A quick check-in

First of all, many thanks for your many words of condolence and prayers lifted up to me and my family as we once again go through the grieving process. It's been a tough road over the past 30 months as we've dealt with the loss of four of our family members. I appreciate your patience and for sticking with me as I deal with first things first, and that is family for now.

​I also want it to be known that I have a personal health issue that is being examined. I am having a scan done Tuesday afternoon. I am going to take it a step at time and see where this goes, hopefully it is a false alarm. Prayers for that would be appreciated as well.

Where is spring?

​Taking a look at weather... I know some of you are thrilled with more snow, and others are sick and tired of it. I have hope for both angles here. We still have a couple more storms to get through that are likely to bring snow. First one will be tonight into Wednesday. The next one comes in roughly Sunday into Monday. Folks who have been here a long time are well aware of some past Patriots Day storms, and it looks like there is potential for a messy one this year. After that, the temperature trend appears to moderate a bit. ​

This is a GIF image of one model idea looking at temperatures at roughly 5,000 feet. The blues / purples indicate below 0° Celsius; the greens, yellows, oranges and reds are above freezing. Typical with spring along the 45° parallel, there is a constant battle between winter and spring in April, and this year is no different. There is still plenty of cold to the north that is slowly retreating. The higher sun angle and length of daylight will continue to erode at the cold over time. It appears that this will be a slow process. Temperatures aloft appear to be below normal overall as we head into the latter part of the month. This would also translate to the surface. There will be mild air working in on occasion, but as a rule, it appears that it be on the cool side.

Given the ongoing flood risk from the snow pack, this is good news. A gradual snow and river ice melt is what we are looking for. There is a lot of water embedded in that snow, and while a warm spell would be welcomed by those who are tired of the cold, a drastic warm up could be a disaster. 

Also of note, ensemble ideas on precipitation amounts appear to be slightly above normal for the state as we head toward the late stages of April. Time will tell if that will have any impact on flooding. 

For those who are enjoying the extended winter, conditions remain on track for the best in years. For those longing for spring, hang in there. 

Thanks again for your prayers, condolences, and for all of your support through shares and financial contributions. I sincerely appreciate it. 

- Mike  

​► ► For the latest official forecasts, bulletins and advisories, please check in with the National Weather Service in Gray for western and southern areas, or Caribou for northern and eastern parts of Maine.