Today is the 343rd day of the Year. We have 22 days left of the year
Today is the 77th day of Astronomical Fall. We have 13 days remaining ending December 21st
112 Days this Year w/ Low Temps 32 or Below
81 Days this Year w/ Low Temps 28 or Below
35 Days this Year w/ Low Temps 19 or Below
5 Days this Year w/ Single Digit Low Temps
158 Days this Year w/ High Temps 70+
96 Days this Year w/ High Temps 80+
14 Days this Year w/ High Temps 90+
501 Days Since Our Last 100 (July 25, 2012 High-103°)
117 Days This Year w/ Measurable Precipitation totaling 41.91" (1.81" Above Normal 40.10")
173 Days This Year w/ Trace or More Precipitation
14 Consecutive Weekends with one or more days recording a Trace or More Precipitation (April 27-July 7)
Wettest Day of the Year: 2.48" on November 17th
22 Days w/ Measurable Snowfall
54 Days w/ a Trace or More Snowfall
Snowiest Day of the Year: 6.2" on March 24th
159 Days This Year Finished w/ Above Normal Temps
17 Days This Year Finished w/ Normal Temps
166 Days This Year Finished w/ Below Normal Temps
High Pressure settled in around Thanksgiving Day and lingered into the 1st of the month. This resulted in a few dry days along with temperatures warming back up. After several days with high temperatures below freezing before the holiday, temperatures climbed close to the 40° mark on the 28th and 29th reaching 50s on the 30th. December 1st was nearly identical but a cold front swept through and temperatures were a tad cooler on the 2nd and 3rd. This did come with nearly a quarter of an inch of rain on the 2nd, also the fog help contribute to the sub 50 temps. As wind began to pick up from the south, this allowed for warmer temperatures to usher in driving temperatures back into the 50s for the 4th. It was actually late that evening, after sunset when the high peaked at 61. This was ahead of strong winter storm system. As a cold front passed, the temperatures began to tumble on the 5th starting near 60 around 1:30am dropping to 35° shortly before 10am. After the drop, a push of moisture from the Gulf arrived generating a few raindrops which then switched to sleet mixing in a few snowflakes. The transition continued to all snow in Indianapolis persisting overnight the 5th into the 1st half of the 6th. 4.5" of snowfall was recorded along with 0.1" of sleet accumulation. Most of the energy from this winter storm system was focused to the South were totals fell in the 6"-12" range. Bicknell, Indiana was the hardest hit area with 11.9" of snow from this storm. The city is nearly the midway point between Terre Haute and Evansville. For more information, NWS Indianapolis, IN has a write up on it. You can click the title of the blog to get more information. Central Indiana Snow of December 5-6, 2013
Monday we'll continue to keep the clouds. There is some snow or flurry chances but whatever snow we see, if any, will NOT accumulate. Temperatures look to fail to reach the 30s again. We'll also need to watch overnight Monday into early Tuesday morning for another chance of some light snow or flurries (simulated radar to the right at 2AM). This is associated with a cold front. Only minor accumulations can be expected but looks to primarily impact the southern 1/3 of the state. Snow totals will be a half inch or less. Thanks to the snowpack and few cold fronts this week, temps will have a tough time rebounding throughout the week. Highs will struggle to go above freezing this week. There is some good news those we look to clear a few clouds allowing for more sunshine through the week. Those clearer nights however will drop lows down into the single digits in some parts of the state on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday morning especially away from the city. Everyone may see single digit lows on Thursday morning though. Highs will only make it into the mid to upper 20s Monday-Wednesday. On Wednesday, another cold front will pass and highs may struggle to make it out of the teens on Thursday in some areas. There is some relief in sight from the chill as we go into next week but unfortunately we won't be able to enjoy it as the next storm system shapes up.
NEXT WEEKEND
Here's my thoughts on next weekends system. Models in agreement that we will get snow. Euro was on it first and now GFS is coming around. We'll still need to watch the temps. Those south of I-70 may see a wintry mix. I think totals will be less than 2" to the South. In Central Indiana we'll also need to watch if the rain makes it up here which may cut down on the totals but for now I think we'll see more than 2" but less than 4" of snow. The heaviest total will likely setup the farther North you go since the event will likely be all snow for the Northern communities. Likely 3"-5" of snow may fall in those areas. Will watch through the week and make adjustments as needed. More updates to come.
UPCOMING...
It seems clear temperatures do look to stay well below 40° over the next 2 weeks. The month is shaping up to finish with above normal snowfall and below normal temperatures. December can set the stage for January. It will be obvious, if we see lots more snow this month, expect a cold January. I think if this plays out right, we may see sub-zero lows and maybe even a single digit high or close to it next month. Standby my friends, we have a long month to get through.
The December moon will be 100% full on the 17th. As temperatures are at its coldest & nights are at its longest during the winter season, the December Moon is nicknamed Cold Moon & Long Nights Moon. Apricots, Peaches, and Cherries ripen in areas like Peru, Ecuador,and Bolivia in the Southern Hemisphere during the winter months when the United States is out of season. Therefore, this where the December moon gets one of its many nicknames of Peach Moon. Other nicknames are Christmas Moon, Bitter Moon, Oak Moon, and Snow Moon. It is the "Moon Before The Yule".
The winter solstice occurs on Saturday, December 21st at 12:11pm. At this time, the Earth’s axis is tilted and the Sun will be its most southern point in the sky for the year and will be the shortest day of the year in terms of daylight hours. This will mark the official start to the winter season. There is good news though, it marks the beginning of when we begin to gain daylight. The coming of "lighter days" after the winter solstice brought on a more festive mood to some. For some cultures, the winter solstice is a reason for some to celebrate natures continuing cycle. In Poland the ancient December solstice observance prior to Christianity involved people showing forgiveness and sharing food. The solstice traditionally marks the time where many prepare externally for Christmas through baking/cooking. Its said, the spiritual body should have already been prepared weeks before Christmas, however, I don't think its uncommon for some to also spiritually prepare for Christmas during this time. December 25th is the annual commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
Parts of California and most of Florida are two areas that typically do not see freezing temperatures this early in the season, if at all. These areas will need to take preventative measures to keep from vegetables and citrus crops from being damaged. All eyes are really set on the Central Valley. They are not expected to see damage of such magnitude as the 1990 deep freeze to the California Valley but something worth noting. Parts of California will be challenging records lows as arctic air invades. It may take a few weeks to assess any damage. Will need to see how this will affect the cost of produce at the grocery store early next year but according to the California Citrus Manual, there shouldn't be a dramatic impact on the supply or the cost. More details likely to come in the weeks ahead. As for Florida, Northern and Central Florida will also need to be on watch mid week.
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