Outlook for the rest of the month

First off, I hope all of you are healthy and finding a way to manage as we deal with this ongoing pandemic. The messages I have received from some of you have been gut-wrenching, to say the least. It's just tough all around to see how lives and businesses have been impacted by this. That said, this will pass. Everything will work itself out, one way or another. Winston Churchill once said, "If you are going through hell, keep going!" That is all we can do. We just need to hang in there, wait it out, pray and keep moving forward as best as possible. 

I was asked on whether or not I will keep going here. The answer is that I absolutely will continue. Unless I get sick, I have no plans to stop what I am doing here. I am taking all necessary precautions to keep myself healthy, get plenty of rest, take care of my family, work my day job, and keep going with my education. I just registered for my next class through Penn State, which will begin in mid-May. I am finishing up my first semester now, and will complete that by the end of April. This has been a wonderful process so far, and I have learned a great deal. It's been challenging, also, which I appreciate. There is nothing more unpredictable than figuring out Mother Nature's next moves, but thankfully science and technology has evolved to the point where we can get clues as to what to expect. 

Cool to be the rule until May

For those looking for 60s and 70s for temps, you'll need to be patient. The signals I am seeing sort of resemble a January-esque pattern. Strong ridge in the west, cold air pinwheeling over the east. Those who were disappointed with the lack of snow back then would have loved this pattern. Since we are in April, the snow aspect diminishes quick. I am not quite ready to stick a fork in winter just yet. I do think the mountains and north may see some snow before it is over. Coastal areas are likely done at this point, but I can't rule out the potential for flakes here and there through the end of the month. 

Through the middle part of next week, the trend is generally cool. I suspect that it will be on the cool side through the end of the month as well. May looks roughly near normal to start off, and by mid-May we could see some above normal temperatures. 

A break from precipitation for interior areas

Seeing this idea gives me hope. While the big epic snow events in winter get outdoor enthusiasts fired up, in the back of my mind I think "What kind of impacts will this bring in the spring?", that of course, being flooding. While we've had river rise this week from the rain, it's this kind of pattern of cold nights and days in the 40s where the snow pack can slowly melt at a reasonable pace and cut down on the flood threat. There is still a fair amount of water to be released from winter's deposits. This pattern is helpful for a steady release. 

As we enter a dry period, we must be conscious of brush fire potential. The relative humidity levels as I scanned them show some drier levels from the cooler air at times over the next week. I did not see anything "red flag" level for concern, but the reality is the foliage and grass has not come in just yet. If you want to touch off the brush pile, please check with your local fire department or forest ranger prior to make sure. You can also check the state wildfire danger report, but understand that it updates daily at 9 AM, and could change if viewed earlier than that. 

A relatively quiet pattern through Sunday

Most of the activity weather wise stays generally to the south of the state through the weekend. With upper level waves and energy working through, there will be a variable amounts of clouds, a chance for a rain or snow shower or sprinkle or flurry, but other than that, nothing of any amount. The next statewide rain event may be Monday-Tuesday next week, but guidance has its disputes on that for now. 

With the recent loss of power, internet and cell phone disruption, it would be wise to consider a small investment into an NOAA Weather Radio. For $20-$40, it could provide important information to you when you need it. The weather bands are standard on most public safety scanners, and newer scanner models and weather radios can be programmed for auto alert.  Click here for more information. 

► ► 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.

Thanks as always for your support!

​- Mike