives an additional focus for convective initiation that isn't tied to the cold front.

[Clinton]

April is going to start off a little cool here with near freezing temperatures the next 2 nights.

[westMJim]

The official H/L yesterday at Grand Rapids was 52/35 there was 0.22” 0f rain fall. Other data is missing currently. For today the average H/L is 52/32 the record high of 83 was set in 2010 the record low of 11 was set in 1965 the record rainfall of 1.16” fell in 1945 the most snowfall of 7.8” fell in 1975 the most on the ground was 6” in 1970. Last  year the H/L was 49/24.

The overnight low here in MBY was 37 I recorded 0.25” of rainfall. While I can not confirm it but my wife was talking to her sister-in-las last night who lives north of Bay City in Linwood and she told my wife that it was snowing there and the ground was covered. At the current time here in MBY there is a mist, and it is 39.

 

[OttumwaSnomow]

I'm probably  thought of  as a complainer on these forums. And my company  has lost millions  from years of drought.  But I must say this since Nov 1st mby is near the top of a Iowa locations.

#2 snowfall 44.2"

#6 precip 12.39"

We should be falling off the drought monitor  soon.

[chescowxman]

1.33" of rain so far since yesterday here in East Nantmeal with 0.73" falling since midnight. Our wet and chilly start to April continues through Thursday.

Records for today across the county: High 86 degrees Coatesville (1967) / Low 16 degrees Phoenixville (1964) / Rain 3.48" Phoenixville (2005) / Snow 5.0" Devault (1965)

[chescowxman]

Here in Chester County PA this March was the 19th warmest average temp on record. . Four of the top 5 warmest March months were all before 1950 in rank order 51.7 (1945) / 51.4 (1921) / 50.0 (2012) / 49.1 (1946) / 48.1 (1903). Of note look how the National Center of Environmental Information (NCEI) chilled the average temperatures pre-1950 with post hoc cooling adjustments to mute the warmth we saw in those decades. 1945 Actual 51.7 - adjusted 49.6 / 1921 Actual 51.4 - adjusted 49.7 / 1946 actual 49.1 - adjusted 47.3 and 1903 actual 48.1 after adjustment 46.8. Interestingly not one available individual reporting station reported a number as low as these post hoc averages in any of these months.

[Andie]

61*  Overcast

Windy. Downright chilly!

Low tonight 48/49!

Cool week ahead  

 

[chescowxman]

The rain just keeps on keeping on! Rain totals across Chester County over the first 3 days of the month of April: East Nantmeal 2.68" / Atglen 2.63" / Chester Springs 2.45" / Glenmoore 2.63" / Nottingham 2.39" / Warwick Township 2.57" / Devault 2.27" / Kennett Square 2.85" / Longwood Gardens 2.49" / West Chester 2.91" / West Grove 2.47" / Marshallton 2.90"

[Tom]

Happy Humpday!  Gotta love Spring in the GL's...out here in the Valley of the Sun, it will be warming up into the low 80's today (83F is norm) and likely getting very close  90F territory on Thursday!  The avg date for 90F is typically March 30th so we are doing pretty good in that dept.  I will say, there is a nice signal for a longer period of warmth to develop late next week into the later parts of April.  I'm sure there will be some 90's in the forecast post 10th.

[Timmy Supercell]

Just got my internet restored! Hmm.. temperature unknown but feels like 45-50 (and breezy). Ashland airport got knocked, their last observation was 10:10am yesterday, about the time that MCS struck. 

[Timmy Supercell]

A couple things I was able to save around the time I couldn't use my computer.. There were more TOR's being issued after that first loop. Sirens were sounding in Ashland from 10:15 to 10:30 I think. TOR's continued being dished out in WV. It formed a well defined bow echo after passing through the Ohio River.

The SPC then expands the Moderate Risk boundary when it started clearing but I think the evening round was a tad watered down. Even though it sounded like supercells did happen in eastern KY with more tornado watches and warnings in spots. But they didn't appear quite as long lived as modeled.

Moderates are super rare at my location. Western KY has been in a couple since I moved here but not this area.

[Clinton]

Models are in good agreement on a system this weekend that may produce some severe weather. 

Not much agreement with the storm system next week but on the backside some more chilly air looks to get pulled in.

 

[westMJim]

The official H/L yesterday was 45/35 there was 0.06” of precipitation of that there was a trace of snowfall. The highest wind gust was 30 MPH out of the SW there was just 11% of possible sunshine. For today the average H/L is 53/33 the record high of 77 was set in 1921 the record low of 13 was set in 1971 the most rainfall of 1.27” fell in 2003 the most snowfall of 2.5” fell in 1920. The most snow on the ground was 8” in 1975. Last year the H/L was 52/46 and there was 0.50” of rainfall.

There was a brief period of heavy snowfall here yesterday and I had 0.4” of precipitation with that trace of snowfall. The overnight low here was 33 and the current temperature here is 36 with cloudy skies.

[westMJim]

Weather history in southern lower Michigan for April 4th

2003: A devastating ice storm strikes central Lower Michigan. Heavy rain from thunderstorms falls into a layer of cold air near the ground and freezes on contact, creating sheaths of ice up to 3 inches thick that bring down thousands of tree limbs. It was estimated that 450,000 homes and businesses lost power during the storm and that nearly 50,000 people were without power for a week as persistent cold temperatures kept the heavy ice on the trees for 4 days after the storm. Crews came from four different states to help local utility companies restore power. The storm was responsible for up to an inch of accumulated ice in Oakland County, which caused 500,000 people to be without power and $50 million in damage.

[Clinton]

Light freeze expected here tonight with lows around 30.  Going forward into next week, the blocked up pattern has the operational models struggling.  The EPS and GEFS ensemble means are more generous with precipitation and further north than the operational models are currently are.

 

[Clinton]

The Euro AI for April 14th 18th  Some of you may not be done with snow yet.

 

[chescowxman]

With the 0.11" that fell here in East Nantmeal since midnight we are now up to 4.01" of rain since the month began on Monday. Some other area totals so far: Atglen 3.71" / Chester Springs 4.05" / Devault 3.76"/ Glenmoore 4.10" / Kennett Square 4.66" / Longwood Gardens 4.11" / West Bradford 4.67" / Nottingham 3.61"/ West Chester 4.51" / West Grove 3.69" / Warwick Twp. 3.99". Should finally see some sun today and tomorrow but still a chance of some showers and maybe some thunder w/ hail mixed in especially later this PM. Our below normal temps look to continue through the weekend before we finally see some milder weather by next week.

[hawkstwelve]

It's obviously a long ways out there but the GFS is showing some gulf moisture and accompanying high CAPE values making it up to my neck of the woods on my birthday. Some birthday fireworks Mother Nature style.

[hawkstwelve]

A little closer in the near term, the ECMWF is showing some lightning around with this weekend's system. Sounds like these could be accompanied by some fairly strong winds.

Perhaps a secondary, but growing concern could be with the winds Saturday
evening into the early overnight hours. Southeast low-lvl flow
is expected to ramp up quickly Saturday evening with 925 mb
winds off the EC pushing 55 knots, and GFS pushing 50 knots
ahead of and along the advancing corridor of rain. These winds
sit at the 99th percentile or in some cases outside the 30 year
model climatology for early April, especially at the 850/700 mb
layers. Could see a scenario where high gusts mixdown with the
rain and embedded thunderstorms Saturday evening. While the NBM
winds (gusting over 60 mph) may be a bit on the high side, it
should be noted that both the EC/GFS/GEM/NAM all produce a
corridor of 50 to 55 mph gusts as the precipitation moves
northeast. The GEFS/EPS also note mean wind gusts between 45 and
50 mph Saturday evening, with more than a handful of members
over 50 mph.

[Tom]

1 hour ago, Clinton said:

The Euro AI for April 14th 18th  Some of you may not be done with snow yet.

 

I'm ok with the early season HEAT out here...might decide to plan some nice trips weather permitting...

[Tom]

Do we get to 90F at PHX today?  It's going to get rather breezy and full sun might do the trick.  

[Black Hole]

That Saturday night system is looking more interesting. This is a tornadic hodograph with strong speed and directional shear in the lowest levels. The only limiting factor is that low level moisture looks a bit iffy still. But I've seen this enough before to know that a QLCS tornado threat may develop along the front. Otherwise, it just looks like some good rain/thunder. The limited CAPE will not allow for much of a hail threat. 

[chescowxman]

Today will be our 15th below normal temperature day over the last 20 days with high temps again struggling to escape the 40's. Our below normal stretch should continue through the weekend before a nice warmup next week.

Chester County Records for today: High 85.3 degrees Longwood Gardens (2010) / Low 21 degrees Coatesville (1995) / Rain 2.45" Chadds Ford (1984) / Snow 3.0" Coatesville (1898)

[Tom]

I thought we would come very close and we sure did.  The temp at PHX rallied late, close but no cigar...hit 89F late in the afternoon (4:57pm)....

 

 

 

No need to hurry, as we are very likely to see 90F by this time next week...an early taste of some Summer Sizzle...

[tStacsh]

Finally signs of real spring coming next week.  Hopefully we are done with the 30's.  60's next week, then let's see if we can keep it around normal until the inevitable shift to INSTANT  summer as usual.    

[CentralNebWeather]

South/southeast winds gusting to 40 mph still this evening, have brought smoke up here from prescribed burns in Kansas and Oklahoma. Very hazy with a strong smoke odor in the air. 

[westMJim]

Weather history for April 6

1882: A tornado outbreak strikes Lower Michigan, killing 10 people and injuring more than 50 others. Tornadoes struck Midland and Kalamazoo Counties, killing one person each. Four people were killed in a tornado that moved between Bedford and Charlotte. Three people were killed in Oakland County by a tornado that passed between Clyde and West Highland. A tornado that struck east of Dansville in Ingham County killed one person. A barn and home were destroyed by a tornado a mile west of Charlotte, but no one was killed.

On April 6, 2010, a prolific hail storm moved from southern Livingston County to southern Macomb County. The storm produced 1.5 inch diameter hail in Brighton, 1.75 inch in Commerce, and 2.25 inch hail in Sterling Heights.

On April 6, 2009, a low pressure system tracking northeast through the Ohio River Valley produced a late season heavy snowfall across Southeast Michigan. Snowfall totals averaged 1 to 4 inches south of I-94, 4 to 8 inches between I-94 and I-69, and 1 to 4 inches north of I-69. Due to the heavy snow and winds to around 30 mph, tree branches came down which resulted in power outages focused along the M-59 corridor. Some of the higher snowfall included Grand Blanc 6.3 inches, Elba 7.0 inches, Cement City 6.0 inches, Howell 6.3 inches, Shelby Township 6.4 inches, White Lake 7.8 inches, Deckerville 6.0 inches, Ann Arbor 6.0 inches, and Romulus 6.7 inches.

On April 6, 1886, the biggest snowfall ever recorded in Detroit in a 24 hour period occurred with 24.5 inches. This snow had a very high water content (2.43 inches) and was therefore very heavy and packed. This made it difficult for residents and services, such as police and medical, to travel anywhere. Amazingly, the next day temperatures rose to 40 degrees and up into the 50s later in the week.

Also on April 6, 1882, the earliest recorded Michigan tornado outbreak hit Southern Lower Michigan. Six tornadoes rolled across the southern part of the state including Midland, Bay, Livingston and Oakland Counties. In the state there were 10 deaths and 54 injuries as a result of the outbreak. The Midland tornado started just north of Midland and ended near Inwood in Bay County. This tornado was responsible for 1 death and 15 injuries. The Livingston tornado started near Hartland and moved to Clyde in Oakland County. Five homes were destroyed near Clyde where the 3 deaths and three injuries were reported.

1997: A strong cold front moved through with a line of thunderstorms producing wind gusts to 70 mph and causing widespread damage across much of southern Lower Michigan.

[westMJim]

The official H/L yesterday at Grand Rapids was 50/36 there was no rain/snowfall. The sun was out 51% of the time. The average wind speed was 9 MPH. For today the average H/L is 54/34 the record high of 81 was set in 1921 and 1991 the record low of 18 was set in 1943 and 2003. The most rainfall of 1.87” fell in 2010 the most snowfall of 3.5” fell in 1914 the most on the ground was 7” in 1982. Last year the H/L was 45/34.

[Timmy Supercell]

Right now would be a great time for the solar eclipse. Not a speck of cloud in the sky here. 

Wunderground says mostly cloudy 4/8 and there will be some more rain and t'storm chances off and on coming up again.

[Clinton]

Beautiful weather today but windy.  Maybe pull in a thunderstorm tonight. 

[MIKEKC]

7 minutes ago, Clinton said:

Beautiful weather today but windy.  Maybe pull in a thunderstorm tonight. 

We need to pull in a lot of thunderstorms!!! Very dry pattern continues for KC. Less than 2 inches of moisture in 71 days. A lot of dry air masses to go with that. 

It's April, time to get wet as the the vegetation will be using it much faster.

Tonight's rain chances look fast and not that much...maybe I'll catch a good storm.

 

[chescowxman]

Another below normal temperature day...but at least dry across the area. Some areas by early Monday morning could see some readings near the freezing mark. A strong warming trend finally sets in on Monday with the warmest day looking like Tuesday before more showers and rain arrive on Wednesday and last through much of the rest of the work week.

Chester County records for today: High temp 90 degrees Phoenixville (2010) / Low 15 Coatesville (1982) / Rain 2.03" Coatesville (1971) / Snow 4.0" Devault 4.0" (1971)

[Niko]

If anyone is interesting, I am selling my house in Greece (in Chios Island). I will put it on the market soon, but first I need to clean out the acres and inside as well. I am in the process of hiring someone from there to go and appraise it and also hire someone to have it freshen up and cut down some trees in the far distance and etc.

Description:

Has an amazing view of the Aegean sea and very close to Turkey. At nite, you can actually see the cars. No binoculars needed. An amazing view.

Ton of acres. You have the ability to build another house there, or knock down the whole thing.

Not sure of asking price yet, but an estimation will be for $250,000 Euro, so, in dollars will be roughly around $270,000, give or take. No negotiations!

The house offers 2 floors:

First floor, a kitchen, pantry, bathroom (w laundry), dining room, 2 bedrooms and 3 door outside entry. Doors lead you to the side of the house, to the backyard and lastly, the other door leads you towards the garage (1 car garage btw).

Second floor: Master bedroom w huge balcony and a view facing Turkey and the Aegean sea and there are also steps going from the balcony to the roof, if you want to really get a tan, facing also extraordinary mountains. It has another bedroom down the hall and a library room (which that room can be anything you like. I decided back then to make it a library). Exiting the other bedroom, on the left, there is a door that leads to another huge balcony and steps to the right, leading you downstairs, near the garage. Its big house and lots of space to throw parties, entertain guests and etc.

OK..back to spring weather!

 

[CentralNebWeather]

 

[Timmy Supercell]

This could be a while before they have the whole scope on what Tuesday did in the Tri-State area.

https://www.wsaz.com/2024/04/06/nws-confirms-9th-tornado-tri-state/?fbclid=IwAR3q2NPvXnX3m4hBDy78xbGdEgRf2h8F97S-yez0he4VL1ua0lFIj6erj0s_aem_AYufZl_ot2UQkxBBv2Y5PZMQUwL4DO6MlAI84mi6JRbeFMbX4EYNB-FSRZsbI9sKZo6xSC6GaNak3rjqEUD4Sk75

[hawkstwelve]

It has been extremely windy here today with partly to mostly sunny skies and a high of 64. Darker clouds are building to my SW though. Really hoping we can score a rumble of thunder and a couple lightning strikes tonight. Looks marginal up here but might just be enough to eek it out if the band can hold together. We shall see.