Saturday, May 21, 2011

collision zone... (am.21.may.11)>

it is partly cloudy at sunrise, with a temp of 70.3F (21.3C).  total rainfall during the past 24 hours has been 0.23" (6mm)... most of that happened between 7:30 and 8:30pm last night.  there was more thunder rumbling around overnight, but no measurable rain after about 9:00pm.  there are still some fizzling scattered showers and thunderstorms across northern india, but we're dodging the action for the moment.

we will likely see more stormy weather during the next 36-48 hours as a vigorous upper-level disturbance slowly moves through northern india.  we are witnessing a collision of airmasses... with hot, sultry air just to our south, and much cooler air from the higher altitudes of central asia trying to slide in from the north.  this battle zone will be the focus for the development of more showers and thunderstorms from time to time, all the way into sunday evening, and i'm fairly confident of getting another half inch (1cm) or more by then.  of course there is the third and final IPL cricket match (punjab kings XI vs. deccan chargers) scheduled for 4pm this afternoon at HPCA stadium in dharamsala...  i think there is a good chance we'll have storms in the area at that time, so delays are possible.

in addition to hopefully picking up some much-needed rainfall, we'll also be able to enjoy some slightly cooler temperatures for the next couple of days.  in fact, today and tomorrow could feature the coolest high temps of the past two weeks.  but don't get used to it, because the heat will be gradually returning next week...

SATURDAY: parly sunny skies, with a good chance of a period or two of showers and thunderstorms.  not as warm.
high: 27C (80F)

SATURDAY NIGHT: a few showers and thunderstorms likely, otherwise partly cloudy and cooler.
low: 18C (64F)

SUNDAY: still a good chance of thundershowers in the area.  pleasant temps, with a mix of clouds and sun.
high: 26C (79F)

MONDAY: sunny to partly cloudy with only a slight chance of a pm shower.
high: 28C (82F)

TUESDAY: mostly sunny and warm.
high: 28C (83F)

WEDNESDAY: plenty of sunshine... warm.
high: 29C (84F)