Enjoying the "cooler" temps.....
I know that 90 degrees is still very hot, but it doesn't compare to temperatures in the triple digits that we were seeing early last week!!! For the first part of the week, temps should stay on the lower end of the 90's, but those afternoon highs will slowly be making their way back up in the "HOT ZONE" by Thursday and Friday.
Well I hope everyone enjoyed their 4th of July! I enjoyed the day out on the lake with a wonderful BBQ cookout afterwards! Unfortunately, afternoon showers kept my crew from lighting up fireworks, but we still had a fantastic Independence Day! How did you spend your holiday??
Podcast: Friday Edition
* This is the Newscenter 11 Podcast - a forecast designed for the increasingly popular IPods! This product can also be played on most personal computers. It's a great way to get extra forecast and weather content at your convenience.
* In today's podcast, I talk about forecast through the weekend..Check it out:http://media.graytvinc.com/audio/Podcast1.mp3* You can point your IPod or MP3 receiving program to this RSS feed in order to subscribe:
http://feeds.feedburner.com/11Podcast
Summertime Cool Front
* A rare surface front is pushing through Mississippi. Check out the map above - you can click it for a larger version.
The dewpoint (the green number) at Columbus (CBM) is only 54 degrees.
Contrast that to the much higher dewpoint at Meridian (NMM - Naval Air Station)...73 degrees.
Almost a 20 degree dewpoint spread...This type of dewpoint gradient is extremely rare this time of year!
* We will get to try out some of that less humid and much more comfortable air tomorrow. Don't get used to it, the summertime humidity will soon return!
Rain Continues
* We are still seeing some very beneficial rain across parts of Mississippi and Alabama...
* Meridian's Key Field picked up 0.44" of rain yesterday, and has seen 0.08" of rain so far today...
* Other areas saw much more yesterday, under the heaviest thunderstorms. One of our Weather Watchers reported over one inch of rain yesterday alone.
* This rain will not be enough to break the drought, but it will help!
God Bless America...
* First, I hope that each of you had a wonderful Fourth of July holiday. As a part of that, I hope that you were able to see the true meaning of the holiday. Similar to Christmas, I fear that many of us tend to get caught up in the 50% off sales, parades, and fireworks; we forget the actual meaning of the holiday we're celebrating.
* What a grand experiment our country has been! The idea that a place can exist where people can peacefully co-exist and pursue their own dreams and live their lives at their own discretion was a radical, "out in left field" thought back when our country was being formed. Now, we are the cultural and economic envy of the world. America isn't perfect, but it's certainly the only place I want to live.
* As great as America is, that greatness built of freedom comes at a great price. Independence Day should join Memorial Day and Veterans Day as a timely opportunity to remember those who have given their all to keep America free. God Bless our troops and their families. It seems a bit unfair that all we can give to repay your sacrifice is our admiration and appreciation. But, we offer both of those to the fullest.
* I have great fear about the polarization of America. We are seeing our country split in a way that can't be good for our future. We get so caught up in red states and blue states. Our states aren't red. They aren't blue either. Our states are red, white, and blue. We may not see eye to eye on many issues, but the bitter divisiveness plaguing our country is harmful at best and destructive at worst. It's okay to disagree without raising your voice. I could stand to follow this advice myself!
* Before I go, let's talk weather...Sure looks like rain chances increase a bit heading into Thursday. The best chance will come Thursday afternoon and into Thursday evening. We sure could use the rain: Meridian has had less than a half-inch of rain since May 11 - quite a dry spell!
A Must-Read
* Be sure to check out this article in the Opinion Journal, a branch of the Wall Street Journal:
http://www.opinionjournal.com/extra/?id=110008597* Nice to see some actual facts and discussion thrown in the global warming fray, instead of just hype!
Holiday Headaches!
The lack of rain across the area has caused a world of holiday headaches. Water levels at the Okatibbee are very low and still falling!! A couple of beaches have closed and have probably caused many people to re-route their holiday plans. Fortunately rain is on the way!
A slight chance for afternoon showers are possible on both Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons, but the next best chance for rainfall comes in at the end of the week. A cold (cool) front should move through our area Thursday afternoon, bringing several long-awaited showers. Hopefully this change in weather will boost our local water levels a bit.
Even though you might not be able to actually get on the water for the 4th, the Okatibbee is a fantastic place to grill out with friends and family! The whole WTOK staff had a nice afternoon down there with great burgers cooked by our very own Josh Johnson! It was loads of fun!
HAPPY 4TH OF JULY (in advance)!! See you next weekend!
