Happy April bloggers,
We want to announce the start of the 41 Action Weather Academy. It is going to be a great way for kids to learn about and participate in the weather. This will be done through Facebook. Here is the link to the 41 Action Weather Academy Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/41weatheracademy
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Before we discuss the latest data on the very strong Friday cold front (no joke) we will look back at March. After all it is not really "April Fools" day, but rather it is "March Statistics" Day. It was a wetter and warmer than average month with just a trace of snow. So, a winter season that got off to an early start with snow on Halloween, saw its last measurable snow on February 12th. Total snowfall ranged from 17" at KCI to 24" at the National Weather service office in Pleasant Hill, MO. There were many times since the 12th of February where we came close to seeing measurable snow. This Friday it is going to happen again, coming close to snow even freezing rain. Again, no joke.
WEDNESDAY-THURSDAY: Today will warm to 70-75 as south winds increase to 15-25 MPH. Thursday will start in the 50s and end up in the 60s along with more clouds and the chance for some rain. You can clearly see the strong cold front.
A weak system racing in from the southwest, ahead of the cold air, will touch off a few showers and thunderstorms tomorrow. This is an image of 10 AM Thursday. You can see the scattered small showers and few thunderstorms. Total rainfall from this will be trace to .25".
FRIDAY: These temperature maps are not reversed. It will be near 60 at 4-5 AM and in the 30s 4-5 PM. The new data has the colder air coming in faster, so it may be turning much colder early Friday morning. You will know when the front has passed your location. The wind will increase from the north to 15-30 mph and the temperature will rapidly drop 25 degrees. The wind chill in the colder air may be as low as 10-20! Ouch!
What about precipitation? Right now it looks like a large area of light rain and drizzle with a few thunderstorms will occur along and behind the front. The snow and ice will be found from northwest IA to central Kansas. Could we see freezing rain, sleet or snow? The chance is low, but as stated above, it is close. The upper levels of the atmosphere are not cold enough for snow, but if we drop to 30-32 instead of 34-37, then we could see some freezing rain. That is something to watch for, but amounts will not be that much. Its just the thought that counts. Total rainfall with this round will be .10" to .50".
SATURDAY: Will we have a freeze? It will likely depend on whether it clears or not. If it clears, lows will drop to 25-30. If it stays cloudy, it will stay 33-37 as the clouds will act like a blanket. Now, if the cold air comes in stronger, it won't make any difference if it is cloudy or clear. I would hold off on outdoor planting until April 15-20 as there will be 1-2 more chances of a freeze.
Enjoy the 70s today! Stay safe and healthy.
