Death Valley is as low as you can go

If you want to go to the lowest spot in the nation, you have to head for Death Valley National Park in California, where the elevation of Badwater Basin is 282 feet below sea level. Death Valley also holds the U.S. record for maximum temperature -- 134°F was recorded at Furnace Creek on July 10, 1913. It is no surprise then that Death Valley is frequently the nation's hottest spot during the summer. The daily high reported is, of course, the air temperature at about 2 meters off the ground. The highest ground temperature recorded was 201° F at Furnace Creek on July 15, 1972. The maximum air temperature for that day was 128° F. Ground temperature on the valley floor is about 40% higher than the surrounding air temperature.

In addition to the heat, another intriguing feature of Death Valley are the "racing rocks" of Racetrack Playa. As described in this Weatherwise article, rocks, some as heavy as 700 pounds, have raced around a virtually flat desert plain, leaving erratic trails in the hard mud behind them, some hundreds of yards long. While the tracks have been a curiosity for decades, no one has ever seen the rocks move. Fascinated by the racing rocks and other features of Death Valley geography, writer Tim Cahill, in his feature article about Death Valley in the November 2007 issue of National Geographic, describes Death Valley as "something akin to scientific pornography for hard-rock geologists," due to the variety of naked landscapes unobscured by vegetation.

Ever been to Death Valley? How would you describe it? Leave your comment by clicking below.

(Death Valley National Park in California. Photo courtesy National Park Service)

Is it hot in here, or is it just me?

If it has seemed unusually warm so far this fall where you are, it may very well have been. The Weather Channel's Jonathan Erdman has compiled a list of cities that will set new records today for average mean temperature for the month of October. While not a comprehensive list, most of the record-setters are in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast.

Among the hot spots are New York City (records go back to 1868), Philadelphia (records go back to 1872), Binghamton, N.Y. (records go back to 1951), Syracuse, N.Y. (records go back to 1949), Scranton, Pa. (records go back to 1955), Washington, D.C. (records go back to 1871), and Hartford, Conn. (records go back to 1904).

(A man runs past a winter clothing display on a day when temperatures are still in the 70`s October 17, 2007 in New York City. With stores caught by unseasonably high temperatures, clothing retailers are facing one of their worst seasons for five years. Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

National weather roundup -- Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Not-so-sunny Sunshine State – Florida is again the focus for most of the weather action today. High pressure over the Mid-Atlantic continues to provide an onshore flow, resulting in gusty winds, widespread rainfall, coastal flooding and dangerous rip currents for the surf zone. Tropical Storm Noel should generally be a non-factor for Florida – Noel will still be about 160 miles away from Florida at its closest approach on Thursday afternoon. As the storm moves farther away from the Florida coast on Friday, winds should relax and drier weather should move in for the weekend.

USA TODAY weather focus: "Noel to steer clear of the Florida coast"

As noted in the National Hurricane Center's forecast discussion this morning, there are several possible computer model scenarios for the evolution of Tropical Storm Noel. The solution that the NHC adopted in its forecast takes the storm through the Bahamas today, eventually becoming a strong extratropical storm as it heads for the Canadian Maritimes. Rejected model scenarios all include a separate extratropical low forming off the Florida coast and either absorbing Noel, moving in tandem with Noel up the Eastern Seaboard or pushing Noel south into the Caribbean. (Graphic reprinted from USA TODAY newspaper)

"Smoke on the Water"

If your trick-or-treating takes you near a lake, pond or stream, you may spot some steam fog as chilly air blows over the warmer water. This fog is referred to as sea smoke when this happens over ocean water. However, Deep Purple's rock anthem, Smoke on the Water, doesn't refer to fog, but rather to smoke from a fire that burned a casino near to where the band was recording its album, Machine Head, in 1971.

(Some of the 1,683 guitar players attempt a world record by playing the Deep Purple song "Smoke on the Water" at Community America Ballpark in Kansas City, Kan., Sunday, June 3, 2007. Photo by Orlin Wagner, AP)

AccuWeather also predicts a warm winter

Private weather forecasting company AccuWeather released its winter weather forecast last week, and, just as NOAA predicted earlier this month, they are also calling for a warm winter across a large chunk of the USA. In fact, according to AccuWeather's chief long-range forecaster Joe Bastardi, the winter "may be one of the top 10 warmest winters ever for the southeastern United States."

The wildest winter weather will likely be in the Pacific Northwest, which looks to be "very stormy," according to Bastardi. And there's not much relief in store for the parched Deep South and coastal Southeast, where he says "the drought may last into the middle of next summer." 

The wettest part of the country is forecast to be in the Ohio Valley, which is good news for parts of bone-dry Tennessee and Kentucky. This is a similar forecast to what NOAA predicted for winter precipitation.

Bastardi points out that, unlike NOAA's Climate Prediction Center, AccuWeather includes a specific temperature prediction on its forecast. For instance, Bastardi says that Washington, D.C., can expect a winter that's about 4-5 degrees above average. Other cities that should have a very warm winter include Dallas, Atlanta and Nashville.

This page takes a more detailed look at AccuWeather's winter forecast.

National weather roundup -- Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Soggy Florida – More rain is expected today for eastern Florida, as the combination of high pressure in the Mid-Atlantic and Tropical Storm Noel heading for the Bahamas will result in strong onshore flow. In addition to transporting Atlantic moisture in the form of showers and storms, strong winds will cause coastal flooding and beach erosion, especially around high tide, and dangerous rip currents in the surf zone, particularly during low tide. Tropical Storm Noel should make its closest approach to South Florida (about 140 miles offshore) on Wednesday afternoon. As the storm moves farther away from the Florida coast on Thursday and Friday, winds should relax and drier weather should move in for the weekend.

USA TODAY weather focus: "Marine layer has different looks for different seasons"

While late spring and early summer are the times when the marine layer, aka "May Grey" or "June Gloom," can be most impressive and extensive, a marine layer can form pretty much any time of the year in Southern California. The reason being the proximity of the cool waters of the Pacific Ocean. An onshore flow then transports cool, moist air inland, setting the stage for a marine layer to form. (Graphic reprinted from USA TODAY newspaper)

Melting Mt. Hood

Not long ago, I wrote about the contest to come up with a new name for Glacier National Park, in light of the melting trend observed among its namesake glaciers. For those keeping score at home, the proposed new name that won the contest is "Lost Glacier."

Oregon's Mt. Hood was named after British admiral, Samuel Hood, so its name is not subject to change in light of global warming. However, the glaciers that make up Mt. Hood's year-round snowpack are on the decline. According to a study published in the Annals of Glaciology, the seven largest of Mt. Hood’s eleven glaciers have each lost an average of 34 percent of their mass. Sandy Glacier, the large glacier at the center of the photographs, lost 40 percent of its mass over the last 100 years. The man who took the photos above, Gary Braasch, recently published a book, Earth Under Fire: How Global Warming is Changing the World, that features more of his photography as well as other examples of the impacts of global warming around the world.

Any residents in Portland or in the greater Northwest note significant changes to the climate in recent decades? Your input is welcome -- click the comment button below to leave your thoughts.

(These photographs illustrate how Oregon's Mt. Hood has responded to the two degree Celsius warming trend that the Portland area has experienced over the past century. The photograph on the left is from autumn of 1984; the photograph on the right was taken in autumn of 2002.  Photos by Gary Braasch)

Are tornadoes up your alley?

From 2000 to 2002, I lived in Fort Smith, Ark., and worked as a television weatherman. At the time, I considered myself to be on the eastern edge of "tornado alley." After all, in 1996, downtown Fort Smith, which sits along the Arkansas River near the border between Arkansas and Oklahoma, had been the target of an F3 tornado that resulted in two fatalities on the north side of town. Tornadoes and tornado warnings occurred with enough frequency while I worked in Fort Smith that it certainly felt like I was living in "tornado alley." But whether Fort Smith is really in "tornado alley" depends on who you ask and what your criteria are.

It turns out that there are no established boundaries for "tornado alley," as can be seen from the maps at left. Despite the nebulous nature of "tornado alley," Indiana is seeking inclusion in "tornado alley," according to an AP story I posted yesterday. Some weather experts think the designation might help prevent complacency in the public about violent storms.

These are just two images that attempt to provide some geographic definition to "tornado alley." Are you aware of any others? Feel free to post your thoughts by clicking the comment button below.

(Images courtesy of NOAA's National Climatic Data Center. Note: Tornado Alley has no agreed upon boundaries, these are just two representations based upon different criteria.)

National weather roundup -- Monday, October 29, 2007

Frosty morning – It’s a subfreezing start this morning for many locations from southern New England through the Ohio Valley and even as far south as the Carolinas, with widespread frost advisories and freeze warnings in effect this morning. While subfreezing temperatures will be possible in some of these locations will be possible again tonight, the chill is not expected to be as widespread.

USA TODAY weather focus: "Not the best beach week in Florida"

Persistent onshore flow will keep showers and isolated thunderstorms in the forecast for much of the week in eastern Florida. Tropical storm warnings and gale warnings are in place for offshore waters. Closer to the coast, there is the threat for coastal flooding as well as rip currents in the surf zone. Coastal flooding will be maximized during high tide, while rip currents will be strongest during low tide. (Graphic reprinted from USA TODAY newspaper)

National weather roundup -- Sunday, October 28, 2007

Freezy breezy – High pressure over the Great Lakes and Midwest this morning will result in subfreezing morning temperatures in many locations. This high will build into the Ohio Valley during the course of the day and settle over the Mid-Atlantic on Monday. With such cold temperatures expected this morning and again tonight, the growing season will come to an end in many locations from southern New England through the Midwest.

The combination of high pressure over the Ohio Valley and a low in eastern Canada will result in some gusty winds across parts of the Northeast today.

Horse platitudes

There's no relevance to this post, other than to list the weather-related names of horses running at the Breeder's Cup races this weekend in soggy Oceanport, New Jersey:  Attila's Storm, Icy Atlantic, Trippi's Storm and My Typhoon.

My favorite names, overall: Grace Anatomy and Oprah Winney.

(Photo of Kentucky Derby winner Street Sense on Friday at Monmouth Park by Mel Evans, AP)

Dandy in Denver for the Series

Despite all the concern over the possibility of snow at the World Series, the forecast looks fine for the games this weekend at Coors Field in Denver. Temperatures should be in the 40s for the games Saturday and Sunday night, with no rain or snow in the forecast. Although chilly, those temperatures are about average for Denver in late October.

When Coors Field first opened, it was known for its many home runs due to the lack of air pressure at the mile-high city, as this USA TODAY graphic explains. But that changed in 2002, when baseballs began to be stored in a humidor before the games, thus nullifying the effect of the lack of air.

National weather roundup - Friday & Saturday, Oct. 26-27, 2007

Soggy East -- An unusually strong October storm is spreading rain across much of the eastern Seaboard today, with the heaviest rain in the Carolinas and the Mid-Atlantic states. Incredibly, after weeks of bone-dry weather, flood watches have been posted in Virginia, Maryland and the Carolinas. Showers and thunderstorms are also dampening south Florida. By Saturday, the heaviest rain will fall across New England, although more storms are likely in Florida. Cool, dry conditions will gradually work their way across the East by later Saturday and on Sunday.

Mild West -- The West should be mostly dry this weekend. Light and variable winds are expected through the weekend in southern California, causing some problems for firefighters due to the wind's unpredictable directions. Some very light snow is forecast in the mountains of Montana and Wyoming. For the World Series games, Denver will be cool on Saturday night (with temperatures in the 40s) but should be somewhat milder for Sunday night's game. No rain or snow is expected.

Mississippi Mud -- An upper-level low-pressure area will bring showers to the Midwest today and Saturday, especially in the Middle Mississippi Valley, the Ohio Valley and lower Great Lakes.

Tropical trouble in the Caribbean -- A flash flood watch has been posted for Puerto Rico today from a storm that could develop into a tropical cyclone by early next week. The storm will drift west toward the Dominican Republic and Haiti over the weekend, where life-threatening flash floods and mudslides are possible. Models predict the storm will continue to move west into the Caribbean next week. Its exact direction and intensity remain very uncertain.

USA TODAY weather focus: "Watch for hoar frost and the full moon"

A freeze warning has been posted for Friday evening and Saturday morning in parts of Oregon and Washington, with a hard freeze expected in the eastern Columbia River gorge. A freeze warning means that sub-freezing temperatures are imminent or highly likely.

This page from the National Climatic Data Center (PDF) shows the average dates of the first freeze for the continental 48 states. Typically, the highest elevations of the northern Rockies have the earliest freeze each fall, while the southern tip of Florida is the one part of the country that never has a hard freeze.

(Graphic reprinted from USA TODAY newspaper)

Hanging the Sox out to dry

Not only did the Colorado Rockies take a shellacking last night at the hands of the Boston Red Sox, but they went down to the decisive defeat in a steady rain. Fortunately, for the comfort of fans and players on both teams, the forecast for this evening's game calls for clear skies and a temperature in the lower 50s.

The Colorado Rockies would like nothing better than to win at least one game in Boston before returning to the friendlier confines of Coors Field on Saturday. The forecast for Denver is less . . . well . . . mercurial than it was last weekend when the temperature topped out at 80°F on Saturday, while Sunday saw a high of only 42°F and a couple of inches of snowfall in parts of the city. It will be a bit cool on Saturday, with a daytime high only reaching the lower 50s. This means that temperatures will likely drop through the 40s during Game 3 of the Series. Sunday will feature a lot of sunshine and a high in the lower 60s, with evening temperatures dropping through the 50s. If Game 5 is necessary, the Mile High City will be mecca for professional sports, as Monday Night Football (Packers vs. Broncos) will go head to head with The World Series. Evening temperatures in the 40s might be more fitting for the football field than the baseball diamond.

(Colorado Rockies second baseman Kazuo Matsui looks up at the rain during the playing of the national anthem before Game 1 of the baseball World Series between the Rockies and Boston Red Sox Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2007, at Fenway Park in Boston. By Kathy Willens, AP)

Cool stuff to take your mind off the wildfires

While I've been swamped with wildfire coverage the past few days (how's that for a mixed metaphor), I've received a few juicy weather-related items that I can now share:

Last Friday, Fox News Chicago's chief meteorologist Amy Freeze send me a link to some dramatic video of severe storms blasting through downtown Chicago. Look closely and you'll see a bolt of lightning hitting the Sears Tower.

Tech_Space blogger Angela Gunn sent me this link to photos of a ferry on a stormy day in Washington State. I get seasick just looking at the photos.

Also, I noticed these dramatic photos of a tornado in Michigan on Jeff Masters' Wunderblog late last week, which he notes are "the finest photos I've ever seen of a Michigan tornado."

National weather roundup -- Thursday, October 25, 2007

Wildfires rage on – Offshore winds in Southern California have dropped below critical levels and onshore flow is expected to develop this afternoon. Both of these factors should aid firefighters in battling blazes. However, with no rain in the forecast to flush particulates out of the air and only light winds, smoke remains a health hazard for much of the region.

USA TODAY weather focus: "Smoke remains a danger even as wildfires diminish"

Due to wildfire smoke, air quality remains unhealthy for some parts of Southern California. As the National Weather Service office in San Diego notes in the forecast discussion this morning:

Air quality will remain poor...especially west of the mountains. Fires continue to pump more smoke into the air with nothing in the offing that would either cleanse (rain) or transport (wind) the smoke out of the region.

So how do you know the air quality for your area? One way is to check the national forecast on the EPA's AIRNow website. You can also get a feel for the level of particulate matter in the air by gauging visibility in your area. (Graphic reprinted from USA TODAY newspaper)

National weather roundup -- Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Wildfires rage on – Due to strong winds and continued dry conditions, red flag fire warnings remain in effect through Wednesday afternoon for all of southwestern California. While easterly Santa Ana winds will not be as strong as those on Monday and Tuesday, sustained winds of 20 to 30 mph and gusts to 50 mph will still be possible over higher terrain. With near record temperatures expected in some locations and relative humidities in the single-digits, fire conditions remain “critical” for Wednesday, according to the Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Okla. An upper-level trough will swing into the West Coast on Thursday, bringing slightly cooler temperatures and onshore flow to Southern California. Cooler temperatures, weaker winds and higher relative humidity will assist firefighters Thursday and Friday, but they will have to be very aware of the threat posed by rapidly shifting winds.

In addition to the fire threat in Southern California, there are also critical fire conditions in southeastern Arizona. Likewise, due to strong winds and low relative humidities in the southern Plains, red flag fire warnings are in place across parts of southcentral Texas and the Hill Country.

USA TODAY weather focus: "Soaking rains head for the Mid-Atlantic"

Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected across the Mid-Atlantic through Friday, with several inches possible in some locations. Typically, this would result in flash flood watches being posted by the National Weather Service. However, due to severe, extreme and even exceptional drought conditions in much of the region, expected rainfall does not exceed flash flood guidance values. To get a feel for just how long it has been since significant rainfall has overspread the region, here are some numbers selected cities, as compiled by The Weather Channel's Jonathan Erdman:

Richmond, Va.:      
October rain:  .01”
Last ½”+ rain in one day:  Sep. 14

Norfolk, Va.:      
October rain:  .26”
Last ½”+ rain in one day:  Aug. 21

Raleigh-Durham, N.C.:      
October rain:  .30”
Last ½”+ rain in one day:  Sep. 14

Washington, D.C.:      
October rain:  .37”
Last ½”+ rain in one day:  Aug. 25

Baltimore, Md.:      
October rain:  .42”
Last ½”+ rain in one day:  Aug. 25

(Graphic reprinted from USA TODAY newspaper)

"You Are My Sunshine"

Louisiana's Governor-elect, Bobby Jindal, did not need to break into song to win the gubernatorial election this past Saturday. However, one of his predecessors, country singer and former governor Jimmie Davis, sang his way to office in 1944 with the help of his hit song, You Are My Sunshine. Davis served again as Louisiana's governor from 1960 to 1964. You Are My Sunshine became an official state song of Louisiana in 1977.

(Louisiana Gov. Jimmie Davis leads the crowd in singing "You Are My Sunshine" at his inaugural ball in Baton Rouge, La., in this 1960 file photo. Davis, the "singing governor" who drew on his popularity as a maker of hits such as "You Are My Sunshine" to twice win election to the state's top office, died Sunday, Nov. 5, 2000, his former press secretary said. He was 101.)

How green is your screen?

Taking a brief break from the riveting wildfire stories coming out of Southern California, I wanted to mention CNN will air "Planet in Peril" -- a two-night, four-hour environmental documentary that focuses on climate change, vanishing natural habitats, disappearing species and human overpopulation -- starting tonight at 9 p.m.

Not to be out-greened, NBC Universal announced today its plans to devote 150 hours of programming to environmental themes during the week of Nov. 4 - 10. The "Green is Universal" programming initiative will kick off on Nov. 4 during NBC's Sunday Night Football. MSNBC will focus on environmental politics during its "Super Tuesday" coverage on Nov. 6 and will feature segments throughout the week about how environmental changes affect weather. CNBC, NBC Universal's business and financial channel, will focus on making your green even greener by featuring investment opportunities in companies that are "environmental trailblazers."

If you're not a regular CNN, MSNBC or CNBC viewer, does this kind of programming entice you to tune in? Your thoughts are welcome -- just click the comment button below.

(Dr. Sanjay Gupta, right, and Anderson Cooper attend a screening of the environmental documentary "Planet in Peril," Monday, Oct. 8, 2007, in New York. The documentary, about threats to the world's environment, is hosted by CNN anchor Cooper, chief medical correspondent Gupta and Animal Planet host Jeff Corwin. Photo by Diane Bondareff)

National weather roundup -- Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Wildfires rage on – Much of Southern California remains at extremely critical wildfire risk today, with ongoing fires forcing the evacuation of thousands. Santa Ana winds will continue to gust in excess of 75 mph and temperatures will climb into the 90s to near 100 in some locations, leading to explosive fire growth. Winds should slacken this afternoon, but will increase again late tonight into Wednesday morning. While winds on Wednesday will be 10 to 20 mph lower than those today, critical fire conditions are still expected.

In addition to the fire threat in Southern California, there are also critical fire conditions in southern Arizona. Likewise, due to strong winds and low relative humidities in the Plains, red flag fire warnings are in place across parts of western North Dakota and southcentral Texas and the Hill Country.

USA TODAY weather focus: "Different fronts, same result"

The only front missing on the weather map today is a warm front. Warm fronts occur when a warm air mass is advancing on a colder air mass. Being less dense, it rises over, or overruns, the colder air. This upward motion of the warm air results in cooling, condensation and often precipitation. (Graphic reprinted from USA TODAY newspaper)

World Series forecast -- fair or foul?

The sports department here at the USA TODAY building is on the 2nd floor, while the newsroom (as well as The Weather Guys enclave) is on the 3rd floor. Apart from emailing my Sunday NFL forecast and occasional IMs with sports bloggers, I can go months without coming into contact with sports staff face-to-face.

Imagine my surprise this afternoon when a member of the sports staff came up to the 3rd floor to pick my brain about the forecast in Denver for World Series games this weekend. In the wake of a weekend that saw a high of 80°F on Saturday followed up by a high of 42°F on Sunday with snow in the Denver metro area, this sports writer was hoping for an equally exciting forecast to add to the World Series drama this coming weekend. Unfortunately for him, the weekend will be warmer than average in Denver, with highs in the 60s and not a flake of snow in the forecast. In fact, it looks like games played in Boston Wednesday and Thursday (and next week, if necessary) may be cooler than the ones played in Denver. This is not a surprise, as average temperatures this time of year are a couple of degrees cooler in Beantown compared to the Mile High City. Keep in mind, of course, that these are forecast daytime highs, while all of the games will be in the evening. It will be cool (it is late October after all), but nothing out of the ordinary.

Another caveat is that, as always, the forecast is subject to change. Anyone else looking at the models able to draw up a more ominous picture for the World Series forecast? Keep in mind, the sports staffer's deadline is Tuesday afternoon for a story to be included in Wednesday's paper. Post your thoughts by clicking the comment button below.

(After a fall storm swept over Denver, a light snow covers the field in Coors Field in Denver on Sunday, Oct. 21, 2007. Photo by David Zalubowski, AP)

National weather roundup -- Monday, October 22, 2007

Wildfires rage on – Much of Southern California remains at extremely critical wildfire risk today, with several blazes already going and the possibility for more. Santa Ana winds gusting to 85 mph have the entire region under extremely critical fire conditions today and Tuesday. Fire threat will remain elevated through Wednesday, with some slackening of the winds late in the week.

USA TODAY weather focus: "Winds worsen wildfire threat in Southern California"

It's that time of year, Santa Ana season, when air that starts out cool and dry over the Great Basin increases in temperature and decreases in relative humidity as it makes its way into Southern California. While Santa Ana season usually starts in October and sometimes lasts through March, this year is particularly dangerous because much of Southern California is experiencing extreme drought conditions. (Graphic reprinted from USA TODAY newspaper)

National weather roundup -- Sunday, October 21, 2007

Soggy and stormy Sunday – While high pressure keeps much of the East sunny and much of the West dry, a cold front will stretch from the upper Midwest into the southern Plains. Showers and storms are expected along this front today from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula through central Texas.

Another area of active weather will be along a warm front that will lift into the Gulf Coast during the course of the day. Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected from southeastern Louisiana through the Florida panhandle. There is a slight risk for severe thunderstorms for this same area, with isolated tornadoes possible into the overnight hours.

Flu fears increase as winter nears

Well, it may not seem like a news flash, but a new study has determined that the low temperatures and relative humidities common in winter have been linked to the rapid spread of influenza, a deadly virus that kills more than 40,000 Americans each year.

The study, published in the journal PLoS Pathogens, found that low relative humidities of 20% - 30% induced the rapid spread of the virus, with the opposite effect at 80% or above. Also, results showed that the virus spread more easily at 41 degrees than at 68 degrees, with no transmission at 86 degrees, and that the low relative humidities produced by indoor heating and winter temperatures favor the spread of influenza.

The worst influenza epidemic in history was in 1918, when a staggering 20 million people died worldwide. (AP Photo of influenza victims in Fort Riley in Kansas in 1918).

Tree-ring circus

OK, so that headline doesn't really make any sense, but I couldn't resist.

One factoid in today's drought story caught my eye -- that a tree-ring study this summer of Tennessee's rainfall history (left) shows this is the third-driest year for the state in at least 350 years, behind only 1839 and 1708. It's still amazing to this art history major that scientists can study tree-ring data to determine the climate history of the Earth, as detailed in this paleoclimatic drought resource site.

National weather roundup - Friday & Saturday, Oct. 19-20, 2007

Stormy East -- A cold front is bringing showers and thunderstorms to much of the eastern third of the country today. Winds will be strong, and isolated tornadoes could also develop, as the front moves through. The heaviest rain will fall in New England and along the Gulf Coast states. By Saturday, the front will move offshore, leading to clear, dry conditions for most of the East.  Some leftover showers are expected in northern New England, the Great Lakes and Florida.

Nasty Northwest -- Coastal and valley rain and mountain snow is in the forecast for the Pacific Northwest through Saturday. Heavy rain is likely in western parts of Washington and Oregon and northwestern California. Heavy snow is forecast in the highest elevations of the Cascades Friday and the northern Rockies by Saturday. The storm could bring snow to the Denver area by later on Sunday.

Super in the Center -- Most of the central USA will be clear and calm through early Sunday before some rain and wind affects the central Plains later on Sunday.

Western wildfire worries -- A critical area for wildfires is forecast in New Mexico and western Texas on Saturday. Strong Santa Ana winds in southern California could roar 50 to 60 mph on Saturday and Sunday, increasing the fire danger.

Kiko kicks up trouble -- Tropical Storm Kiko could develop into a hurricane and affect the west coast of Mexico as a hurricane over the weekend and into early next week.

USA TODAY weather focus: "Stormy start to the weekend in the East"

I've joked in the past that a sure way to end a drought is to publish a big story about it, as USA TODAY did in this morning's paper. Although the rain could be heavy today across much of the eastern seaboard, it won't be a drought-buster by any stretch of the imagination.

With deficits of around 12 inches across much of the Southeast, what's needed are several days or weeks of prolonged rainy periods. Fortunately, both the 6-10 day and the 8-14 day precipitation outlooks from the Climate Prediction Center show some relief could be on the way for parts of the parched Southeast.

(Graphic reprinted from USA TODAY newspaper)

National weather roundup -- Thursday, October 18, 2007

Severe thunderstorm threat – Severe thunderstorms remain the top weather story as they continue to roll through parts of the Great Lakes, Midwest and Tennessee Valley through the early morning hours. The threat for tornadoes continues this morning as a warm front lifts toward the Great Lakes. Another round of severe thunderstorms is expected this afternoon and this evening as a cold front slides in from the west. The Storm Prediction Center has defined a moderate risk of storms, including the threat of tornadoes, for Indiana, eastern Illinois, western Ohio, western Kentucky, southern Michigan and southeastern Wisconsin. A slight risk area stretches from the Great Lakes almost to the central Gulf Coast.

Tomorrow as the cold front moves through the Appalachians, there will be a slight risk of severe thunderstorms for much of the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Southeast.

USA TODAY weather focus: "Northwest rainy season in full swing"

The Aleutian Low and Pacific High are semi-permanent features in the Pacific Ocean that impact weather for the West Coast. The weakness, and sometimes absence of, the Aleutian Low combined with the strength and northerly position of the Pacific High in the summer leads to the generally dry conditions of the summer months. (Graphic reprinted from USA TODAY newspaper)

Just what hockey needs . . . more batteries

I must admit that, although I was at one time a much more rabid hockey fan than I am now (go Penguins!), I am preoccupied with baseball playoffs at the moment and probably won't catch an NHL game until the NFL season winds down in January. That said, I am rather intrigued by a new invention, a heated skate blade, that may be making its way onto the ice.

ThermaBlades, hockey skates that are fitted with a rechargeable battery and microprocessor that keeps the blade at a constant 41°F, may soon be making a debut during NHL games. The company claims that the heated blade reduces static and kinetic friction as well as energy-robbing vibration, leading to faster acceleration, tighter turns and increased control. A select group of NHL players will be testing them in practice to assess their effectiveness in game conditions. A successful test would open the door to their use in official NHL games.

I guess it is a bit far afield from a weather post, but I am intrigued by the magical nature of 41°F. In doing some research into the physics of skating, it turns out that the reason skates are effective in gliding across ice is not as simple as "the pressure of the skate blade creates a thin layer of water that the blade then glides through." Check out this Exploratorium website to get the whole scoop on the science of hockey.

The next question is whether Thermablades will be added to the list of successful sport equipment innovations such as the Reebok Pump. Any hockey fans, physicists or chemists care to chime in on the concept of heated skate blades?

(New York Rangers winger Colton Orr (28) lands a punch against Ottawa Senators winger Brian McGrattan (16) as they fight in the second period of their NHL hockey game in New York, October 13, 2007. Photo by Ray Stubblebine, Reuters)

Get your weather groove on

If you're like me (and I know I am), you've found yourself from time to time checking out The Weather Channel's "Local on the 8's," getting your fix on the latest radar loop for your area and absentmindedly tapping your toes to the background music. Imagine my surprise to find myself tapping along to smooth jazz, a genre I generally abhor (my wife calls me a music snob), on more than one occasion.

If smooth jazz is your thing and you like the samples you've heard on The Weather Channel, you are in luck. The Weather Channel has released, in association with Midas Records, a CD of jazz selections that have aired on the network during local weather. Artists featured on the CD include Dave Koz, Najee, Chick Corea, Pieces of a Dream, Joyce Cooling, Jeff Lorber, Four 80 East, 3rd Force and Paprika Soul. The CD also includes 3 most-requested songs heard only on The Weather Channel by Jeanne Ricks, Ryan Farish and Mark Krumowski. Smooth Jazz is the first in a series entitled "The Weather Channel Presents" and is available in many stores where music is sold as well as at Amazon.com.

Anybody picked this one up yet? Reviews and comments are welcome -- just click the "comment" button below.

(Dave Koz, jazz saxophonist, arrives at The 47 Annual Grammy Awards, Feb. 13, 2005, in Los Angeles, Calif.  Photo by Dan MacMedan, USA TODAY)

National weather roundup -- Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Severe thunderstorm threat – There is a moderate risk for severe thunderstorms, including the threat for long-lived tornadoes, for parts of Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri and Arkansas. While most of the storm activity is not expected until late in the afternoon, there are storms this morning that stretch from Nebraska into northern Texas. A tornado watch is in effect through this afternoon for central Oklahoma and northern Texas as this line of storms moves eastward. Storms will continue into the evening and overnight hours and the storm threat will shift into the Mississippi Valley. In addition to the threat of tornadoes, hail and damaging winds, heavy rainfall may produce flash flooding. Flash flood watches have already been posted for parts of the Missouri River Valley.

Storms may be ongoing by daybreak Thursday and another round of severe thunderstorms will be possible Thursday evening from the Great Lakes through the Gulf Coast as the storm system moves eastward. There is a moderate risk for severe storms for parts of Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan, Kentucky and Ohio.

USA TODAY weather focus: "Rough days and nights ahead for nations's mid-section"

Spring into early summer is typically the peak season for severe thunderstorms due to the right combination of warm, moist air as well as favorable atmospheric wind shear. Severe thunderstorms tend to taper off in the fall, but tornadoes can and do happen at this time of the year. So far this year, there have been 1172 preliminary tornado reports and 74 tornado fatalities. (Graphic reprinted from USA TODAY newspaper)

"Against the Wind"

Against the Wind, a #5 Billboard hit for Bob Seger and The Silver Bullet Band in 1980, likens life's adversities to a strong headwind. The album of the same name became Seger's first and only album to top the Billboard album chart. Bob Seger also worked weather into the lyrics of Night Moves, as the lovers in the song "felt the lightning" and "waited on the thunder."

While Seger's lyrics speak of running against the wind, French mime Marcel Marceau, who recently passed away at age 84, was famous for "walking against the wind." In fact, this classic work is said to have inspired Michael Jackson's "moonwalk."

(Bob Seger performs with The Silver Bullet Band during his "Face The Promise" tour stop at the Palace of Auburn Hills, Mich., Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2006. Photo by Gary Malerba, AP)

Turtles hit the beach in Florida

I couldn't pass up this video, which shows lots of cute baby turtles being rescued after washing ashore along the east coast of Florida, due to rough seas.

Looking at the observations from the past three days in Daytona Beach, I see that winds have indeed been fairly strong out of the east there, with gusts as high as 24 mph.

Winds off the ocean along the east coast of Florida are quite common; the prevailing wind direction in Daytona Beach throughout the year is from the east-southeast, according to this wind data document (PDF) from the National Climatic Data Center. And in case you ever need to settle a bar bet, meteorologists have determined that the most common prevailing wind direction across the USA is from the south.

National weather roundup -- Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Soggy and stormy start – It’s a soggy start along the central Gulf Coast as thunderstorms are dropping heavy rainfall over southern Mississippi, southern Alabama and the western Florida panhandle this morning. Other thunderstorms in the Great Lakes and Midwest are firing ahead of a cold front that stretches from Michigan into the lower Mississippi Valley. A few storms in Michigan and Indiana may reach severe limits with large hail and damaging winds being the primary threats.

USA TODAY weather focus: "Seasonal sniffles can come from multiple sources"

The start of fall allergy season is around August 15 and can last through October and November, depending on when the first freeze sets in. A warm, wet summer can promote the growth of ragweed, making fall allergy season that much worse. Rainy days can help to get some of the pollen out of the air, but can also increase mold growth and can worsen allergy symptoms for those sensitive to mold spores. (Graphic reprinted from USA TODAY newspaper)

Seriously cold for the Series

Sunday's playoff game in Denver was played in less than ideal conditions, as Bob predicted in this post yesterday. Temperatures were in the low 40s, with light rain reported throughout the game.

While there are legitimate concerns about the weather in Denver for the World Series -- scheduled for Oct. 24 - Nov. 1 -- next week's temperature outlook (above) from the Climate Prediction Center shows that the real concern for chilly weather will be in Cleveland or Boston, not in Denver (assuming the Rockies dispose of the D-Backs).

After a long stretch of above-average temperatures, some cooler air may finally spread across the eastern half of the USA by the middle of next week. If the Tribe reaches the Series, then they may end the season as they started it -- in conditions not befitting the summer game.

Pizza and beer

When I first heard that Al Gore had won the Nobel Peace Prize, I had a feeling that peace prize/pizza prize jokes about his weight would not be far behind. Sure enough, after only a cursory Google search, several such comments are floating around the blogosphere.

All kidding aside, Gore spoke forcefully about the "planetary emergency" posed by global warming at a press conference at the Alliance for Climate Protection. Check out some of Gore's statement from the event.

With an Oscar and a Nobel Peace Prize tucked under his arm, what's next for Al -- a run at the presidency? Your thoughts are welcome -- click the comment button below.

(Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore speaks at a news conference in Palo Alto, Calif., October 12, 2007 after winning the Nobel Peace Prize along with the U.N. climate panel. Photo by Kimberly White, Reuters)

National weather roundup -- Monday, October 15, 2007

Rainy days and Mondays – Most of the rain this morning is in the nation’s mid-section as a storm system pushes through the eastern Plains toward the Mississippi Valley. Thunderstorms near Dallas-Fort Worth have resulted in some flight delays this morning and some storms in northeastern Texas, southeastern Oklahoma, southwestern Arkansas and northwestern Louisiana may reach severe limits, with damaging winds and large hail being the primary threats. Heaviest rain today is expected in the Texarkana area. Rain is also expected through parts of the middle Mississippi Valley and lower Ohio Valley today and tonight as the system moves eastward. Some wrap-around rainfall is expected in parts of Nebraska, South Dakota and Minnesota.

USA TODAY weather focus: "Foul weather can force flight delays"

Thunderstorms are overspreading the Dallas-Forth Worth Metroplex this morning. For air travelers, this means delays likely as a traffic management program is being implemented. For morning commuters on area roadways, torrential rainfall may result in ponding on roadways and flash flooding of low-lying areas. (Graphic reprinted from USA TODAY newspaper)

The frozen tundra of Coors Field

As I'm watching the Redskins/Packers game this afternoon, it seems to me that upper 40s with a light rain is not the worst weather to ever impact football at the legendary Lambeau Field in Green Bay.

However, when it comes to mid-October baseball, Denver is not the most ideal location. The boys of summer will need to bundle up as temperatures this evening will only be in the 30s during Game 3 of the Natinoal League Championship Series between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Colorado Rockies. Lingering light rain and drizzle and chilly north winds will make it that much more unpleasant for players and fans alike.

The big question is whether the cool weather will cool off the hot Rockies who lead the series 2-0. The desert-dwelling visitors from Phoenix have their D-backs against the wall and now have to face an unfriendly crowd and inclement conditions.

Do you think the home team will have an advantage due to the weather conditions during tonight's game? Leave your thoughts by clicking the comment button below.

(Colorado Rockies' Troy Tulowitzki looks on before the start of baseball practice Saturday, Oct. 13, 2007, in Denver. Photo by Jack Dempsey, AP)

National weather roundup -- Sunday, October 14, 2007

Pigskin perfect – Very few weather impacts for football games today. A warm front that brought rain to Kansas City and Chicago this morning will lift north of both cities this afternoon and could bring some rain to the Redskins/Packers game.

Severe weather threat – A developing area of low pressure over western Kansas will bring a slight threat for severe thunderstorms to southcentral Nebraska, central Kansas, central Oklahoma and northcentral Texas this afternoon and this evening. Large hail, damaging winds and isolated tornadoes will all be possible. Some severe storms may continue into the overnight hours, with the slight risk area shifting eastward from northeastern Texas into western Missouri on Monday.

Typhoon Tip and the Columbus Day Storm

A couple of notable weather anniversaries today:

On this date in 1979, the lowest barometric pressure in history (870 mb, or 25.69 inches) was recorded during Super Typhoon Tip in the Western Pacific Ocean, about 520 miles northwest of Guam. The measurement was made by a dropsonde observation made from a U.S. reconnaissance aircraft. The storm's estimated surface winds were 190 mph. (Thanks to Charlie Wilson of Internet Partnership Radio for pointing this out.)

And back on Oct. 12, 1962, the infamous "Columbus Day Storm" battered the Pacific Northwest, killing at least 46 people. One of the most powerful non-tropical storms ever to hit the USA, the storm pounded the region with wind speeds of well above 100 mph, and remains the worst storm to affect the Pacific Northwest in the 20th century.

USA TODAY weather focus: "West wind all right for lefties at Fenway"

While batting around the idea for this graphic Thursday, I dimly remembered that there was a "rule" about the orientation of ballparks, in relation to direction. Sure enough, Bob found the rule on mlb.com, number 1.04, which states that "it is desirable that the line from home base through the pitchers plate to second base shall run East-Northeast."  As shown here in this graphic, that orientation keeps the sun out of the batters eyes during day games.

It also explains why, in theory, there should be more home runs hit in summer than in spring and fall... In the summer, the prevailing wind direction for much of the USA is from the south, which would help push balls out in most parks.

An aside: Long before sparkling Jacobs Field or even cavernous Municipal Stadium (where I saw my first ball game), Cleveland had its own small, Fenway-like-venue, called League Park, which had an odd rectangular shape. This was due to the fact that the owners of the neighboring buildings would not move or sell their property.

Go Tribe!

(Graphic reprinted from USA TODAY newspaper)

National weather roundup - Friday & Saturday, Oct. 12-13, 2007

Wet West -- A storm along the West Coast will bring rain to northern and central California today. Some thunderstorms are also possible, as well as some high-elevation snow. By Saturday, the area of storminess will move into the interior West, bringing showers and snow to the Rockies. Wildfires could also flare up in Arizona on Friday and New Mexico by Saturday.

Nasty Northeast -- An area of low pressure moving into the Canadian maritimes will continue to spread heavy rain across northern New England today. Some lighter showers are likely in southern New England and portions of the Mid-Atlantic, including New York City and Philadelphia. Light showers are expected in the interior Northeast and Great Lakes Friday and Saturday from another storm system. A few lake-effect snowflakes could fly in higher elevations of New York state and northern New England.

Super South -- Most of the South will be mild and dry through the weekend, except for South Florida, where showers and thunderstorms are expected.

Stormy in the center -- A developing storm will spread showers and thunderstorm across the central USA over the weekend, although not much is expected to fall Friday. On Saturday, showers and thunderstorms should move across the Plains toward the Mississippi River. Heavy rain is likely in the northern Plains, Upper Midwest and western Great Lakes by Sunday, including some potentially severe storms.

Do greens have more fun?

Whether it is lying naked on a glacier in Switzerland or floating above a German motorway tied to a cluster of helium-filled balloons, environmental activists lead more colorful, if not more fun-filled, existences than most of us.

Of course, in order to have an effective protest, you have to get attention. What better way to draw the cameras than to do something like climb a smokestack or dress in a animal costume? Check out this photo gallery that shows some of the more unusual protests that caught my eye recently.

(A protestor dressed as a clown stands beside a police officer at the Camp for Climate Action near to Heathrow Airport in west London,  August 18, 2007. Photo by Stephen Hird, Reuters)

National weather roundup -- Thursday, October 11, 2007

Northeast returns to normal – After record-breaking heat for parts of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic earlier this week, temperatures are returning to average, or even below-average, levels. Along with the cooler weather, rain is also in the forecast. An area of low pressure will develop near Long Island this afternoon and move into southern New England this evening. Heaviest rainfall today is expected from northeastern Pennsylvania into northern New York. Tomorrow the bulk of the rainfall shifts into Maine.While the low moves into Canada over the weekend, high pressure in the Ohio Valley will keep a cool northwest flow pushing into the Northeast.

USA TODAY weather focus: "Mixing winds bring fire threat back to the Southeast"

Ever wonder why conditions can be nearly calm overnight into the early morning and yet quite gusty by the afternoon? While air is typically cycling vertically and horizontally through the atmosphere, radiational cooling during a clear night will sometimes create a layer near the surface that decouples from the atmosphere above. This can result in calm winds at ground level while stronger winds are blowing above this boundary layer. Gusty winds aren't felt until the heating of the sun, which peaks in the afternoon, creates thermals within the boundary layer and mixes down some of the faster winds to the surface. (Graphic reprinted from USA TODAY newspaper)

National weather roundup -- Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Wet Wednesday -- Not too many spots with rain forecast today. The heaviest rainfall this morning is in northcentral California and is associated with a cold front that will move into the interior Northwest today. Scattered showers will be possible for parts of eastern New England as low pressure moves up the Northeast coast. Showers will also be possible in the Great Lakes in association with an upper-level low.

USA TODAY weather focus: "Clouds up high can indicate impending weather"

When Luke Howard first proposed his naming system for clouds in 1802, contrails, being the only man-made species of cloud, had yet to be invented. It wouldn't be until jet aircraft were cruising at high altitude that contrails would debut against a backdrop of sky blue.

While contrails can simply be seen as a by-product of supersonic flight, conspiracy theorists think that there is a more sinister military or governmental link. As the number of contrails increase due to ever-expanding flight routes, global warming experts are puzzling to find out how contrails impact the Earth's climate. When contrails first form, they tend to have a cooling effect as they are highly reflective of indident solar radiation. However, as they thin and spread out, they tend to have more of a warming effect. (Graphic reprinted from USA TODAY newspaper)

"Walk Between the Raindrops"

Gene Kelly celebrated a new-found love and showed his indifference to inclement weather during that classic scene in the 1952 movie musical, Singin' in the Rain. Kelly would star in and direct another weather-titled film, It's Always Fair Weather, in 1955.

It turns out that Gene Kelly isn't the only one to sing of elation despite precipitation. Walk Between the Raindrops, the final track on Donald Fagen's 1982 album, The Nightfly, speaks of a happy lovers' stroll in the midst of a Florida thunderstorm.

Got any other song suggestions that speak to the emotional impact of inclement weather? How about a suggestion for a future "Wednesday weather song?" Make your voice heard by clicking the comment button below.

(Gene Kelly in the title number scene from the 1952 motion picture "Singin' in the Rain."  Image courtesy ReutersMetro-Goldwyn-Mayer)

Hand-waving and wagering over global warming

It didn't take long to elicit a flood of comments (more than 300 at time of writing) to a story I posted this morning about greenhouse gas emissions increasing beyond the expectations of many scientists. Faced with such a gloom and doom report, one commenter, eruditeheretic, asked, "what do we do, throw up our hands and give up?" Even environmental scientist Tim Flannery, pictured at left, looks like he's out of ideas (though, of course, he's not).

(Professor Tim Flannery, the 2007 Australian of the Year and the country's best-known enviromentalist, gestures as he speaks at a function in Sydney, Sept. 20, 2007. Photo by Greg Wood, AFP/Getty Images)

Snow for the skeptics

First, in limerick form:

It's gonna get cold…
But it certainly gets old

when you see each flake
as proof that Gore's a fake.

Winter will always be here, I'm told.

And now, in prose:

A plea to our passionate and beloved USA TODAY commenters: Please, every time it snows, or drops a few degrees in temperature over the next few months, try to refrain from posting a comment saying it's proof that global warming is a liberal, commie hoax.

Even if the most catastrophic global warming predictions come true, I’m fairly certain that we’ll still have cold, snow, ice, and wind; namely, WINTER...

We now return you to your regularly scheduled blog posts.

Care to submit a weather limerick? Post it as a comment below.

Wind may have been a factor in Washington plane crash

Whenever there's a plane crash, we always check the recent observations to see if the weather may have been a factor in the accident. In the crash of the small plane on Sunday night in Washington state, I checked the observations from the Yakima airport, located about 45 miles east of the crash site.

While there was no rain or snow reported Sunday evening, I do see that strong, gusty winds were measured throughout that evening at Yakima. At each of the hourly reports from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., wind gusts were measured from 20 mph to as high as 30 mph. And that was at the surface -- winds above the surface could have been stronger. Wind shear -- the change in wind speed or direction over a short distance -- is often a factor in plane crashes.

The National Transportation Safety Board will begin an investigation into the cause of the crash today.

National weather roundup -- Tuesday, October 9, 2007

Pacific storm – A strong Pacific storm is moving northward toward the coast of British Columbia this morning. The storm will bring moderate to  heavy rain with winds gusting over 60 mph to coastal sections of Oregon and northern California.

USA TODAY weather focus: "Extratropical Pacific storm stronger than many tropical systems"

While sustained winds are used categorize hurricanes using the Saffir-Simpson damage potential scale, the close relationship between pressure and wind speed allows pressure reading to be used as a proxy. In this case, the Pacific storm in question has a central pressure this morning of 965 millibars, the equivalent of a strong Category 2/weak Category 3 storm.

While the storm will remain offshore, it will bring hazardous conditions to open waters of the Northwest coast. To quote one of the forecasters yesterday at the National Weather Service office in Seattle, "Best to keep the boat docked unless you pack a ton of Dramamine and a survival suit." (Graphic reprinted from USA TODAY newspaper)

Columbus' close call with a hurricane

In some supplemental information to his always excellent national weather summary produced for the American Meteorological Society, Edward Hopkins today sprinkled in some interesting factoids about weather challenges faced by Christopher Columbus during his voyages to the New World.

Columbus' first voyage departed Spain in early August, stopping in the Canary Islands to resupply in early September. Assuming modern day tropical climatology valid for this voyage, this would have put him on the downside of Atlantic hurricane season as he made his five-week trip across the ocean. By mid to late September, Cape Verde hurricanes become less frequent and storms that do develop tend to generate in the western Caribbean, western Atlantic or Gulf of Mexico.

(This is an undated portrait of Italian explorer Christopher Columbus attributed to Rodolfo Ghirlandaia. The original is in the Naval Museum of Pegli in Genoa, Italy, Columbus' birthplace. AP photo)

National weather roundup -- Monday, October 8, 2007

Rainy days and Mondays – Showers and thunderstorms are widespread this morning from western Wisconsin into eastern Oklahoma along a cold front stretching from the upper Midwest into the southern Plains. Most storms will remain below severe limits, but some strong storms could produce isolated wind damage. Heaviest rainfall is expected in northern Minnesota along the Canadian border. A flood watch is in effect for much of Minnesota into western Wisconsin.

Thunderstorms, with a few reaching severe limits, will be possible in parts of the Northeast today as a warm front lifts northward into the region.

USA TODAY weather focus: "Fog comes into play in flight delays"

There are ground stops this morning due to low ceilings and limited visibilities both in Philadelphia and Atlanta. Teterborough Airport in New Jersey is also experiencing flight delays due to weather conditions.

Salt Lake City, known for its frequent winter fogs, employs fog dispersal techniques to minimize flight impact of limited visibilities. (Graphic reprinted from USA TODAY newspaper)

National weather roundup -- Sunday, October 7, 2007

Stormy Sunday – A cold front stretching from the upper Midwest through the Plains will bring showers and thunderstorms as well as a change in temperatures. Heaviest rainfall today and tonight is expected in northeastern Kansas into eastern Nebraska while isolated severe storms will be possible for northern Iowa into southern Minnesota.

Scattered showers and storms will continue in Florida, as well as for coastal sections of the Southeast and Gulf Coast.

Yet another Pacific cold front will move into the Northwest, bringing more rain to parts of western Washington and Oregon today and tonight.

National weather roundup - Friday & Saturday, Oct. 5-6, 2007

Midwest storminess - Severe thunderstorms are likely Friday and Saturday in the Upper Midwest. Large hail and strong winds are the main threat, particularly in Minnesota and the Dakotas. Heavy rain could also cause flooding.

Winter in the West - A wintry storm will bring valley rain and mountain snow to the central and northern Rockies Friday and Saturday. Several inches of snow, maybe up to a foot, could fall in the highest elevations. Winds will be a factor in southern California throughout the weekend, potentially whipping up wildfires. Temperatures will be unusually cool throughout the West, as much as 10-20 degrees below average.

Soggy South - Tropical downpours will persist through the weekend in the Southeast and Gulf Coast. Heavy rain will drench parts of Virginia, the Carolinas, Georgia and Florida; locally over two inches of rain could fall in some spots. High surf and rip currents will affect the Carolina coast later Friday and the northeast coast of Florida by Saturday.

Weird warmth - Temperatures more like August will extend across much of the eastern two-thirds of the nation Friday and Saturday. Highs will be 10 to 20 degrees above normal in most of the central and eastern USA. Some record highs are possible.

USA TODAY weather focus: "Thunderstorms are havens for hail formation"

The Storm Prediction Center predicts a 15% chance of large hail today in central Minnesota, which includes the Twin Cities. What, exactly, does this mean? I found this explanation on the SPC site:

"A 15% contour on the hail forecast outlines an area where the probability of 1 or more reports of large (3/4" or greater) hail occurring within 25 miles of any point during the forecast period is 15%. Larger values imply greater risk. For example, if the probability for large hail in your area is 30% on a given day and it was 15% the day before, there is a higher threat of large hail for your area on that day than the day before."

For more about how hail forms, check out this USA TODAY online graphic.

(Graphic reprinted from USA TODAY newspaper)

Stormy day at Google

I'm afraid to do a screen grab to show it, for fear of retribution from Google's pack of lawyers, but take a look today at Google's home page. For the first time I can remember, there's something related to weather there: A hurricane spinning below Sputnik, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the launch of the Soviet satellite. I don't know if Sputnik saw much in the way of weather, however. I do know that the first U.S. weather satellite was Tiros 1 in 1960.

And unlike Al Gore's movie poster, Google's hurricane is spinning in the correct direction -- for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, anyway.

National weather roundup -- Thursday, October 4, 2007

A nation divided – The big weather story through the weekend will likely be the temperatures. Generally the jet stream pattern of a trough in the West and a ridge in the East will hold, resulting in below-average temperatures west of the Rockies and above-average temperatures for areas east of the Rockies. Some records may be broken as temperatures approach 20 degrees above average in the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley.

USA TODAY weather focus: "Baseball playoffs bring the heat"

Ah, I love baseball -- the leather, the pine tar, the resin . . . and that's just in the hot dogs (borrowing a joke from David Letterman)!  While I'm not a big fan of fall (with winter soon on the way), I do enjoy fall baseball. And what's not to love when fall baseball comes with summer-like temperatures. However, players for the Philadelphia Phillies would be well advised to pack cold-weather gear, as game temperatures could fall into the 40s when the series shifts to Denver on Saturday evening. (Graphic reprinted from USA TODAY newspaper)

"The Cloudspotter's Guide"

As an amateur songwriter, every once in a while I hear a song that is so well-written that I’m tempted to leave the guitar in the case and never again put pen to paper. If it’s already been done so well already, what’s the point? The same goes for a few exceptional books, including Gavin Pretor-Pinney’s, The Cloudspotter’s Guide: The Science, History, and Culture of Clouds. This is not to say that I was ever truly tempted to write my own treatise on clouds, but now that I’ve read The Cloudspotter’s Guide, I couldn’t hope to improve upon it.

(Paperback cover of The Cloudspotter's Guide by Gavin Pretor-Pinney. Image courtesy Penguin Books)

Change a Light Day -- Another bright idea

Today is the the EPA Energy Star Program's "Change a Light Day." If you didn't get a "Change a Light Day" card for your significant other, there's still time . . . . Better yet, forget the card (it will only wind up in a landfill) and get your loved one a compact fluorescent light bulb instead.

According to the EPA, Energy Star qualified CFL bulbs use about 75 percent less energy than standard (incandescent) lightbulbs, last about 10 times longer, and can save about 30 dollars in electricity costs over the CFL's lifetime. I remember when CFLs first came out and seemed to be cost prohibitive. Now with increasing demand and competition among producers, the cost has dropped markedly and makes the switch to CFLs both economically and environmentally wise.

Do you currently have CFLs in the frequently-used lights in your home? Would you be willing to pledge to change one light today?

(A compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) has a mercury warning on it. CFLs contain a very small amount of mercury--about one-one hundreth of the amount of mercury in an older thermometer. To prevent mercury from getting into landfills, the U.S. Environment Protection Agency, CFL makers and various organizations advocate recycling. Collection locations can be found at this website. Photo by Hyungwon Kang, Reuters)

Poll: Global warming an "urgent threat" to Americans

I'm sure our devoted commenter GWScoffer (which I'm pretty sure stands for global warming scoffer) won't agree, but a new survey released this week reports that 50% of Americans say they're personally worried about global warming. The survey was conducted in July by Yale University, Gallup and the ClearVision Institute.

The survey also found that 62% of those polled think that life on Earth will continue without major disruptions only if society takes immediate and drastic action to reduce global warming, while 68% support a new international treaty requiring the USA to cut its emissions of carbon dioxide 90% by the year 2050. Also, 40% report that a presidential candidate’s position on the issue will strongly influence how they vote.

"One of the most surprising findings was the growing sense of urgency," said Anthony Leiserowitz, director of the Yale Project on Climate Change and the study’s principal investigator. "Nearly half of Americans now believe that global warming is either already having dangerous impacts on people around the world or will in the next 10 years -- a 20-percentage-point increase since 2004. These results indicate a sea change in public opinion."

National weather roundup -- Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Wet Wednesday – Most rainfall today will be limited to the Northwest and the Southeast. Accumulating snow is expected at pass levels of the Cascades today and tonight, with snow advisories in effect for parts of the Washington and Oregon Cascades through Thursday morning. Rain is expected at lower elevations as a cool, wet pattern persists for the Northwest.

In the Southeast, low pressure moving into the central Gulf will bring more rain to coastal areas. Moderate to heavy rainfall will be possible for southeastern Louisiana tonight and tomorrow. Along the Atlantic coast, a trough of low pressure should bring showers and storms to the Carolina coasts today and Thursday.

The front that brought severe weather to the Midwest yesterday will pass through the Appalachians today, but will produce little if any rainfall.

USA TODAY weather focus: "Rain often starts as snow"

If you've ever wondered why rain falls from some clouds and not others, a lot of it has to do with a cloud’s thickness, liquid water content, temperature and updrafts. For rain-producing clouds in mid-latitudes, an important process in the generation of precipitation is the Bergeron ice-crystal process, in which ice crystals grow at the expense of liquid water droplets by "stealing" water vapor molecules from them. (Graphic reprinted from USA TODAY newspaper)

"Cloudy Days"

Cloudy Days, penned by prolific songwriter Billy Ray Reynolds, has appeared on Waylon Jennings' 1974 album, The Ramblin' Man, as well as Alison Krauss and Union Station's 1992 album, Every Time You Say Goodbye. With a line like, "When I'm down I can't stand cloudy days," the song describes how heartbreak can be compounded by rainy, stormy weather. On the other hand, a new found love can provide "sunshine on a cloudy day," as The Temptations crooned in their 1965 smash hit, My Girl, written by Smokey Robinson and Ronald White.

Got any other song suggestions that speak to the emotional impact of inclement weather? How about a suggestion for a future "Wednesday weather song?" Make your voice heard by clicking the comment button below.

(Country music artist Alison Krauss at Sound Check studios in Nashville, Tenn., in this April 10, 2007 file photo. Photo by John Russell, AP)

Hurricanes from the sun?

When I first saw this NASA press release about solar hurricanes, my first thought was -- oh no, something else to worry about, along with killer bees, tainted spinach and the heartbreak of psoriasis. Is the sun starting to produce tropical storms, perhaps on a galactic scale that start at Category 100?

But my worry was unfounded: Solar hurricanes are just another name for coronal mass ejections, large clouds of magnetized gas that are ejected into space by the sun. Apparently a comet collided with one of these so-called solar hurricanes, causing the comet's tail to be completely sheared off. And for the first time, a NASA satellite (STEREO) captured the collision on video, which I must admit is pretty cool, even if it does look like an old Doctor Who episode.

In addition to solar hurricanes, other types of space weather include geomagnetic storms and aurora.

(NASA image shows Comet Encke and the coronal mass ejection erupting from the sun's surface)

National weather roundup -- Tuesday, October 2, 2007

Wet and white in the Northwest – The cool, wet pattern in the Northwest continues, with more showers and mountain snow expected today. Snow levels are expected to drop between 3,500 and 4,000 feet on Wednesday, dropping as low as 3,000 feet in the Cascades on Thursday. This means that a significant snowfall is possible at the elevations of some of the main passes through the Cascades. A foot of snow or more is possible through Thursday at elevations above 5,000 feet.

USA TODAY weather focus: "Stormy day in store from the southern Plains into the Mississippi Valley"

Thunderstorms need moist air to develop, as it is the condensation of moist air rising in the storm that releases energy that allows for further development. Certainly there will be moist air in the nation's mid-section today, as evidenced by dense fog advisories that extend from central Arkansas through Michigan's Upper Peninsula this morning. A healthy low-level jet will contribute more moist air during the day and will likely fuel thunderstorms in at least one squall line this afternoon into this evening. (Graphic reprinted from USA TODAY newspaper)

Lightning strikes twice for Raiders

The Oakland Raiders were an amphibious force to be reckoned with and the Miami Dolphins looked like fish out of water in the Raider's rain-delayed victory at Dolphin Stadium in Miami on Sunday. If the showers and storms that surrounded the stadium were a surprise to you, then you obviously didn't check out my football forecast on Sunday morning.

Sunday's rain delay was actually the second straight week that the Raiders have faced inclement weather -- thunderstorms in Denver delayed the Raiders/Broncos matchup in Week 3. I can guarantee that the Raiders won't get washed out again in Week 5 . . . they're on a bye week. As for Week 6, they'll be playing in San Diego, so I like the chances for sunshine.

(A Miami Dolphins cheerleader stands in the pouring rain, Sept. 30, 2007, before the game between the Oakland Raiders and the Miami Dolphins at Dolphin Stadium. Photo by Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE)

National weather roundup -- Monday, October 1, 2007

Rainy days and Mondays – It will be another wet one for Florida’s Atlantic Coast. An area of low pressure in the Bahamas will continue to result in showers and storms, as well as gusty winds and heavy surf today. Dangerous marine conditions will continue, as will the risk of rip currents and coastal flooding for the east coast of Florida.

Showers and thunderstorms are rumbling this morning through Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. Otherwise, much of the eastern two-thirds of the nation should be dry today.

Showers and storms are expected in the West, particularly in the Four Corners region as well as the Pacific Northwest.

USA TODAY weather focus: "Cumulus clouds complete the convection connection"

Fair-weather cumulus clouds are often isolated in the sky, with plenty of blue sky between them. While it is the upward-moving thermals that create the clouds, cooler air sinks outside the thermal to replace the rising warm air. Water vapor within the sinking air does not cool and condense into cloud droplets, thus the clear air between cumulus clouds.

By the way, the same convective action that causes cumulus clouds is at work in that staple of the psychedelic era, the lava lamp. In a lava lamp, a wax mixture is slightly more dense than the surrounding water. As the wax is heated, its density changes and it floats upward. Away from the lamp, the wax mixture cools and sinks again. (Graphic reprinted from USA TODAY newspaper)