Consistently Warmer Weather in Outlook Now...

Well, I'm not going to blog every time the GFS model is updated, but it is now appearing that there will be no return to the arctic cold from about February the 6th through about February the 12th. The storm track appears to move well to the north of Louisville during the warmer week too, with high temperatures every day reaching the 40s/50s (possibly 60s.) It may be too rainy for anything record-breaking, but a much above normal temperature regime will likely become the long-range forecast. With all the clouds and rain, the diurnal changes in temperature will be less than normal as well. So, most days will remain above freezing entirely. This will make all of the folks cheering for an early spring very happy! Of course, all the rainfall in the storm pattern could create flooding conditions? That is an early concern of mine! Colder air looks to return to Kentuckiana by Valentine's Day weekend. Much more to come as conditions warrant!!!

Long-Term Forecast for Kentuckiana...

Hello. I wanted to share some of the highlights of the next 15 days for Kentuckiana. First of all, it is appearing that the snowstorm potential for Monday is lessening, as the surface low looks to be forming on the Gulf Coast and then, moving up the East Coast, which is not a scenario which brings much snow to Louisville. I'm taking a stab at the accumulation, given the current projection. I'm thinking an inch or two at most. Some of the accumulation will come from the backlash of moisture as the storm winds up the New England coastal vicinity by some time later Tuesday and Wednesday. These days will not be remotely comfortable in the eastern third of the country with the deepening low and a tight pressure gradient. In other words, it will be windy and cold! Secondly, I wanted to mention the days which will serve as a temporary thaw for Kentuckiana. There should be a two-day warm up with temperatures reaching into the 50s on about February 7th and 8th. We could certainly use a relatively warm spell after all the recent ice and snow. However, a storm will be forming after the arctic cold takes hold of the Ohio Valley once again. Between the 12th and 13th (Friday the 13th... yikes!,) periods of snow will be likely for the Louisville area. Right now, the precipitation appears to be not particularly heavy with a weakening system in the GFS model run this morning. But, I'll be watching the potential of another wintry storm. Well, that's the latest. The models change with every run, so the forecast will continue to evolve. I'm not going to feel completely confident about Monday's snow until about Sunday morning. I'm all for snow, as long as there is no more ice!!! Updates later...

The Louisville Area Experiences A Crippling Ice Storm!

Wow!!! I don't think I remember a worse ice storm in my life! I am actually surprised I still have power! A lot of folks have lost their electricity. I can't imagine, as temperatures are going to drop into the teens tonight, and there is no day in our forecast where temperatures rise above about 40 (Sunday!) It is now snowing with temperatures slowly falling from this point onward. It hovered around 32 degrees all night long with the freezing rain. If it had only warmed a bit, the outcome of this storm might have been better for the Louisville area. Well, this is just an update. Everyone will be hearing about this major, crippling storm on the news today. Again... WOW!

Mostly An Ice Storm! :o(

Well, the first wave of the storm is arriving, and the snow/ice line basically runs up and down the Ohio River. Tonight is the biggest worry. Louisville may receive heavy freezing rain for a number of hours. After September's hurricane Ike, I can't imagine another blackout, especially as cold as the weather will be throughout the week. Currently, there is moderate snow falling with sleet in the mix. I am hoping there will be some accumulation this morning. However, tonight's heavy frozen rain will probably "wash away" any minor snowfall. If anything, they will mix and form solid ice. The new MRF guidance gives Louisville a high temperature today of 33 degrees, but I really doubt it will rise above the 32 degree threshold. Oh well. Louisville is definitely not a snow lover's paradise!

Winter Storm May Be Very Large!

Hello. Nobody knows exactly who will get all snow and who will receive both snow and ice. But, some forecast models are showing some large numbers in regard to the snowfall, particularly in the areas that get only snow. Also, there is a prediction of thunder- snow is some areas, which has the potential of making the amounts even greater. Apparently, there will likely be places that get more than a foot of snow by Wednesday. Louisville may get some ice, which will limit snowfall totals. I still wouldn't be surprised if even L'ville got upwards of a half foot, even with sleet, ice pellets, and perhaps freezing rain. I think this storm will at least compete with last March's snow in Louisville. However, in January, the snow is much more likely to linger on the ground. I'm expecting warmer weather about 10 days from now with 50 degree temperatures. Perhaps not 60, as I said yesterday. I am keeping on top of this impending storm. I may give an update as soon as this evening (especially if anything changes!) Well, snow lovers in the Ohio Valley, this is our current winter's biggy (as it would appear.)

Latest Forecast Increases Snow Potential!

Well, I heard someone say that the week ahead may be the worst of the winter. Today, I am having a tendency to believe that idea. It looks like the only day of the week that temps. may rise above freezing now may be Thursday! There should be significant snow for Louisville, starting late Monday. It could mix with ice by Wednesday, but there could be many inches of snow on the ground before that happens. I know the models continue to be all over the place about next week, but I have a greater level of confidence in the forecast today over yesterday. Besides, I have looked into the longer range forecast, and it would appear that spring-like warmth may be here in about 10 days. So, the snow (and some ice) will likely stay on the ground for a week or a little more before the big meltdown. I think the 60s will return to Louisville within two weeks of this weekend! Some folks are greatly anticipating Spring Break already, and it may feel like April very soon! So, all of you who do not like winter surely can endure one week of wintry precipitation. Louisville is sort of the gateway between the South and the Midwest, but when it regards the weather, L'ville is definitely more of a southern city! Well, I'm, personally, going to enjoy this wintry week. After all, we are running a major snow drought this year! Remember, spring-like warmth in 10-14 days. Be patient, people...

It officially hit 60 degrees today in L'ville!

Greetings! It has been a long time, my friends. I had to comment on the weather today. Louisville always has a January thaw. But, today we have at least hit the 60-degree mark, if not surpassed it. We're a good 10 degrees from the record high temperature for the day. However, tomorrow the cold will return to Kentuckiana. On next Monday night into Tuesday, it appears Louisville will see its biggest snowfall of the winter so far. 2 to 4 inches is not beyond the realm of possibility. Not a huge storm, but it should be all snow. I despise ice, so that makes me happier! By late Wednesday, it should turn to rain, but it will be a cold rain. They didn't write a song about "Cold Kentucky Rain" for nothing. :o)

A brief health update: a change in medication is making me feel better. Instead of being on Seroquel (high dose) exclusively, I am now on a Seroquel (lower dose)/Abilify combination. I have had no manic episodes since the modification. I am now also on Flexeril instead of Soma for a muscle relaxant (for fibromyalgia.) The Flexeril relieves the stiff muscles much better than the Soma did. Lastly, I am now on Sonata for sleep, instead of Somnote (which is chloral hydrate in capsule form.) I got about 6 hours of sleep last night, which is a marked improvement over the 2 or 3 (late at night) hours I was getting with Somnote. So, altering three prescription drugs is making a big difference in my state of mental health. I appreciate the thoughts and prayers of any of you who were concerned!!!