WKU Meteorology

Discussion of Mid-South weather and climate and information about the WKU Meteorology program

WKU Meteorology - Discussion of Mid-South weather and climate and information about the WKU Meteorology program

REPOST: La Nina and the 2007 Atlantic Hurricane Season

The official hurricane forecast from NOAA is for 13-17 named storms including 7-10 hurricanes. These numbers are very similar to what would be expected from the statistical average of a La Nina summer. Over three months ago I posted here that a simple statistical analysis suggests that the 2007 Atlantic hurrican season should be above average based on the idea that a weak La Nina was expected to form during the summer. The most recent ENSO diagnostic discussion continues to suggest a weak La Nina is expected. Here is that original post.

Original Post: February 22, 2007
While it is still early to project what type of hurricane season the Atlantic basin will have in 2007, it is worth nothing that computer models anticipate that La Nina conditions are expected to rapidly develop over the next few months. What does this mean for the 2007 hurricane season? Continue reading

Some drought relief; too early to tell how much

Over the past 50 years in Bowling Green, June 2nd is the median date for the first 90 degree day. Monday was 89 (May 28th) and both Tuesday and Wednesday are expected to have highs near 90. If we can avoid the 90 the next couple of days, we shouldn’t have to worry about a 90 for about a week, as a nearly closed off low currently over the Dakotas will slowly break down the ridge that has dominated the weather over the mid-south for the past 10 days. Continue reading

B.S. Meteorology degree is official!!

The B.S. Meteorology degree passed its final hurdle today at the Council for Postsecondary Education meeting today in Frankfort, KY. The degree program was approved by the WKU Board of Regents on January 26. The incoming freshman class of Fall 2007 will be the first official cohort of B.S. Meteorology majors at WKU although they will be joined by a few transfer students and students who started as freshman in Fall 2006. If you are interested in pursuing the new B.S. Meteorology degree at WKU, please contact me at gregory.goodrich@wku.edu.

Stormy Tuesday night?

While things have been quite comfortable with low dew points the past few days, Tuesday will bring a return of tropical moisture as the low-level flow comes out of the Gulf of Mexico around the departing Southeast ridge. This will increase instability ahead of the strong cold front I mentioned in last week’s posting. A potent line of thunderstorms will move across KY Tuesday night. Continue reading