Back by popular demand: Spring!

Okay, let's face it... the last few weeks have been anything but spring-like in these parts. Just over the past few days we've seen our temperatures plummet into the teens during the overnights. It has been quite a common circumstance to hear "So when is Spring coming?" from everyone lately. Well folks, we have good news for you: Spring weather is just around the corner!

But remember, "typical" Spring weather doesn't mean bright sunny days, it also means the arrival of the severe weather season! That's right, if you take a look at our forecast for Monday the 31st and Tuesday, April 1st, there is indeed mention of thunder. Now we will be markedly warmer both days, with 50s expected Monday and 60s early Tuesday, but the potential for heavier rains and windy conditions with some thunder will most likely offset that.

Since it has been a while since we've heard the term "thunderstorm", lets do a quick review of some of the basic ingredients needed for Spring storms.

First you need warm, moist air. Check. We have both of those as a nice southwest wind will actually give us a distant connection with the Gulf of Mexico, hence the warmer air. The moisture also comes along for the ride. Secondly; what meteorologists refer to as a "forcing mechanism". Simply put, we need something that will push air in an upward motion to initiate convection. Well, it just so happens that a cold front will be meandering through our area Monday into Tuesday, which is usually the best form of a forcing mechanism. There are several other factors, but we have the basics covered. And no, we DO NOT expect any "severe" weather at this time, just occasional rumbles here and there. But alas, Spring is rearing it's head!