April 2024 Observations and Discussion

[chescowxman]

It was actually slightly warmer last night with more spots remaining above freezing than Monday AM. The lowest reading I could find was the 29.9 in Warwick Township. Here in East Nantmeal we only made it down to 35.7...I also did not note any frost. While many lower spots have had several days below freezing here in April in EN we have not been below freezing in almost a month (March 25th) Today we should reach the mid 60's for highs. A slight chance of showers tonight and tomorrow with cooler temps again to close out the work week before a nice warming trend kicks in starting Sunday.

Chester County records for today: High 91 degrees (1960) / Low 24 at Coatesville (1922) / Rain 2.38" at West Chester (2012) / Snow 2.0" Sadsburyville (1911)

[Tom]

PHX torched yesterday and it sure did feel HOT...it hit 102F at 2:04pm...I was at the pool earlier in the day around Noon and it felt like a day in late May or early June.  some ppl were complaining but I embraced it and didn't mind the Heat at all.  Looking forward to the cool down coming later this week into the weekend.

 

 

[Black Hole]

18 minutes ago, Tom said:

PHX torched yesterday and it sure did feel HOT...it hit 102F at 2:04pm...I was at the pool earlier in the day around Noon and it felt like a day in late May or early June.  some ppl were complaining but I embraced it and didn't mind the Heat at all.  Looking forward to the cool down coming later this week into the weekend.

 

 

Your "100+ season" extends into October so hopefully you can keep up the good mood for the next 6 months lol

[Tom]

6 minutes ago, Black Hole said:

Your "100+ season" extends into October so hopefully you can keep up the good mood for the next 6 months lol

Yes, it sure does...the avg 100F+ degree days are between 100-110 days if I remember correctly.  This will be my 1st official summer here in the PHX valley, however, I may be doing some traveling so maybe I won't spend as much time in the valley during the peak Heat season.  

[westMJim]

The official H/KL yesterday at Grand Rapids was 64/34 there was no rainfall the sun was out 74% of the time. It was yet another windy day with the highest wind gust of 41 MPH out of the SW. For today the average H/L is 61/40 the record high of 84 was in 1915 and 1925. The record low of 20 was in 1986. The most rain fall of 1.44” was in 1999. The most snowfall was 0.7” in 2005. Last year the H/L was 46/34.

The overnight low here in my MBY was 50 there was 0.03” of rainfall. At the current time it is cloudy and 55.

[westMJim]

14 minutes ago, Tom said:

Yes, it sure does...the avg 100F+ degree days are between 100-110 days if I remember correctly.  This will be my 1st official summer here in the PHX valley, however, I may be doing some traveling so maybe I won't spend as much time in the valley during the peak Heat season

The 30 year average is around 110, The all time record most was 145 in 2020 while the all time least was 48 in 1913. The number of days has really gone up since the 1970's

[westMJim]

Some weather history for Southern Lower Michigan

1968: A tornado struck Big Rapids in Mecosta County, injuring 11 people and doing half a million dollars in damage as it covered a path 10 miles long.

1986: Freezing weather prevails across Lower Michigan. Record cold temperatures for the date include the 19 degrees at Muskegon and 20 degrees at Grand Rapids which is also a record for coldest so late in the season.

 1985, the daytime temperature rose to 85 degrees in Flint, which is the record high temperature for the day. Curiously enough, the very next year, in 1986, the overnight temperature dropped to 22 degrees, setting the record low temperature for this day.

Across the USA

1948, A three block long section was devastated at the edge of Ionia, Iowa in Chickasaw County by an estimated F4 tornado. Six homes and a church were leveled, and nine other homes were severely damaged. Two deaths occurred in the collapse of the Huffman Implement Store. Overall, the tornado killed five people, injured 25, and caused $250,000 in damages. An F2 tornado touched down initially 5 miles northeast of Rochester. Barns, silos, windmills, and machinery were destroyed on four farms as this tornado tracked north.

1961, Severe weather struck the south suburbs of Chicago, IL. Joliet, IL reported an inch of hail with some hailstones the size of golf balls. Heavy rain from these storms also resulted in some flooding. A tornado struck the town of Peotone resulting in damage to nearly every building with damage also reported in Lorenzo and Wilton Center, IL. Estimated damage was $9 million with about 30,000 structures affected.

1989, 

 Salina Kansas was the hot spot in the nation with a high of 105 degrees. The high of 105 degrees established an April record for the state of Kansas.

 

 

 

[Black Hole]

5 hours ago, Tom said:

Yes, it sure does...the avg 100F+ degree days are between 100-110 days if I remember correctly.  This will be my 1st official summer here in the PHX valley, however, I may be doing some traveling so maybe I won't spend as much time in the valley during the peak Heat season.  

My experience says May-September is the intolerable season, and obviously June is the worst since its just sunny and hot. If you go up to Flag or some of the other communities it makes a big difference. 

[Tom]

4 minutes ago, Black Hole said:

My experience says May-September is the intolerable season, and obviously June is the worst since its just sunny and hot. If you go up to Flag or some of the other communities it makes a big difference. 

The diff in temp up there can be as high as 30F compared to the valley in the summer...and yes...its quite enjoyable up there in the summer with the smell of the fresh pine!

[westMJim]

Even though the news stories that I have seen downplay it the Ruang’s eruptions may (or may not) have some effect on the weather leading into fall and next winter. Will have to keep a eye on how the sunrise and sunset pay out over the days ahead. The more red they are the more dust there could be in the upper atmosphere.

[Clinton]

It's looking like the wetter pattern that will close out April will carry into the first week of May along the I-35 corridor.  I'm ready to get the pool ready and the CPC favors above average temps to open May.

[chescowxman]

Near normal temps today before colder again through Saturday. We may see frost or freezes again by Friday morning. Big warm up on the way by Monday with temps possibly reaching the 80's for the first time in some areas.

Chester County records for today: High 91 degrees in West Chester (1960) / Low 26 degrees at Coatesville (1930) / Rain 2.40" in Coatesville (1968)

[westMJim]

Even though the news stories that I have seen downplay it the Ruang’s eruptions may (or may not) have some effect on the weather leading into fall and next winter. Will have to keep a eye on how the sunrise and sunset pay out over the days ahead. The more red they are the more dust there could be in the upper atmosphere.

[westMJim]

The official H/L yesterday was 62/47 there was 0.05” of rainfall at the airport. It was yet another windy day with the average wind speed of 14.7 MPH and the highest gust of 36MPH out of the SW. For today the average H/L is 62/41. The record high of 86 was set in 1915 and the record low of 25 was set in 2015. The most rainfall of 1.46” fell in 1957 the most snowfall of 2.4” fell in 1980 the most snow of the ground is 1” in 2005 and 1980.

There were a couple rounds of thunderstorms last night. They did not produce much rainfall as the official amount was 0.05” and here in MBY I only recorded 0.03”. I work for the Whitecaps and there was a lot more rain at the ballpark.  The storms had a lot of lightning with them. It was the most lightning around game time in a long time. The Whitecaps did win the game 6 to 2. The overnight low here in MBY was 36 at the current time it is cloudy and 37.

[Tom]

51 minutes ago, westMJim said:

Even though the news stories that I have seen downplay it the Ruang’s eruptions may (or may not) have some effect on the weather leading into fall and next winter. Will have to keep a eye on how the sunrise and sunset pay out over the days ahead. The more red they are the more dust there could be in the upper atmosphere.

It's interesting to see that some of the outlets are even suggesting...dare I say, "Global Cooling"...although, this eruption isn't as big as some in the past but you never know what the future may present.

https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/23/climate/indonesia-volcano-eruption-weather-impact/index.html

[Hoosier]

Already down to 30 here.  Under a frost advisory, but should probably be a freeze warning.

[Andie]

Cool day ahead. High 78.  
We have rain coming in the next 3 days.
80-83* for High. Farmers happy I’m sure.  

[westMJim]

The official H/L yesterday was 52/35 there was no rainfall the sun was out 91% of the time. The highest wind gust was 26 MPH out of the NW. For today the average H/L is 62/41 the record high of 86 was set in 1915 and the record low of 22 was set in 1967 the record rainfall amount of 1.40” was in 2009. The most snowfall of 3.0” fell in 1976. Last year the H/L was 48/32.

The overnight low here in MBY was 28 and at the current time with clear skies it is 32. It looks like the official low so far is 29 and that will be the coldest low for this April. That would be the warmest minimum for any April since 2010 and the 5th warmest minimum for any April at Grand Rapids.

 

[westMJim]

5 hours ago, Hoosier said:

Already down to 30 here.  Under a frost advisory, but should probably be a freeze warning.

It got down to 28 here in MBY and while it it cold there is not much if any frost here.

[Hoosier]

3 hours ago, westMJim said:

It got down to 28 here in MBY and while it it cold there is not much if any frost here.

28 here also, but with a lot of frost.  Had many hours of calm winds here.  Looking at obs from Grand Rapids, it looks like winds stayed up a little.  That could've made the difference.

Spent about 8 hours with temps at/below 32 here.  Not a problem though because I've learned from getting burned in the past to just prepare accordingly (outdoor plants) in case it gets colder than expected.  It was sort of an ideal scenario to end up on the colder side of expectations because yesterday was very chilly with the wind off the lake -- high only made it to the low 40s -- which gave us a head start on nocturnal cooling, and then the wind slackened and eventually went calm.

[westMJim]

The official H/L yesterday at Grand Rapids was 56/28. That low of 28 will be the coldest low for this April, the warmest low for any April since 2010 and the 4 warmest all time low. (note there have been many years with a low of 29 and 28) There was no rainfall yesterday and the sun was out 93% of the time. For today the average H/L is 62/41 the record high of 88 was set in 1915 and the record low of 24 was set in 2007. The most rain fall of 1.48” was in 1995, Last year the H/L was 53/31.

The overnight low here in MBY was 35 and the current temperature is 36 with clear skies. There isn’t any frost here in my yard at this time.

[chescowxman]

Below is an analysis of the average temperature by decade here in Chester County for the months March - April and May since the 1890's. The average temperature over these 132 years of records is 51.5 degrees. So far in the 2020's we are running about 0.5 degrees above the average. The 1940's were not surprisingly the warmest decade.

[westMJim]

The official H/L yesterday at Grand Rapids was 64/34 there was 0.01” of rainfall and the sun was out 52% of the time. The average wind speed was 13.1MPH and the highest wind was 33 MPH out of the SE. For today the average H/L is 63/42 the record high of 85 was set in 1990 and the record low of 27 was set in 1928. The most rainfall of 1.90” was in 1956 the record snowfall was 0.2” in 2004. Last year the H/L was 64/29.  Here in MBY I had 0.09” of rain since 7AM yesterday and the overnight low of 53 was around midnight. At the current time it is cloudy and 58 here.

[Tom]

It's a very nice and cool 57F here today with partly cloud skies.  It has been quite breezy the past few days and today will be another repeat performance.  I'm certainly enjoying the BN temps after reaching the 100's  earlier in the week.  Low 80's are kinda cool to the skin when you leave the pool, esp in the wind and dryness of the air.

[Hawkeye]

Yesterday I woke up to a temp in the 40s with a dewpoint in the low 30s.  Today it is in the 60s with a dewpoint in the low 60s.

[chescowxman]

Today will make it 8 of the last 10 days featuring below normal temperatures. That ends tomorrow as temps soar into the high 70's and then 80's on both Monday and Tuesday! A slight shot at some showers today but a better chance on Tuesday. Temps should remain above normal in the mid 70's for much of the upcoming week.

Chester County Records for today: High 95 degrees at Sadsburyville (1915) / Low 26 degrees at Coatesville (1926) / Rain 2.45" at East Nantmeal (2007)

[OKwx2k4]

On 4/24/2024 at 7:53 AM, Tom said:

It's interesting to see that some of the outlets are even suggesting...dare I say, "Global Cooling"...although, this eruption isn't as big as some in the past but you never know what the future may present.

https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/23/climate/indonesia-volcano-eruption-weather-impact/index.html

I love it. Even if it simply caps solar max the next 2 years, that's pretty significant.

[westMJim]

The official H/L yesterday was 80/54 there was no rainfall the sun was out 39% of the possible time. It was yet another windy day with a average wind speed of 16.5MPH and the highest wind gust of 45 MPH. (with no thunderstorms) For today the average H/L is 63/42 the record high of 83 was set in 1901 the record low of 24 was set in 1945. The most rainfall of 1.45” fell in 2020. The most snowfall was 0.9” in 1961. Last year the H/L was 57/42.

The official high of 80 yesterday was the 8th warmest for any April 27th and was the warmest on the date since 1990. The overnight low and current temperature here in MBY is 63 and there is light rain falling at this time.

[chescowxman]

We have a chance to hit 80 degrees here in East Nantmeal for the first time since last September 9th. If not today for sure tomorrow. Mostly sunny both today and tomorrow before shower chances increase by Tuesday PM. Slightly cooler but still above normal temps will close out the work week.

Chester County Records for today: High 92 degrees in Phoenixville (1915) / Low 26 degrees at Coatesville (1946) / Rain 2.00" at Devault (1952)

[CentralNebWeather]

Never boring around here. Now we are in a Frost Advisory. 

 

[Clinton]

A nice and quiet day today with highs in the low to mid 70 which will provide a chance for rivers and streams to get back in their banks.  Storm chances return tomorrow night with a slight risk of severe weather as the pattern looks to stay active.

I think it's safe to have it restocked with fish now.

 

[Stormy]

On 4/20/2024 at 5:01 AM, westMJim said:

The flood of 2013.

January 2013 was a rather wet month with 4.01” of total precipitation.  February was snowy (33.1”) and wet (3.05”) while March was dryer with just 0.94” of precipitation. Then came April with 11.10” of rain and melted snow. That 11.10” is by far the wettest for any April. And is the 3rd wettest for any month at Grand Rapids. All that precipitation in January, February and April led to the big flood of April 2013.

West Michigan saw weeks of heavy rainfall caused widespread flooding and led the Grand River to crest at record levels.

Grand Rapids already had shattered its longstanding April rainfall record, but just crept into the top three wettest of any month of the year.

The No. 1 spot goes to June 1892, when 13.22 inches of rain fell. Second place   gs to September 1986, when 11.85 inches fell.

On April 21, in Comstock Park, the Grand River crested at 17.8 feet, 5.8 feet above the 12-foot flood stage while in Grand Rapids, the river rose to 21.85 feet, or 3.85 feet above the 18-foot flood stage. A storm deemed "catastrophic" that had the potential to drop 3 to 4 inches of rain had also barely missed the Grand Rapids area on the day that the water crested in the Grand River, so we kind of lucked out on that.

I work for the West Michigan Whitecaps and there were several home games during that flood. A large section on the north parking lot was flooded and the road along the river was closed. The only way in and out of the park was thru the secondary way under the overpass for US 131. On the east side of the ballpark there was water that was up to the top of the stop signs and during one game there were huge logs floating through the parking lot.

here is some video about the flood of 2013

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ee56qwN9wcs

I remember April of 2013 well, as here it also was the wettest April of my  records, with 9.55" of rainfall. And the local river had a major flood after a 5"+ rainfall event around the 17th, if I remember the date correctly.

[Stormy]

On 4/20/2024 at 1:23 PM, OttumwaSnomow said:

Most of my 30 fruit trees in full bloom. Currently  its 41F at 1 pm. Dewpoint  is 27F and both will plummet  down tonight  i think my fruit is gone!

How did your fruit trees fair? The ones here had only a few flowers freeze which won't have a noticable impact at all. A few other things got nipped, but not to majorly after two mornings at 30⁰ and 29⁰. Quite a few strawberry flower buds froze even though they weren't open yet.

[Tom]

1 hour ago, Clinton said:

A nice and quiet day today with highs in the low to mid 70 which will provide a chance for rivers and streams to get back in their banks.  Storm chances return tomorrow night with a slight risk of severe weather as the pattern looks to stay active.

I think it's safe to have it restocked with fish now.

 

What kind of fish do you restock it with?

[Clinton]

12 minutes ago, Tom said:

What kind of fish do you restock it with?

Crappie, bass, bluegill and catfish.

[hawkstwelve]

We are in our first 'slight' chance category of the year for storms tomorrow per SPC. Of course it happens when I'll be gone on a business trip in Seattle because that's just how things seem to work around here. Good thing I have my family well trained to take videos/pictures for me.

[Bryan1117]

1 hour ago, hawkstwelve said:

We are in our first 'slight' chance category of the year for storms tomorrow per SPC. Of course it happens when I'll be gone on a business trip in Seattle because that's just how things seem to work around here. Good thing I have my family well trained to take videos/pictures for me.

Looks like another decent severe weather outbreak for Eastern Nebraska/ Western Iowa… which isn’t good for those areas that are in cleanup mode.

[Clinton]

April has now sent the US on pace to finish above average for number of tornadoes.

Here's the month of April 

The year so far

[Tom]

43 minutes ago, Clinton said:

April has now sent the US on pace to finish above average for number of tornadoes.

Here's the month of April 

The year so far

Now this map looks like your "typical" Heartland Spring Severe Wx map.  How many times have we seen this map shifter farther east?  I recall, so many years where the Plains have been left out.  Certainly has that "share the wealth" look to it if your a fan of severe wx.  Heck, I have seen and witnessed thunder, lightning and hail out here in the Valley of the Sun this Spring!  lesssgo!

[jcwxguy]