NICE AND SUNNY:
If you like warmer weather in the winter, you'll love the next couple of days. I expect plenty of sunshine and temperatures to be 60° today (Monday) across the Highlands of Tennessee. On Tuesday, expect even warmer temperatures with highs near 65° in Cookeville coupled with increasing clouds along with gusty southerly winds.
CHANGES TO THE BLOG:
Your eyes are not deceiving you...I do have some changes to the blog in terms of color, font, and small change to the layout. We'll have more changes in the coming days.
RAIN RETURNING:
Rain shows up on Tuesday night and will hang around all the way through the early weekend as a pattern change will affect our weather.
ARCTIC AIR TO MAKE IT'S RETURN:
In Saturday's post we discussed the very cold air in Alaska and this will eventually filter it's way down to the mainland of the United States and affect our weather. We do think temperatures will go back to more seasonal highs for winter as we get to the weekend with the possibility of a return to winter-type conditions. That, however, is a quite a distance out and things do change in Tennessee quickly.
SPOTTER TRAINING CLASS:
Next Saturday, February 4th is the 2012 SkyWarn Spotter Training Class in Cookeville. It will be held at the TTU College of Nursing Auditorium located at 10 W. 7th Street in Cookeville. The class is free and expected to last around 2 hours. Both the beginner and intermediate classes will be taught so if you've never been through training or if you've not attended in a couple of year, I encourage you to go!
Reporting weather from an experienced perspective.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Nice, Sunny Saturday
A very nice and seasonal Saturday with plenty of sunshine and a high in the upper 40's. Typically this time of year, we see highs of 47° and lows of 26°. Tonight's low will be right around 26° but sunrise on Sunday morning. I expect we'll be a few degrees warmer on Sunday with a good chance of creeping up into the lower 50's after a cold start. Add another 5-7° for Monday and Tuesday with sunny skies and things are looking up! Rain is expected back on Tuesday night and Wednesday.
COMPARED TO LAST YEAR:
Does this winter seem a lot different than last year? Well, if you answered with a resounding 'YES', then you are correct. Through today, our average high January has been 51.7° while last winter it was just 40.5°. We saw 6.7" during January 2011 while this year we've seen but a trace! The record warm January dates back to 1937 when we averaged 59.6°. JANUARY HISTORY LINK from MY WEATHER STATION LIVE
BITTER COLD IN ALASKA:
Seeing some incredibly cold temperatures coming out of Alaska. A report this morning around 8:30 am showed a temp of -51.7°.
BLOG COMMENTS:
Thank you to so many of you who've either commented on weather posts here, my Facebook page, or to me in person. Your kindness doesn't go unnoticed and I appreciate each one of them!
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Rain, Rain, and Even More Rain
A potent rainmaker is making it's way through middle Tennessee today. January has already been a wet month in Cookeville with more than 4.5" already recorded. This system will give us another 1"-2" with some locations receiving up to 3". There is the threat of flooding as the ground is saturated from recent rains.
SHORT-TERM FORECAST:
Today: RAIN showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High 61°, rain chances 100%
Tonight: RAIN showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low 40°, rain chances 100%
*Latest Local Forecast*
*Nashville Radar*
*SE U.S. Radar*
LONG-TERM FORECAST:
The general outlook for the end of this week, the weekend, and next week is for temperatures to be near normal this time of year on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (high 40's/upper 20's to mid 30's) with a warm-up for Monday and Tuesday and rain returns Wednesday. Not looking very promising for snow at this point!
SHORT-TERM FORECAST:
Today: RAIN showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High 61°, rain chances 100%
Tonight: RAIN showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low 40°, rain chances 100%
*Latest Local Forecast*
*Nashville Radar*
*SE U.S. Radar*
LONG-TERM FORECAST:
The general outlook for the end of this week, the weekend, and next week is for temperatures to be near normal this time of year on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (high 40's/upper 20's to mid 30's) with a warm-up for Monday and Tuesday and rain returns Wednesday. Not looking very promising for snow at this point!
Monday, January 23, 2012
Father Recounts Teen Daughter's Death in Tornado
This story is from the Birmingham News.
My heart hurts for this family. As a dad of a 17-year-old daughter, this story hits so very close to home.
Folks, please understand that outdoor tornado sirens are mostly not useful due to our homes being well insulated and the fact the tornado siren was invented in a time where air conditioning did not exist. The tornado siren evolved out of the civil defense siren dating back to World War 2. During the 50's, the siren was used for situations such as a possible nuclear attack and then evolved into the present-day use of a tornado siren. While they are effective for people who are outside, they do not serve to alert us indoors or while we are sleeping.
So, what do we do during potentially severe weather? I encourage you to spend a minimum of $30 and get a NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio. I will post some links below to help you purchase this life-saving device.
I use a Midland-WR100, which is also a $30 product.
It will wake you up, guaranteed!
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Prepare For Severe Weather
Those of you who read this weather blog with any regularity know that I don't write to scare and gather hits through 'Weather Entertainment'.....I try to give the information in a concise, easy-to-read and understand way that isn't filled with technical garbage.
Knowing this, please understand the next several paragraphs made have wording that has an alarming sound to it. My goal is keep you informed and let you make decisions that work best for your loved ones.
SEVERE WEATHER OUTBREAK POSSIBLE:
The ingredients for a severe weather outbreak are coming together. Much of Tennessee could be affected by significant weather events such as strong, damaging winds, large hail, and the possibility of isolated tornadoes. Much of this activity will occur after midnight and due to the majority of people being asleep, this makes the pending severe weather all the more dangerous as well as life threatening.
The National Weather Service is advising people to review their safety plans. Ask yourself - "Where is my safe shelter in my home?" - "How will I receive a warning if one is issued?" -
A weather radio is an invaluable tool during potential severe weather. They are fairly inexpensive and can be purchased through major retailers. A weather radio transmits an alarm that will wake you in the event of a tornado warning. I highly recommend them.
TIMING OF SEVERE WEATHER OUTBREAK:
The National Weather Service expects the worst of the severe weather to occur, as I said, in the overnight hours. Below is a graphic showing their prediction of the arrival of the worst.
Winds will kick up overnight and gusts to 40+ mph will be common. Make sure your garbage cans and lawn furniture is secure. Watch for falling branches if you are out traveling and make sure to keep a safe distance as you are nearing high-profile vehicles as they tend to more affected by high winds.
Knowing this, please understand the next several paragraphs made have wording that has an alarming sound to it. My goal is keep you informed and let you make decisions that work best for your loved ones.
SEVERE WEATHER OUTBREAK POSSIBLE:
The ingredients for a severe weather outbreak are coming together. Much of Tennessee could be affected by significant weather events such as strong, damaging winds, large hail, and the possibility of isolated tornadoes. Much of this activity will occur after midnight and due to the majority of people being asleep, this makes the pending severe weather all the more dangerous as well as life threatening.
The National Weather Service is advising people to review their safety plans. Ask yourself - "Where is my safe shelter in my home?" - "How will I receive a warning if one is issued?" -
A weather radio is an invaluable tool during potential severe weather. They are fairly inexpensive and can be purchased through major retailers. A weather radio transmits an alarm that will wake you in the event of a tornado warning. I highly recommend them.
TIMING OF SEVERE WEATHER OUTBREAK:
The National Weather Service expects the worst of the severe weather to occur, as I said, in the overnight hours. Below is a graphic showing their prediction of the arrival of the worst.
Winds will kick up overnight and gusts to 40+ mph will be common. Make sure your garbage cans and lawn furniture is secure. Watch for falling branches if you are out traveling and make sure to keep a safe distance as you are nearing high-profile vehicles as they tend to more affected by high winds.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Dense Fog Advisory Overnight
... Dense fog advisory in effect until 9 am CST Sunday...
The National Weather Service in Nashville has issued a dense fog
advisory... which is in effect until 9 am CST Sunday.
* Visibility... widespread visibilities will drop to a quarter mile
or less this evening, and will persist for several hours.
* Impacts... hazardous driving conditions will last until Sunday
morning. You are urged to avoid driving unless absolutely
necessary.
... Wind Advisory remains in effect from 6 PM Sunday to 6 am CST
Monday...
* timing... strongest winds are expected Sunday evening.
* Winds... sustained south winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 40
mph.
* Impacts... unsecured items such as garbage cans and lawn
furniture may be blown over. Small tree branches may also be
snapped and blown down.
Precautionary/preparedness actions...
A Wind Advisory means that winds of 25 to 39 mph and/or gusts of
35 to 57 mph are expected. Winds this strong can make driving
difficult... especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra
caution.
A dense fog advisory means visibilities will frequently be
reduced to less than one quarter mile. If driving... slow down...
use your headlights... and leave plenty of distance ahead of you.
*Latest Local Forecast*
The National Weather Service in Nashville has issued a dense fog
advisory... which is in effect until 9 am CST Sunday.
* Visibility... widespread visibilities will drop to a quarter mile
or less this evening, and will persist for several hours.
* Impacts... hazardous driving conditions will last until Sunday
morning. You are urged to avoid driving unless absolutely
necessary.
... Wind Advisory remains in effect from 6 PM Sunday to 6 am CST
Monday...
* timing... strongest winds are expected Sunday evening.
* Winds... sustained south winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 40
mph.
* Impacts... unsecured items such as garbage cans and lawn
furniture may be blown over. Small tree branches may also be
snapped and blown down.
Precautionary/preparedness actions...
A Wind Advisory means that winds of 25 to 39 mph and/or gusts of
35 to 57 mph are expected. Winds this strong can make driving
difficult... especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra
caution.
A dense fog advisory means visibilities will frequently be
reduced to less than one quarter mile. If driving... slow down...
use your headlights... and leave plenty of distance ahead of you.
*Latest Local Forecast*
National Weather Service Advisory
URGENT WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NASHVILLE TN
350 PM CST SAT JAN 21 2012
...WINDY CONDITIONS SUNDAY NIGHT...
.A STRONG LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM WILL MOVE INTO THE REGION SUNDAY
EVENING. THE PRESSURE GRADIENT WILL INCREASE SOUTH WINDS SUNDAY
AFTERNOON AND EVENING...WITH SPEEDS OF 20 TO 30 MPH EXPECTED
SUNDAY NIGHT.
STEWART-MONTGOMERY-ROBERTSON-SUMNER-MACON-CLAY-PICKETT-BENTON-
HOUSTON-HUMPHREYS-DICKSON-CHEATHAM-DAVIDSON-WILSON-TROUSDALE-
SMITH-JACKSON-PUTNAM-OVERTON-FENTRESS-PERRY-HICKMAN-LEWIS-
WILLIAMSON-MAURY-MARSHALL-RUTHERFORD-CANNON-DE KALB-WHITE-
CUMBERLAND-BEDFORD-COFFEE-WARREN-GRUNDY-VAN BUREN-WAYNE-LAWRENCE-
GILES-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...DOVER...CLARKSVILLE...SPRINGFIELD...
GALLATIN...LAFAYETTE...CELINA...BYRDSTOWN...CAMDEN...ERIN...
WAVERLY...DICKSON...ASHLAND CITY...NASHVILLE...LEBANON...
MOUNT JULIET...HARTSVILLE...CARTHAGE...GAINESBORO...COOKEVILLE...
LIVINGSTON...JAMESTOWN...LOBELVILLE...CENTERVILLE...HOHENWALD...
FRANKLIN...BRENTWOOD...COLUMBIA...LEWISBURG...MURFREESBORO...
WOODBURY...SMITHVILLE...SPARTA...CROSSVILLE...SHELBYVILLE...
TULLAHOMA...MANCHESTER...MCMINNVILLE...ALTAMONT...SPENCER...
WAYNESBORO...LAWRENCEBURG...PULASKI
350 PM CST SAT JAN 21 2012
...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM SUNDAY TO 6 AM CST MONDAY...
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN NASHVILLE HAS ISSUED A WIND
ADVISORY...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM SUNDAY TO 6 AM CST
MONDAY.
* TIMING...SUNDAY NIGHT. STRONGEST WINDS ARE EXPECTED SUNDAY
EVENING.
* WINDS...SUSTAINED SOUTH WINDS OF 20 TO 30 MPH WITH GUST TO 40
MPH.
* IMPACTS...UNSECURED ITEMS SUCH AS GARBAGE CANS AND LAWN FURNITURE
MAY BE BLOWN OVER. SMALL TREE BRANCHES MAY ALSO BE SNAPPED AND
BLOWN DOWN.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A WIND ADVISORY MEANS THAT WINDS OF 25 TO 39 MPH AND/OR GUSTS OF
35 TO 57 MPH ARE EXPECTED. WINDS THIS STRONG CAN MAKE DRIVING
DIFFICULT...ESPECIALLY FOR HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES. USE EXTRA
CAUTION.
*Latest Local Forecast*
Seattle Saturday
If you've never been to Seattle, just look outdoors today in Cookeville, TN and you'll get a good taste of their weather with fog, dampness, and chilly. It'll be mostly cloudy for the rest of today and we'll not see temperatures rise much from the current reading of 39.9°.
We'll see a warmer Sunday with a high of 60° and then storm chances ramp up again on Sunday night with a possibility of strong to severe chances once again. Here is a map of potential severe weather from the NashvilleWx.com site.
Speaking of strong weather, we saw hail reports from Sumner County and Giles County. Reports tell us they were near 1" in diameter. *January 21st, 2012 Storm Reports Link*
Looking further out into next week, temperatures should be above average for this time of year. Snow fans will not be happy!
We'll see a warmer Sunday with a high of 60° and then storm chances ramp up again on Sunday night with a possibility of strong to severe chances once again. Here is a map of potential severe weather from the NashvilleWx.com site.
Speaking of strong weather, we saw hail reports from Sumner County and Giles County. Reports tell us they were near 1" in diameter. *January 21st, 2012 Storm Reports Link*
Looking further out into next week, temperatures should be above average for this time of year. Snow fans will not be happy!
Friday, January 20, 2012
Tornado Watch Through 5 AM
The Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma has issued Tornado Watch #2 effective until 5 AM CST for 36 counties in western and middle Tennessee. This watch does NOT include Putnam County (Cookeville).
The closest county to Putnam (Cookeville) in the watch area would be Dekalb (Smithville).
BEDFORD BENTON CANNON
CARROLL CHEATHAM CHESTER
COFFEE DAVIDSON DECATUR
DE KALB DICKSON FAYETTE
FRANKLIN GILES GRUNDY
HARDEMAN HARDIN HAYWOOD
HENDERSON HICKMAN HUMPHREYS
LAWRENCE LEWIS LINCOLN
MADISON MARSHALL MAURY
MCNAIRY MOORE PERRY
RUTHERFORD SHELBY WARREN
WAYNE WILLIAMSON WILSON
The closest county to Putnam (Cookeville) in the watch area would be Dekalb (Smithville).
Severe Weather Potential Overnight
We are watching the potential for strong to severe storms overnight in middle Tennessee. At this point, the greatest threat appears to be in the southern and EASTERN sections of the mid-state.
Temperatures will remain fairly steady during the overnight hours and I expect the strongest of storms to be in the 2 am to 5 am time frame for those of us living in the Cookeville area. We'll have gusty winds to 20 mph overnight. Chance of rain is 90%.
Behind the active weather overnight, Saturday's forecast is one of falling temperatures with shower chances before noon. Skies will be cloudy with a cold north to northwest wind around 10 mph. Chilly on Saturday night with a low of 40°.
Winds turn southerly on Sunday with a slight chance for showers and a high of 63° and winds gusting to 25 mph.
There will be a possible second round of storms rolling through for Sunday night with windy conditions. We'll update you on those chances on Saturday.
Temperatures will remain fairly steady during the overnight hours and I expect the strongest of storms to be in the 2 am to 5 am time frame for those of us living in the Cookeville area. We'll have gusty winds to 20 mph overnight. Chance of rain is 90%.
Behind the active weather overnight, Saturday's forecast is one of falling temperatures with shower chances before noon. Skies will be cloudy with a cold north to northwest wind around 10 mph. Chilly on Saturday night with a low of 40°.
Winds turn southerly on Sunday with a slight chance for showers and a high of 63° and winds gusting to 25 mph.
There will be a possible second round of storms rolling through for Sunday night with windy conditions. We'll update you on those chances on Saturday.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Warmer and Wetter Days Ahead
After this cold morning, it sure won't feel much like winter in the days ahead as temperatures will rise into the mid 50's from Friday through the middle part of next week. Today, however, it'll be mostly cloudy with highs near 50°. Much more in the 7-day forecast at the link below.
*Latest Local Forecast*
*Latest Local Forecast*
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Quick Cold With Nice Warm-Up Ahead
Just plain cold across Middle Tennessee today.
Here in the Cookeville and surrounding areas, we'll see highs only reach 38° under an eventually sunny sky. A light north northeast wind is expected. Tonight, skies will be partly cloudy with a low of 26° by sunrise.
Thursday begins the warming trend with a high of 51° and temps will slowly rise each day. We do have rain chances on Friday with more numerous showers for Friday night and Saturday.
We collected nearly 1" of rain on Tuesday and are just under 3.25" for the month of January.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Rain, Storms, and then Snow
An interesting weather day across the Highlands of Tennessee. We've already seen the first round of rain earlier this morning. I expect a break in action for part of today, but a strong cold front is poised to roll through our area and it's possible this front will bring a chance of a thunderstorm or two. Areas to our south may deal with a strong storm as well. Isolated severe weather will be well to our our south. Windy today, with gusts to 30 mph and a high of 60°.
Tonight, colder with the rain ending, but we cannot rule out a chance of snow mixing in later this evening. A low of 27° and winds gusting to 20 mph early before turning calm late. Snow chances just 20% after 9 pm.
Wednesday - Mostly sunny and cold, high only 39°. Colder Wednesday night and a low of 25°.
Thursday - Warmer with sunny skies and a high of 49°
The rest of the 7-day forecast is below.
*Latest Local Forecast*
Tonight, colder with the rain ending, but we cannot rule out a chance of snow mixing in later this evening. A low of 27° and winds gusting to 20 mph early before turning calm late. Snow chances just 20% after 9 pm.
Wednesday - Mostly sunny and cold, high only 39°. Colder Wednesday night and a low of 25°.
Thursday - Warmer with sunny skies and a high of 49°
The rest of the 7-day forecast is below.
*Latest Local Forecast*
Monday, January 16, 2012
The Great Escape
Enjoying a quiet winter morning on my parents houseboat 'Great Escape'.
Sometimes the best days at the lake are in the winter when the pier is virtually empty. You hear every squeak of the dock, you see more of the surrounding hills, and there is something very peaceful about the glass-like water of Center Hill Lake.
A one-day respite to Great Escape is a great way for our family to get energized.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
What Happened To The Snow
Snow was predicted for Saturday and Saturday evening however the fast-moving clipper system only skirted the southern portions of Kentucky and never quite made it to the Plateau areas of middle Tennessee. With only about a 3 in 10 chance of snow yesterday, the likelihood just never panned out. Clipper systems can be tricky to predict and can sometimes dump much more snow than thought as well.
SUNDAY'S FORECAST:
For today, Sunday, expect sunny skies and warmer temperatures with a high around 44° this afternoon. Winds should be fairly calm this morning increasing to around 5 mph this afternoon. Overnight, I expect the clouds will increase in advance of another rainmaker with a low of around 30°. Winds will be southerly from 5-10 mph.
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. HOLIDAY WEATHER:
For the MLK holiday on Monday, expect scattered showers, and a windy day with sustained winds from 10-20 mph and gusts to 30 mph. Chance of rain is 50% and we'll see highs around 54°. Shower chances increase on Monday night with a low of 46° and the gusty winds will stay with us. Rain chances 90%.
TUESDAY'S FORECAST:
Tuesday - Rain and a high of 59°
Tuesday Night - Colder, low 27°
EXTENDED FORECAST:
Wednesday thru Friday - Cold Wednesday with a high of 38° but a warming trend on Thursday and Friday as temperatures rise from the upper 40's to middle 50's with rain possibly returning on Friday.
Interested in Advanced SKYWARN Spotter Training???
It's coming up on Saturday, February 25, 2012 at Trevecca Nazarene University Conference Center.
Here's the link....
SUNDAY'S FORECAST:
For today, Sunday, expect sunny skies and warmer temperatures with a high around 44° this afternoon. Winds should be fairly calm this morning increasing to around 5 mph this afternoon. Overnight, I expect the clouds will increase in advance of another rainmaker with a low of around 30°. Winds will be southerly from 5-10 mph.
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. HOLIDAY WEATHER:
For the MLK holiday on Monday, expect scattered showers, and a windy day with sustained winds from 10-20 mph and gusts to 30 mph. Chance of rain is 50% and we'll see highs around 54°. Shower chances increase on Monday night with a low of 46° and the gusty winds will stay with us. Rain chances 90%.
TUESDAY'S FORECAST:
Tuesday - Rain and a high of 59°
Tuesday Night - Colder, low 27°
EXTENDED FORECAST:
Wednesday thru Friday - Cold Wednesday with a high of 38° but a warming trend on Thursday and Friday as temperatures rise from the upper 40's to middle 50's with rain possibly returning on Friday.
Interested in Advanced SKYWARN Spotter Training???
It's coming up on Saturday, February 25, 2012 at Trevecca Nazarene University Conference Center.
Here's the link....
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Snow Arriving Again
Light snow accumulations later today across the Highland Rim, Cumberland Plateau, and Highlands of Tennessee. A fast moving clipper system will skirt our area bringing the chance of snow later this Saturday afternoon. Winds will pick up and gust to 20 mph later today. Accumulations of around 1/2" are possible, especially over the northern portions of the Cumberland Plateau.
For tonight, the snow continues through about 9 pm and roads may become slippery, especially on the secondary roads and bridges/overpasses. Temperatures will drop to our 23° by Sunday morning...slow down when driving on potentially icy roads.
Sunday's weather will be a little nicer with sunny skies and highs in the mid 40's. Not as cold Sunday night with a low of 32° under a partly cloudy sky.
For the Martin Luther King national holiday, we expect an isolated shower or two becoming more numerous on Monday night. Highs Monday around 50° and the low 45°. For much more on the 7-day forecast, click the link below.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Winter Weather Advisory Extended To 9 AM Friday
Snowfall Continuing:
Cold temperatures and moisture remaining in the lower atmosphere are the main ingredients for the continuing snow late this evening across much of middle Tennessee. Expect showers of snow to continue all night long over most of the area and through the first part of tomorrow morning. An additional 1" of accumulation is expected. Roadways will become even more snow-covered and heavier bands of snow may limit visibility when driving. Temperatures are very cold (lower 20's now) and will fall about 3-5° lower, the importance of being prepared cannot be overemphasized. Use caution when traveling.
Cold temperatures and moisture remaining in the lower atmosphere are the main ingredients for the continuing snow late this evening across much of middle Tennessee. Expect showers of snow to continue all night long over most of the area and through the first part of tomorrow morning. An additional 1" of accumulation is expected. Roadways will become even more snow-covered and heavier bands of snow may limit visibility when driving. Temperatures are very cold (lower 20's now) and will fall about 3-5° lower, the importance of being prepared cannot be overemphasized. Use caution when traveling.
Snow Cam
A beautiful snow shot tonight, Thursday, January 12th from the weather cam high atop the Emergency Operations Building located on Willow Avenue in Cookeville, TN. Note the accumulated snow in the foreground and the shiny roads (due to black ice) toward the middle of photo.
A Little Snow/A Lot of Cold
SCHOOL CLOSINGS:
First off, kids and teachers across several middle Tennessee counties are happy this evening as a band of snow showers is coating roadways and causing school cancellations. The list of TV stations with snow reports is just to the right of this post. It'll be a 4-day weekend for Putnam schools since they are out for MLK Day on Monday.
SNOW FELL QUICKLY:
We saw a changeover late this afternoon and snow really picked up in intensity just after dark in Cookeville. I have two pictures that I hope to post soon which show the front and back of my office about 5 minutes apart around 5:20 this afternoon. The difference in just a few minutes of heavy snow is amazing. The snowfall will subside in the overnight hours and we'll be very cold with a low around 19° (it is 25.6° at 6:30 pm).
COLD COUPLE OF DAYS:
Friday's high is expected to not reach freezing and skies will clear slowly. Another very cold night on Friday evening/Saturday morning with lows again in the upper teens. The rest of the forecast is in the link below.
First off, kids and teachers across several middle Tennessee counties are happy this evening as a band of snow showers is coating roadways and causing school cancellations. The list of TV stations with snow reports is just to the right of this post. It'll be a 4-day weekend for Putnam schools since they are out for MLK Day on Monday.
SNOW FELL QUICKLY:
We saw a changeover late this afternoon and snow really picked up in intensity just after dark in Cookeville. I have two pictures that I hope to post soon which show the front and back of my office about 5 minutes apart around 5:20 this afternoon. The difference in just a few minutes of heavy snow is amazing. The snowfall will subside in the overnight hours and we'll be very cold with a low around 19° (it is 25.6° at 6:30 pm).
COLD COUPLE OF DAYS:
Friday's high is expected to not reach freezing and skies will clear slowly. Another very cold night on Friday evening/Saturday morning with lows again in the upper teens. The rest of the forecast is in the link below.
Snowy Forecast
As expected, Cookeville and surrounding locations in Middle Tennessee are under the WWA for today and tonight. Rain showers likely before noon with rain mixing with snow changing to all snow by later in the afternoon. Temperatures will fall to around freezing (32°) by 5 o'clock. Blustery winds from 10 to 15 mph gusting to 25 mph today. Rain/Snow chances are 80% and I do expect snow accumulations before dark.
Tonight, snow continuing with total accumulations in the 1 to 3 inch range by midnight. Some areas may see up to 4" before it's done, but that would be in the remote, higher and northern elevations of the Cumberland Plateau. Here in Cookeville, snow accumulation totals will range from 1 to 2 inches. Lows by morning around 20°.
Driving conditions may become hazardous, especially later this afternoon and into the evening and overnight hours as temperatures will fall through the 20's. There is no chance of melting overnight with these very cold temperatures. Also, BE PREPARED as you go outdoors or travel. With gust west winds to 25°, wind chill factors will be down in the 10° range.
Finally, I do expect if this weather system plays out as we anticipate that you'll see a list of school closings for Friday. Stay tuned!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Snow Predictions
Here are some various predictions for the snow over the next 24 hours. The first map is from Newschannel 5's "Storm5HD" and is their snow forecast.
The second map comes courtesy of our friends at the Nashville Weather Forecast Office of the National Weather Service located on the banks of Old Hickory Lake just outside of Nashville.
At this point, we believe the changeover will occur in the later afternoon hours. The 'big question' is how much will it snow as the temperatures really nosedive after dark. This will determine what shape our roads are in on Friday morning. Due to expected temperatures in the teens by Friday morning, any snow which falls Thursday night will stick to roadways causing some difficult driving conditions, especially across the northern Plateau area of Middle Tennessee.
A Winter Weather Advisory is posted to our north and our east and I wouldn't be surprised to see that advisory extend into the Cookeville area on Thursday.
Finally, PLAN FOR WINTER WEATHER...leave your home dressed for this event. The howling winds (up to 30 mph gusts) combined with falling temperatures will make the 'feels like' VERY, VERY COLD and it is comical to see people in short sleeves who had NO CLUE anything was about to happen. It bothers me when you see children not dressed properly because their parents aren't paying attention.
*Latest Local Forecast*
The second map comes courtesy of our friends at the Nashville Weather Forecast Office of the National Weather Service located on the banks of Old Hickory Lake just outside of Nashville.
At this point, we believe the changeover will occur in the later afternoon hours. The 'big question' is how much will it snow as the temperatures really nosedive after dark. This will determine what shape our roads are in on Friday morning. Due to expected temperatures in the teens by Friday morning, any snow which falls Thursday night will stick to roadways causing some difficult driving conditions, especially across the northern Plateau area of Middle Tennessee.
A Winter Weather Advisory is posted to our north and our east and I wouldn't be surprised to see that advisory extend into the Cookeville area on Thursday.
Finally, PLAN FOR WINTER WEATHER...leave your home dressed for this event. The howling winds (up to 30 mph gusts) combined with falling temperatures will make the 'feels like' VERY, VERY COLD and it is comical to see people in short sleeves who had NO CLUE anything was about to happen. It bothers me when you see children not dressed properly because their parents aren't paying attention.
*Latest Local Forecast*
Snow Set-up Later This Week
HEAVY RAIN TODAY:
With the 's' word back in the forecast, hits on this site are expected to pick up. Before the snow arrives, however, we'll be dealing with rain all day today (Wednesday) with some of the rain becoming heavy at times and warm weather with a high of 60°, but we begin the descent downward after that. Lows tonight will drop to 41° with rain continuing.
SNOWY FORECAST?:
The rain continues on Thursday with changeover to snow during the afternoon hours as temperatures will continue to fall. It'll be blustery with winds gusting to 25 mph from the west. There is a chance this snow will accumulate during the late afternoon time period. The snow will continue on Thursday evening and possibly accumulate with a low of 19° by morning. On Friday, a 20% chance of snow showers before noon and a high of just 34° with the sun eventually shining that afternoon. A cold weekend with a high of just 40° on Saturday and 42° on Sunday.
*Latest Local Forecast*
With the 's' word back in the forecast, hits on this site are expected to pick up. Before the snow arrives, however, we'll be dealing with rain all day today (Wednesday) with some of the rain becoming heavy at times and warm weather with a high of 60°, but we begin the descent downward after that. Lows tonight will drop to 41° with rain continuing.
SNOWY FORECAST?:
The rain continues on Thursday with changeover to snow during the afternoon hours as temperatures will continue to fall. It'll be blustery with winds gusting to 25 mph from the west. There is a chance this snow will accumulate during the late afternoon time period. The snow will continue on Thursday evening and possibly accumulate with a low of 19° by morning. On Friday, a 20% chance of snow showers before noon and a high of just 34° with the sun eventually shining that afternoon. A cold weekend with a high of just 40° on Saturday and 42° on Sunday.
*Latest Local Forecast*
Monday, January 9, 2012
A Changing Forecast Ahead
QUICK LOOK:
A shower or two before midnight, then foggy late and a low of 37°.Mostly sunny on Tuesday Cloudy today after the fog lifts, high 58° with a slight chance for a shower. This will be our best day of the week and things go downhill from there.
Tuesday Night...A 100% chance of showers, low 49°
Wednesday.......An 80% chance of showers, high 58°
Wednesday Night...A 40% chance of showers, low 44°
Falling temperatures for Thursday with rain changing to snow. We'll see a high of 44° early then back down through the 30's during the day. Chance of rain/snow is 30%. Thursday night, a 20% chance of snow, low 22°.
Temperatures will be cold right on through the weekend with highs on Friday only expected to be in the middle 30's with mid 40's on both Saturday and Sunday. Lows mainly in the 20's. A sneak peek at the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday on Monday shows skies to be clear with a high of 42°
*Latest Local Forecast*
A shower or two before midnight, then foggy late and a low of 37°.
Tuesday Night...A 100% chance of showers, low 49°
Wednesday.......An 80% chance of showers, high 58°
Wednesday Night...A 40% chance of showers, low 44°
Falling temperatures for Thursday with rain changing to snow. We'll see a high of 44° early then back down through the 30's during the day. Chance of rain/snow is 30%. Thursday night, a 20% chance of snow, low 22°.
Temperatures will be cold right on through the weekend with highs on Friday only expected to be in the middle 30's with mid 40's on both Saturday and Sunday. Lows mainly in the 20's. A sneak peek at the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday on Monday shows skies to be clear with a high of 42°
*Latest Local Forecast*
Friday, January 6, 2012
Rainy Weekend Forecast
NOT BAD:
The warm winter weather continues! Just a few nights ago, our lows were in the teens, so it is hard to believe we hit 64° today. The record high is 68° from 2007 while our record low was -6° way back in 1924. Last year we were just 40° and 27° with an inch of snow. Normal highs and lows this date are 46° and 26°. We recorded 2" of snow this date in 1979 and had 7" on the ground back in 1960.
RAIN FOR SATURDAY:
A chance for showers overnight Friday will linger into Saturday as we'll see temperatures slide down a few degrees from the current reading of 55°. Showers won't crank up until the early morning hours (after 3 am) and will continue through about noon on Saturday with a high of 57°. Winds will be mainly calm to about 5 mph.
CLOUDY SUNDAY & RAIN RETURNS:
Saturday night will be mostly cloudy and cooler with a low of 41° while Sunday's weather will see clouds hanging around and a high of just 52°. Rain returns for Sunday night and will last all the way into Wednesday night where we may see it end as snow showers. Expect colder weather for Thursday and Friday.
The warm winter weather continues! Just a few nights ago, our lows were in the teens, so it is hard to believe we hit 64° today. The record high is 68° from 2007 while our record low was -6° way back in 1924. Last year we were just 40° and 27° with an inch of snow. Normal highs and lows this date are 46° and 26°. We recorded 2" of snow this date in 1979 and had 7" on the ground back in 1960.
RAIN FOR SATURDAY:
A chance for showers overnight Friday will linger into Saturday as we'll see temperatures slide down a few degrees from the current reading of 55°. Showers won't crank up until the early morning hours (after 3 am) and will continue through about noon on Saturday with a high of 57°. Winds will be mainly calm to about 5 mph.
CLOUDY SUNDAY & RAIN RETURNS:
Saturday night will be mostly cloudy and cooler with a low of 41° while Sunday's weather will see clouds hanging around and a high of just 52°. Rain returns for Sunday night and will last all the way into Wednesday night where we may see it end as snow showers. Expect colder weather for Thursday and Friday.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Sunshine and Cold
A very cold start this morning across middle Tennessee as we are at 14° at sunrise. Highs later today will fight to reach 30° with sunny skies and a mainly calm wind. Overnight, clear and very cold with a low of 19° by Wednesday morning. Warmer on Wednesday, high of 45° with increasing clouds and winds gusting to 25 mph. Sunny on Thursday and Friday with highs of 50° and 58° respectively. Rain returns on Friday night through the weekend.
A Special Weather Statement is in effect this morning for slippery roads along the upper plateau. Up to 1" of snow fell late in the afternoon on Monday and into Monday night and with temperatures well below freezing, any remaining snow created very slippery conditions, especially on secondary roads. Motorists are urged to use caution during the morning commute.
Schools are closed in several counties on Tuesday, including Putnam, White, Cumberland, Fentress, Jackson, Overton, Pickett, and Van Buren. Schools are delayed by 2 hours in Clay, Grundy, Macon, and Trousdale.
*Latest Local Forecast*
A Special Weather Statement is in effect this morning for slippery roads along the upper plateau. Up to 1" of snow fell late in the afternoon on Monday and into Monday night and with temperatures well below freezing, any remaining snow created very slippery conditions, especially on secondary roads. Motorists are urged to use caution during the morning commute.
Schools are closed in several counties on Tuesday, including Putnam, White, Cumberland, Fentress, Jackson, Overton, Pickett, and Van Buren. Schools are delayed by 2 hours in Clay, Grundy, Macon, and Trousdale.
*Latest Local Forecast*
Monday, January 2, 2012
Snow Before Midnight
WHO LOVES SNOW?
The latest school closings are listed just to the right of this post. Choose your favorite station's website....
TONIGHT'S OUTLOOK:
On and off snow showers continue tonight for much of eastern sections of middle Tennessee. There have been minor accumulations in and around the Cookeville area with a little more on the plateau at Monterey. The snow is expected to taper off as the evening goes along and should end by midnight. Skies will clear and temperatures will continue to plummet (25° at 6 pm CST). Lows are expected around 15-17° by sunrise and will be quite slow to warm on Tuesday. Highs temps will struggle to reach 30°. Wind chills in the morning just after sunrise will be in the 10-14° range.
Clear skies on Tuesday night and we'll be back in the teens by Wednesday morning but do expect a warm-up (of sorts) to around 45°, but winds will pickup from the southwest and gust as high as 20 mph making the 'feels like' chilly! Our next rainmaker comes Friday night through the weekend with colder temperatures behind that system.
*Latest Local Forecast*
The latest school closings are listed just to the right of this post. Choose your favorite station's website....
TONIGHT'S OUTLOOK:
On and off snow showers continue tonight for much of eastern sections of middle Tennessee. There have been minor accumulations in and around the Cookeville area with a little more on the plateau at Monterey. The snow is expected to taper off as the evening goes along and should end by midnight. Skies will clear and temperatures will continue to plummet (25° at 6 pm CST). Lows are expected around 15-17° by sunrise and will be quite slow to warm on Tuesday. Highs temps will struggle to reach 30°. Wind chills in the morning just after sunrise will be in the 10-14° range.
Clear skies on Tuesday night and we'll be back in the teens by Wednesday morning but do expect a warm-up (of sorts) to around 45°, but winds will pickup from the southwest and gust as high as 20 mph making the 'feels like' chilly! Our next rainmaker comes Friday night through the weekend with colder temperatures behind that system.
*Latest Local Forecast*
Snow Showers Possible
After a mostly sunny morning, clouds have moved in and snow showers loom just to our northwest in Kentucky. They'll make there way down to the area and the best chance will be in the northern Cumberland Plateau region near the Kentucky border. Some sections of Cookeville (especially northwest) will see flurries fly before the rest of us.
FORECAST:
Cold today with very windy conditions. Wind chill values, that is the 'feels like' temperature, will hover in the 20's and drop into the teens during the afternoon hours. We do expect the winds to die down as we go toward sunset. The temperature will drop slowly this afternoon after reaching a daytime high of 33.5° (the Monday high was 37° at midnight). Expect overnight temperatures to bottom around 15° near sunrise on Tuesday. DRESS YOUR SCHOOL CHILDREN APPROPRIATELY! Cold Tuesday with a high around 30° but lighter winds will help it not feel so cold. The 7-day is below.
FORECAST:
Cold today with very windy conditions. Wind chill values, that is the 'feels like' temperature, will hover in the 20's and drop into the teens during the afternoon hours. We do expect the winds to die down as we go toward sunset. The temperature will drop slowly this afternoon after reaching a daytime high of 33.5° (the Monday high was 37° at midnight). Expect overnight temperatures to bottom around 15° near sunrise on Tuesday. DRESS YOUR SCHOOL CHILDREN APPROPRIATELY! Cold Tuesday with a high around 30° but lighter winds will help it not feel so cold. The 7-day is below.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Strong Front Bringing Cold Air
TEMPS GOING DOWN:
Cold air is poised just to our north associated with a front. Temperatures at the 4 pm hour are mainly in the 50's across Tennessee but readings in the 40's are knocking on our door in Kentucky. Our high hit 58.8° around 6:30 this morning and has been slowly falling (about 1.5° to 2° per hour since 2 pm).
MORE COLD AIR:
A reinforcement of the cold air will occur Monday with blustery conditions (wind gusts to 40 mph) and highs struggling to reach the middle 30's. We can't rule out a chance of snow on Monday night (not excited about the chances nor any shot at accumulation) as lows will drop to the teens by Tuesday morning. The highs Tuesday will struggle to freezing with another bitterly cold night on Tuesday with lows by Wednesday morning around 20°.
WARMING TREND MID-WEEK:
We should moderate mid-week and by Friday the high should be in the middle 50's. Computer forecasting models do show another strong shot at cold air with an associated storm next week and that could bring our first accumulating snowfall of the season. Time will tell.
Cold air is poised just to our north associated with a front. Temperatures at the 4 pm hour are mainly in the 50's across Tennessee but readings in the 40's are knocking on our door in Kentucky. Our high hit 58.8° around 6:30 this morning and has been slowly falling (about 1.5° to 2° per hour since 2 pm).
MORE COLD AIR:A reinforcement of the cold air will occur Monday with blustery conditions (wind gusts to 40 mph) and highs struggling to reach the middle 30's. We can't rule out a chance of snow on Monday night (not excited about the chances nor any shot at accumulation) as lows will drop to the teens by Tuesday morning. The highs Tuesday will struggle to freezing with another bitterly cold night on Tuesday with lows by Wednesday morning around 20°.
WARMING TREND MID-WEEK:
We should moderate mid-week and by Friday the high should be in the middle 50's. Computer forecasting models do show another strong shot at cold air with an associated storm next week and that could bring our first accumulating snowfall of the season. Time will tell.
Wind Advsiory and Big-time Cold Coming
If you're wondering where winter is at, wonder no more as frigid temps are coming. The bonus is strong winds on top of the cold. A Wind Advisory has been issued below.
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AMS
Member-American Meteorological Society