Potluck shower and storm season continues The drought is on the minds of many who dwell south of The County as the lack of widespread rain is showing its impact in several ways. I've been guarded talking about potential rainfall as the long-term ideas look hopeful but end up coming way short on results when the time arrives. Rather than look like a complete fool by raising false hopes where many rely on groundwater resources, as I did for 17 years in my time in Poland, I am not going there. Conservation is key right now. The good news is we're about to cross the halfway point of summer. I see signals of a pattern shift going into the middle part of the month back to a more troughy one which cools things off and increases rain chances. That said, a drought busting rain event isn't easily seen right now. Hurricane season has been very quiet compared to recent years to this point, and there are signals where tropical events could increase. It's going to take something along those lines to bring much needed rain to the area. We just need to hang in there in the meantime. Isolated strong to severe storm possible Tuesday Storm Prediction Center has indicated marginal risk for severe storms across the north and much of the central part of the state for Tuesday, as of their 1:30 AM ET update. The main concern here is for isolated strong to severe storms which could produce damaging wind, some hail and localized flash flooding from tropical downpours.  Tuesday Noon to Wednesday Midnight - Short term guidance has been pretty consistent with the ideas of how this may play out since the time period reached its window. The best chance for activity is for the western mountains over to the Capitol District, north and east. Much of the coastal plain does not appear to get in on the action, other than an isolated shower, given the timing of the frontal passage and the marine layer influence.  A southerly flow will drive dew points into sultry levels in the upper 60s to low 70s. Shorelines east of Portland could be dealing with fog most of the day. The 70s forecast for DownEast areas may bust if the fog holds on, with highs topping out in the 60s there. Southwest interior areas could hit 90°. Folks headed for the beach should perch early as the mid-afternoon high tide cuts down on available space. After the cold front passes through, it takes the edge off dew point temperatures, but the moisture in the air is likely to be noticed over the coastal plain Wednesday. A roaster on the way Thursday, potluck showers |
Mike Haggett
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