MikJournal Monday 12/30/2019

Welcome to the last Monday of the year. Likely this will be the last post of the year. But, I do need to update all the totals on the side of the blog.

Many areas received a nice soaking yesterday, from 1-3", pretty much on target. It's amazing how these same models, though, cannot even come close to forecasting snow totals.

I recorded 1.56" at my place in Valley Station, giving me an annual total of 55.14".

Paducah finally breached 70" (3rd wettest year) while Bowling Green exceeded 60" (6th wettest year)

Frankfort tallied a record wet day yesterday with 1.68"

In addition to the wet, the recent spat of warm days has pushed some of our locations into or near the top ten warmest Decembers ever. Lexington is a lock. Paducah, Bowling Green, Frankfort, and London are all in the hunt. Louisville, though, is out.

Looking ahead to the new year, temperatures will be averaging near or above normal, at least for a the first week. I'm getting mixed signals right now about the second week. GEFS teleconnections keeps our region in a normal to above normal pattern, thanks to a strong AO+ and a PNA-. The EPO will be definitely less than what it has been recently, but still argues for at least a normal temperature pattern and keeping the coldest air to the west .

However, the latest data from the Euro forecast model has an impressive shot of cold air invading the northern US by the 8th of the month, covering real estate from International Falls to Marquette and points south all the way to the northern part of Florida. Over the next few days, it will be interesting to see if there is any lasting commitment to this blast of cold or will it go up in ashes like the recent forecasts for this upcoming winter has gone thus far from some media outlets.

Eventually, the cold will catch us. But, you can avoid catching a cold by washing your hands regularly and having those alcohol wipes nearby for wiping affected surfaces.  My daughter is recovering from the Flu at the moment, but is doing better than yesterday.