Tuesday, February 4, 2014

volatile wx continues... (pm.04.feb.14)>

*Update @ 8:32pm...  Gusty winds have been kicking up again during the past half hour or so, and the temperature has actually risen a bit since late afternoon -- I have 46.9F (8.3C).  In spite of the clouds, at the moment I am skeptical about much rain development tonight, but I hope I am wrong.

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Tuesday's stats: 

Low temp: 41.9F (5.5C)
High temp: 49.3F (9.6F)
Precipitation since midnight: 0.10" (3mm)

The clouds are thick and heavy across our area this evening just after sunset, and there have been a few sprinkles and some light drizzle occasionally since around 4:30pm.  After our predawn thunder and lightning episode and before the late afternoon drizzle, we had a dry day, with even some glimmers of sunshine during the early morning before clouds took over again.  It's interesting to note that today was the coolest day since the 23rd of January.

We're in the midst of a very complex weather pattern throughout all layers of the atmosphere, and after just looking through all of the data and projections, I am amazed at the wide discrepancies between the various computer model solutions.  Between now and Friday morning I am seeing anything from about 1cm (0.40") to 7cm (2.8") for our immediate area!  We do have the next upper-level system moving in right now -- so if we can get enough moisture flowing uphill against the Dhauladhars overnight into tomorrow, we should get another round of fairly significant rainfall.  If those wind vectors don't line up, then the heavier precipitation will occur in the higher elevations to our north.  I'll readily admit that I don't know what's going to happen -- I just know that there's going to be a sharp dividing line here in northern Himachal during the next 48 hours between those who get significant rain and/or snow, and those who do not.

By late Thursday night into Friday, the forecast is looking more consistent.  Data is in good agreement that we'll be getting the most significant blast of wet weather of this entire week as the weekend arrives.  It's still a very interesting period we are in, and there is a lot to keep track of until perhaps late Saturday.  Temperatures will remain below normal for early February... and perhaps MUCH below normal at times.

The CURRENT FORECAST specifics for the next five days are on the tab above.