anyway I can get it

While a several day light snow sounds fun, I prefer my 12 inches in twelve hours. That way I only have to clean up once, not three or four times. That said, I'm still looking foward to a new year and a new "improved" snow cover.

weekend lose

Sadly appropriate that the last weekend of the year brings us more unwanted rain. Didn’t we get enough in the summer?

Lost nearly half our snow cover here on Hollister Hill (9 down to 5 inches as of midday). Looks like we may rebuild some next week, but still if this Sunday’s precipitation had been snow, we could have added maybe 3-6 inches, and thought about breaking some snowshoe trails.

temperature change

Today starts a transition from over a week of below average temperatures to several days of above. This is good news only on the short-term, considering our weekend storm and the sloppy/slippery conditions that are likely.

season's greetings

Calendar Winter starts gently; a little cold and a little light snow. Solstice salutations to all.

fall fades on frigid note

Friday's lows were mostly single digits below zero, but there were some teens below including Corinth and Plainfield at -11, Walden’s -12, and Gallop Mills' -15. The lowest nws coop reading was Sutton 2NE's -18

December thaw?

Last night was the first time this season that I’ve been startled awake from the sound (and feel) of heavy snow sliding off my metal roof and thudding to the ground. You’d think, being a weatherman, that I would have been prepared.

The first time is almost always a surprise.

wednesday's windiness

Yesterday snow wasn’t the only weather of interest. While Wednesday was just breezy in many locations, it was wicked windy in others. Huntington had an 87 mph gust, Jericho Center 92, and atop Mnt Mansfield… 108!

record tied

A snow shower with apparent origins from Lake Ontario passed through the Champlain Valley predawn this Monday morning yielding a quick half inch of snow at the National Weather Service office in S. Burlington. This was their first measurable snowfall of the 09-10 season and ties the previous record “latest first snow” of 1937.

December ‘89 this isn’t.

Record highs Thursday; St J tied their old record of 54 (1970) while both Burlington and Montpelier set new ones with 59s; their old records, 59 and 52 respectively, were both in 1982.

its official

November ended the 9th warmest in Burlington with a monthly average of 41.8 degrees. That could be why only two other years have not had any measurable snow there by now. Their record latest date is 12.7.

record warmth

This November will likely finish somewhere in the top ten warmest on record(using Burlington NWS office as the reference point).

As of this Monday morning, it was in 9th place with an average of 41.9 degrees. This is only two tenths of a degree from seventh place and it is a mild day, so we will see where it officially ends up tomorrow.

greetings

Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving; it certainly looks like a mild one.

a change is due

There might be some skiing this weekend, as the mountains could pick up several inches of snow and temperatures drop for snowmaking.

A moderately strong surface low is expected to track northeast up the New England coast into the Canadian Maritimes Friday night and Saturday with plenty of Atlantic moisture wrapping around into the North Country. Cold air should continue to work into the area over the weekend. This adds up to high confidence that we will see some snow. The lower elevations may not pick up much, but the higher elevations could see some moderate accumulations.

not unusual

Our second significant rain event in under a week; still a bit early for snow. It’d be a bummer for down-hillers, though, if it were December.

something to think about

Saturday’s rain was significant; around an inch west of the Greens, closer to two east. Two rainfall records for the date were set. Burlington’s 1.14 inches broke their old record of .84 (1959) and Montpelier’s 1.74 surpassed the .93 inches they got in 1975.

Also of note- It’s mid November, just imagine if it had been snow.

wet weekend

This weekend’s mostly rain will be the first real precipitation this month. Most locations in northern Vermont have seen lees than a tenth inch so far this November; St J has recorded only .02.
Fortunately, with the growing season all but done and leaves off the trees, our local flora doesn’t need the moisture.

one record better than none

Montpelier’s 69 was the one record high on Monday. Burlington’s 65 was just two degrees shy of their record , and St J’s 64 fell short by four; still a delightfully warm day.

By way of comparison, Vermont State’s warmest November reading is 81 set on the 3rd in Bellow Falls in 1950.

near record highs expected today

Below is a list of record high temperatures for today which have a chance to be tied or possibly broken.

Burlington..........67 degrees (1945)
Montpelier..........63 degrees (1975)
St Johnsbury........68 degrees (1996)
Mnt Mansfield.......54 degrees (1996)

Which will you be this weekend?

With Indian Summer-like weather coming up this weekend into early next week, something to consider:

Paraphrased from Wikipedia-

The Ant and the Grasshopper is a fable attributed to Aesop (620-560 BC), providing a moral lesson about hard work and preparation. In the numbering system established for Aesopic fables by B. E. Perry, it is number 373 [that’s a lot of fables, even if it’s the last].

The fable concerns a grasshopper who has spent the good weather times relaxed and enjoying while the ant worked to get ready for winter. When winter arrives, the grasshopper finds itself unprepared, and upon asking the ant for help, is only rebuked for its idleness.

This fable is also referred to in the Old Testament’s Book of Proverbs 6:6-9, which admonishes, "Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise.”

If you have all your outdoor winterization chores done, the next several fine weather days you can be Aesop’s fabled grasshopper; if not… be the ant!

cooling off

In nearly all of northern Vermont, an afternoon high of 50 degrees is now above average. Daily record highs run around 70.

winter outlook

My Winter forecast is based on looking for the similarities in all the other seasonal forecasts and fine-tuning them for northern Vermont.

At this point, it looks like near, or slightly above average temperatures, with snow cover that, off and on throughout the season, builds quickly, then shrinks.

A reminder, that even with slightly above average temperatures overall, there can still be extended periods of bitter cold (we are talking Winter in Vermont). In addition, the snow cover forecast is for the lower elevations, and indicates that when we have it, we should enjoy it.

a cool October ends on a warm note

With afternoon temperatures well into the 60s to around 70 in many locations; record highs possible to end the month. Will have to wait until Sunday and "the final results" to be sure. Even if there are no records, it was one warm Halloween.

trick and treat

Halloween’s, warm temperatures will be a treat; the trick will be staying dry going door to door late afternoon through late evening. It will likely be a bit windy as well... looks like a "dark and stormy night".

one wet day

Saturday's rainfall ran generally 1-3 inches. Here, at the WeatherWatch Tower we had an inch and a half. St J’s 2.07 inches set a new record rainfall for the date. Their previous record was 1.94 set in 1923.

Other than a few light mountain rain showers this morning, dry weather can be expected today and Monday as high pressure builds into the northern Vermont. The next chance for precipitation will come Monday night into Tuesday as a weak disturbance slides across southern Canada bringing us a few light, mostly rain, showers.

better late

Thursday, in most of northern Vermont, was the warmest day this October. Burlington was 63, Morrisville hit 67, and Montpelier made it to 68. Somewhat unusual to have these highs come so late in the month.

not exactly Indian Summer

but... Wednesday was the first day in almost two weeks with above average temperatures throughout northern Vermont.

bit of a warm-up

Monday was another below average temperature day (due to another very cold morning); it saw, though, the return of some afternoon 50s for the first time in over a week. St J was 50 even, Burlington reached 52 and Montpelier got to 53.

another chill October stat

Saturday morning the 17th, Montpelier tied their record low for the date dropping to 20 degrees. The record was first set in 1978.

mid October's never been chillier

Record low maximum temperature set yesterday at St Johnsbury with a high of only 38. Their old record was 39 set "way back" in 1894. Montpelier’s 37 tied their record first set in 1978. These affirm the felling we've all had- that this mid-month is, at least, really chilly.

not Indian summer

Yesterday was the 7th day in a row with well below average temperatures in St J and Montpelier. Their highs were only 40; should be in the mid 50s. Looks like their string of cold days will continue into early next week anyway.

it's back

Small, still leafed, branches bend low, under the weight of this hill's first of the season snow. Half inch on grassy surfaces and cars as of 6am Tuesday.

time to harvest

Growing season is going to end soon in most of northern Vermont. While there have been spotty isolated frosts earlier this month, this weekend into midweek next week will see numerous widespread frosts/freezes. It’s time to harvest the last heat loving crops, we are, afterall, well into October.

next few days

Clouds will decrease this Tuesday as a weak ridge of high pressure moves across the area. Another storm system will move toward our region bringing widespread rain with cool temperatures and gusty winds late tonight and Wednesday. Thursday should see a break in the action, before rain showers return for Friday.

recent rainfall

Late Friday through this morning, northern Vermont saw rainfall between a quarter inch (Champlain Valley) to close to a full inch northeast; lesser amounts can be expected later this afternoon.

first of the season

The first snow of the season fell Thursday. Mount Mansfield recorded 3 inches, just a trace in some of the high hills.
It won't last long as warmer weather is on the way with just plain rain late today into late Saturday.

October has arrived

From October in Vermont by David L. Cady,

"The clump of maples on the hill,
And this one near the door,
Seem redder, quite a lot, this year
Than last, or year before;
I wonder if it's jest because
I Love the Old State more!"

it’s that time of the year again

Wet leaves on roadways/walkways all-ways slippery.

could'a been worse

Yes, there was/is spotty frost this morning, but dense fog kept it from being colder; no widespread hard freeze yet.

Won't have to cover-up the next few days, as warmer, moisture laden air settles in tonight through early next week.

apple sweetening time

Widespread frost/freeze expected tonight in almost all of northern Vermont east of the Greens.

With the center of high pressure over the region tonight, expect ideal radiational cooling conditions with clear skies, light/calm winds, and low relative humidity. Frost/freeze threat continues to look good for much of the area for the early morning hours Saturday. Below freezing temperatures are expected east of the Green Mountains and in the northern Adirondacks with lows ranging from the middle 20s to the lower 30s. Frost is possible elsewhere, except in vicinity of Lake Champlain. Patchy fog is also expected in the favored river valleys.

After tonight, there shouldn’t be any frost for several days anyway.

not quite over yet

While Summer officially ends this afternoon, some warmth will linger for a few days. Despite a good deal of cloudiness, there could actually be an 80 or two Wednesday. Temperatures are expected to cool a bit Thursday, but still stay above average until Friday.

one nighter

Protect your garden/crops from tonight’s frost, and you shouldn’t have to worry about it again for at least another week. Warmer air will be moving in early Sunday, so Sunday night’s lows should be well above freezing. After that, don’t see anything particularly cold into next weekend.

gardener alert

Widespread light frost possible Saturday night (except Champlain Valley). Could be harder frost in colder locations. Light frost being defined, here, as just below freezing for an hour or two.

the change continues

After a warmish Monday, cool will rule midweek with spotty light frost possible in the coldest locations. Most will be chilly, but not frosty. We're entering the second half of September, so there is nothing unusual about a little light frost; at least it's not a wide-spread hard freeze which, climatologically speaking, can also happen anytime.

what about temperatures

Despite some wonderfully warm afternoons, cool nights have led to temperatures running a little below average for the month. Burlington and Montpelier are less than a degree below, while St. J is a little over two.

record dry spell... not exactly

Burlington has had 10 days without measurable precipitation.

They should reach at least 12 days, climbing into the top 25 consecutive dry days for the Aug through Oct period. If they miss Friday’s precipitation, they could get to 15 dry days which would make the top 10, but still be far from number one. The driest spell for late summer is 23 consecutive days in 1894 and 1924.

The all time dry spell for Burlington, for any time of year, is 52 days
which occurred from April 17 through June 7 1903.

the streak continues

While individual results may vary, it is safe to say, that in most of the area, this is the driest stretch of weather not only this summer, but this year. This Labor Day will be either the seventh or eighth day in a row without any precipitation, and we are looking at another several dry days. Too bad we couldn’t have had a few of these earlier in the summer.

the first rain gauges

While our rain gauges are getting a well deserved rest, an interesting note on their origin:

In his book Meteorologica, Aristotle mentioned precipitation such as mist, rain, snow, but not their measurement. Measuring rain and keeping records was still in the future.

The earliest device for measuring rainfall is credited to Korean King Sejong who lived from 1397 to 1450. He decided that instead of digging into the soil to check for moisture, it would be better to have a standardized container that stood on a pillar to measure the rainfall. These containers were to help villagers determine their potential harvest and to give King Sejong a better idea of how much the farmers should be taxed! According to records, this gauging of precipitation (for taxation) began in the fourth month of 1441.
As it was then, it is today... h2o=$

climatology works

Climatology works; sometimes/this time.
Based on the 30-yr average, the lowest daily probability of precipitation over the course of a year in northern Vermont occurs during the first half of September.

summer salvaged

Goodbye, and thank you August. You were the month we needed. Warmer and drier than average; you salvaged the summer.
This August was the wartmest month of the year, a title that usually goes to July. It was just a little above average due to the chilly end, but it was still above. The big thing for many was, it was also a much drier month than average, and we needed to dry out.

rare event

Dry for a whole week? We haven’t seen that often this summer. Once in early June and again earlier this August. More than four dry days in a row has certainly been rare this summer.

clouds can be our friends

Just enough high thin clouds last night meant that this Friday morning there was no frost, or any record lows. It was chilly, but that we can handle.

near record lows tomorrow

Spotty light frost possible Friday morning.
Record lows possible as well. Forecast/records: Burlington 40/39, Montpelier 35/38, St J 37/36.
Some high thin clouds late tonight may keep temperatures a little above current forecasts, but still it is going to be cold.
Even though I don't expect frost here on Hollister Hill, I'm covering my tomatoes anyway, just so they know I care, and it doesn't take a frost to slow growth. In what has already been a slow growth/maturity season, I want to give them every advantage I can.

hottest month of the year?

Not nearly as wet a weekend as it might have been; next weather story- much cooler, less humid air for the end of this week.
Right now, August is in first place for the warmest month of the year, depending on location, by about 2-4 degrees. It has been the only month to bring us any sustained summer weather. However, much cooler temperatures are expected to end the month (or at least the week). Will these be chilly enough to knock the month out of first? I don’t think so, but they will certainly lower the average.
There is nothing unusual about the end of August being cooler than the beginning; it’s part of our seasonal transition.

not April anymore

August now has the hottest day of the year. It's not April anymore. Yesterday Burlington hit 90(for the second day in a row), St J. 90 (their first of the year), and Montpelier 89. That's the first time this summer that all three stations together beat their April highs.

don’t let the sunshine in

Strong. hot mid-August sun presents an issue in keeping buildings comfortable that mid July/June don’t. The high sun of mid-summer hits mostly roofs, but now, as it lowers in the sky, it’s beginning to find it’s way back through windows. This weekend, draw the curtains (whatever) and reduce that solar gain inside. Also, don’t forget to ventilate at night; it’s cheaper than air conditioning, and with the night’s being longer than in mid-summer, we have a little more natural cooling time.

a little respect

Next few days offer summer’s best chance to dethrone late April as the warmest period of the year. Friday and Saturday should see highs well into the 80s to around 9o, just like late April. Go August; let's get this summer some respect!

return of summer

After a couple of cool, dry (fall-like?) days, the muggy and milds are expected to return later today into mid-week next week. It will feel like summer again, especiallly the overnights; kick off the blankets, turn on the fan.

changable week ahead

After a seasonal start this week, much cooler temperatures are expected to end it. Tuesday seems to be the warmest of the week, with highs well into the 80s. Friday may be the coolest with some spots not reaching 70. Overnight lows could dip into the 40s in many locations.

an ounce of prevention

With late blight spreading and plenty of other disease possibilities, fair weather this Saturday offers an important opportunity to spray the garden to help protect it. Much of next week looks to be cool (seasonally so anyway) and unsettled, so the threat of disease in the garden is not likely to lessen for the foreseeable future.

it's been hotter this year

Temperatures the last few days have certainly been summery...finally. Even with highs well up in the 80s Tuesday (Burlington 86, Montpelier 84, and St J at 83), the high heat of late April still stands as hottest this year. On April 27th Burlington reached 89 and Montpelier 86. On the 28th St J hit 88.
Of interest about that heat, is the fact that less than a week before high temperatures struggled to make it into the 50s!

getting wetter

This Sunday looks to be a wet day, with a half to a full inch possible. Might be enough rain in Montpelier to move month into top five wettest Julys . Still much more last July. July 2008 was the wettest on record in most northern Vermont locations. St J had over 9 inches and Montpelier 8; as wet as this month has been, it's still only about half of last year... then again there's tomorrows totals and the rest of the month still to come.

week's outlook

Surface high pressure will be centered over Vermont today, with fair weather continuing through tomorrow morning. Rain is expected to return by Tuesday night due to the combination of a upper level disturbance and tropical moisture off the Atlantic Ocean. The threat of scattered afternoon rain showers and thunderstorms will continue for the remainder of the workweek.

Vermont’s tornado alley?

Minimal tornado in Chelsea/Williamstown area on Thursday was confirmed by NWS yesterday. Winds were estimated at 55-75 mph, and the path was a quarter mile wide and 2.6 mile long. A hundred plus mostly softwoods were blown down, and one barn roof blown off. There were no injuries.
Of extra interest here- this is Vermont’s second tornado of the year and occurred in roughly the same area as the first (May 9th in the town of Washington).

Did you hear the one about this summer’s weather?

A curious fellow died one day and found himself waiting
in the long line for judgment. As he stood there, he noticed that
some souls were allowed to march right through the pearly gates into
Heaven. Others, though, were led over to Satan, who threw them into the
burning pit. But every so often, instead of hurling the poor soul into the
fire, Satan would toss them off to one side into a small pile.

After watching Satan do this several times, the fellow's curiosity got the best of him. So he strolled over to ask Satan what he was doing. "Excuse me, Mr. Prince of Darkness," he said. "I'm waiting in line for judgment, and I couldn't help wondering—why are you tossing those people aside instead of flinging them into the Fires of Hell with the others?"

"Ah, those," Satan said with a groan. "They're all from Vermont . . . they're still too wet to burn.


sourse unknown,emailed from a friend

record report

This Tuesday highs were generally only in the 60s; that's cold for July, even when it's cloudy.
There was even one new record low maximum temperature Tuesday. St. Johnsbury’s high was just 63; the previous record was 64 in 1976. St J's records go back over a century.

good news/bad news

This coming week (mid-July), looks to be relatively dry, but continued cool. There may be some very light showers Monday and Wednesday, but it appears the next significant rainfall won’t come until late in the week, or maybe next weekend.
The main issue is with the temperatures. They should average 5-10 degrees below normal. That means lows dipping into the 40s at times. We are not going to get any real “growing degree day units” and the heat loving crops with be slower to mature.

sorry summer stats

So far this July, Burlington and Montpelier have had only one day with above average temperature and that wasn’t by much. St J hasn’t had even one.
On the precipitation side, Burlington has had only one day without any rain, for Montpelier and St J it’s just two.
Not exactly a winning summertime combination.

familiar pattern

Low pressure located near James Bay will slowly move southeastward over the next few days. This will be the focus for more showers and thunderstorms across the area through Wednesday night with drier, but still cloudy, conditions for Thursday. Sunny, dry, and warm weather should return (for a brief visit?) on Friday.

holiday weekend outlook

Low pressure, that has been bringing us the unsettled weather of the past few days, will move east of the area on Saturday and any showers that develop will likely be diurnally and terrain driven. Thus, coverage will be only scattered, and the Fourth should not be a washout. Clouds and cool air will still keep temperatures well below normal, mainly in the 60s. Mixing in the afternoon will contribute to wind gusts up to 25 miles per hour. We finally get into a drier northwest flow Saturday night and Sunday. Do not expect any precipitation for that period with sunshine developing on Sunday and temperatures back into the 70s.

forecast overview

Northcentral Vermont will be between weather systems for the better part of the day today. Upper level low pressure centered over southern New England will slide south and east this afternoon, while another low approaches for Monday afternoon. Unsettled weather will likely continue through next week with a chance of showers daily. Look for at, or slightly below, average temperatures through the period.

Friday's storms

Thursday heat and humidity were supposed to bring strong storms to the area and did not; the sky wasn’t falling. Friday did bring some storms, but coverage was still not extensive. All I had at the WeatherWatch Tower was a few minutes of gusty winds; no rain, no lightning. Fine by me.
The areas in Vermont that did see stronger storms were the Lake Champlain counties. There was some minor wind damage, but hail was the main feature. Mostly small, there were a few instances of large hail. A trained spotter in Grande Isle reported 5-10 minutes of hail up to .88 inches. The largest reported stone fell, up by the border, in the town of Franklin... an estimated 1.75 inches (that’s big for Vermont).

hot, but not hottest

Thursday was humid and hot (hottest this month) with widespread mid to upper 80s. The amazing thing about yesterday, it wasn’t as hot as see saw in late April. In many locations, April 27 is still the hottest day of the year. There is one very noticeable difference between that Spring heat and yesterday’s; the summertime humidity.

summer weather

Yesterday- first widespread 80s of the month. Burlington, Montpelier, St J, and Morrisville all at 84.

Today, as high pressure moves away, southerly winds will usher in more warm and humid air . Temperatures will again reach into the 80s in most areas. Showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop later this afternoon and especially tonight. Rain showers will continue Friday through the weekend as low pressure settles over the state.

first eighties

Almost three-quarters of the way through the month and neither Burlington, Montpelier, nor St J, have seen an 80 or better reading; April had several, with even a couple of 90s.
June will try to gain come respect temperature-wise over the next few days as those first 80s seem near. If not today, then tomorrow, and certainly Thursday. Humidity will be rising with the temperatures. Thursday could have an almost mid-summer feel.

Spring ends with little dry time.

The next several days, into Sunday’s Summer Solstice, look not necessarily wet, but at least damp (molds and fungus are going to love it). The light at the end of this dark, damp tunnel is Monday through Wednesday when the weather is expected to be sunny, dry, and warm; the molds won’t be happy, but most of us humans will.

growing season update

Spring winds down.
Despite a few late frosts and several wet periods, a recent (6/15) USDA report indicates that most local farmers are satisfied with the way the growing season is going. The strawberry crop is generally holding its own, and corn, in many locations, is looking good. With all the moisture this Spring, field grasses are growing fast; some pastures are a little overgrown, as the grazing animals can’t keep up.

active afternoon?

An upper air disturbance will move into the Northcentral Vermont today bringing more showers and thunderstorms;some storms could produce small hail and locally heavy rainfall.
After that, a ridge of high pressure is expected build into the area Tuesday and Wednesday, maybe lasting into Thursday. We might even see a day, or two, with 80ish highs.

Typical late Spring pattern

An active and fast westerly flow aloft will continue to provide Northcentral Vermont with chances for showers and thunderstorms each day through Monday. For today, temperatures should be near normal with just a slight chance of an afternoon shower. By tonight, the chances for showers will increase as surface low pressure tracks toward us. Sunday will feature morning showers with some clearing expected during the afternoon hours; temperatures should continue at or slightly below normal. More showers and possibly some strong thunderstorms on Monday.

more wet on the way

Weak high pressure will shift into eastern New England today as a warm front and associated area of low pressure approaches the state this evening. This will increase the chances for showers and embedded thundershowers. Some of the showers could contain locally heavy downpours, especially tonight across central and southern sections. A slow drying trend is expected to develop on Friday with near normal temperatures over the weekend.

more clouds than sun

Weak high pressure will build into the state today with cloudy skies becoming partly sunny by afternoon. The next area of low pressure approaching from the Ohio River valley will spread rain into Vermont by tomorrow morning. Rain showers should continue through the day with a chance of thunderstorms. Conditions will
begin to improve Friday, with a mostly dry weekend expected.

one dry day at a time

Despite a weak ridge of high pressure over the state this Wednesday, still expecting plenty of cloud cover especially in the morning. After that a low pressure area northeast from the Ohio Valley should be moving in early Thursday and bringing another round of wet weather.

damp Tuesday

Low pressure will track across northern New York today along with
a warm front that will stall over eastern Vermont. These features
will result in widespread rain across the northcountry with the chance
for thunder west of the Greens. Partial clearing is expected on
Wednesday, before another area of low pressure and unsettled
conditions return to the state Wednesday night into Thursday.

wet week ahead

Wet weather this Tuesday. Look for a half to full inch of rain in the form of numerous moderate showers. There might be a thunder shower or two, but no damagaing weather is expected... just a good old fashioned rainy day