A Chance to "Dry" Out! (05-05-11)

Over the next several days, PA will enjoy a persistent flow from the NW that will allow pieces of energy to move SE in the flow and possibly deliver some showers or spritzes over the next 3-4 days.  The air aloft for this time of year is quite cold and instability showers could arise from this temperature differential; however, this type of pattern does not allow for major rains to develop.  According to the graphic below which is a depiction of the accumulated rainfall by next Tuesday, you can see that central and eastern PA remain fairly dry through this period.  It is possible for KMDT to record precip in each of the next 5 days; however, the amount of water falling from the sky will be minimal!

From the graphic below, you can see that temps will average below normal for the next several days here in the eastern US.  However, at the end of that 5 day period, we are still looking at a brief surge of heat and humidity to help induce the potential for some nasty weather, especially to our SW.  I am still bullish on the fact that early to middle of next week another round of tornadic thunderstorms will develop over the nation's heartland and move east as the week progresses.  There may be some talk about frost Thursday night-Friday morning, but I feel with the smattering of clouds and the breeze still lightly kickin', frost does not look likely to me this evening.

As for later next week, we are still looking at below normal temps into next weekend.  Even the ensembles out to day 16 show a trough in the east, albeit not as deep as the day 10 map shown below.  With ample rain and soil moisture coupled with some sun and cool weather, the fescues are looking as if they are on steroids.  But that is no match for "Lawn Ranger" over in Lebanon County being quite the grass farmer that he is!

Enjoy your Friday!

Smitty

AA:  Cool and not quite as damp through the weekend, then a brief warm-up to allow thunderstorms middle of next week.  May still looks cool for as long as this eye can see......