Archive for May, 2007

Global Warming FAQs

Tuesday, May 29th, 2007

The scientists at “Real Climate” have posted a number of websites and links for those of you who may have some questions about global warming and climate change. This is definitely recommended reading, as I hear a lot of misconceptions from people about what they know of global warming.

http://www.realclimate.org/index.php/archives/2007/05/start-here/

REPOST: La Nina and the 2007 Atlantic Hurricane Season

Tuesday, May 29th, 2007

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? (more…)

Some drought relief; too early to tell how much

Tuesday, May 29th, 2007

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. (more…)

Don’t worry: It’s a dry heat

Thursday, May 24th, 2007

I was in Frankfort the other day when a Lexington TV meteorologist said in a teaser for the 11 pm newscast that the recent weather was more like July than May. Actually, he would have been more correct if he had said the recent weather was more like mid-April…for Phoenix, Arizona!! (more…)

B.S. Meteorology degree is official!!

Monday, May 21st, 2007

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.

Enjoy the nice weather

Thursday, May 17th, 2007

Unseasonably cool air will remain over KY for the next few days until the flow becomes southerly over the weekend and more seasonable temperatures return. The next big weather maker for KY will be in the form of a weakening cold front that should arrive in the middle of next week. (more…)

Stormy Tuesday night?

Monday, May 14th, 2007

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. (more…)

What is a subtropical storm?

Thursday, May 10th, 2007

Some of you may be wondering what exactly subtropical storm Andrea was and how it was different from a typical tropical storm. A subtropical storm is a hybrid between a tropical and extratropical storm that exhibits characteristics of each. (more…)

Wake me up when something happens

Monday, May 7th, 2007

Boring Omega block pattern will keep things warm and pleasant through mid-week. Click here for a good discussion of an omega block. Is anything interesting on the horizon? (more…)