...And the Rant Goes On

I am absolutely appalled by the 'new' readings from the official NWS reporting station, supposedly at Bluegrass Airport near Keeneland. The temperature reading is much cooler than surrounding sites like Winchester Mesonet, Frankfort NWS and Mesonet, and even the Lexington Mesonet at 1044 ft, which I have harped on before, is warmer than the 'new' readings from, again supposedly, the official site at Bluegrass airport (elevation around 930 ft).

Certain individuals, including a meteorologist from the Lexington media market, had complained about the temperature readings for quite some time, claiming the sensor was running too warm during the summer. Well, I hope they got their wish. But, the incredible balance shift from too warm to too cool is not acceptable.

The only plausible explanation in support of the 'new' readings is the location of the 'official' site has moved. I cannot verify this but intend to find out.

MS

Analogs Say Severe Weather Possible

Mesoscale discussion issuance of tornado watch 80%
Actually, just issued for area while typing this.
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Off duty police officer reporting tornado on the ground near Franklin/Perry county line south of Mount Vernon, Illinois. This cannot be confirmed, but rotation has been noted by radar.
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Top 15 analogs from CIPS suggest scattered to numerous severe weather reports. Although this is not a widespread, regional issue, expect hail, gusty winds, possible tornadoes.

Probably, for most of us, heavy rainfall will exacerbate flooding issues, especially for weary residents living near tributaries and river systems.

Wet Week Ahead

The pattern will be a wet scenario for our region. The WPC has the Kentucky region within a 2-4" range, with locally higher amounts depending on convection over the next 7 days.

Although I am no longer using the teleconnections page for winter weather, there is a familiar feature that I have seen time and again, a negative PNA and EPO. That combination has been a consistent predictor of wet weather during the winter and looks to continue to predict wet weather for the next 2 weeks.

Gardening enthusiasts like myself may have to wait a while longer to get our hands dirty, uh, muddy.

Those living near rivers should be mindful of the ongoing forecast for widespread rainfall.

Please heed the reminder, "Turn Around, Don't Drown."

Of course, I am a bit more blunt about it. I say, "Don't become the fool that has to be pulled from the 'pool'". The reference to pool in this case is not your backyard swimming structure, but flooded roadways, creeks, streams, and rivers. One pool of water leads to a bigger pool of water. The longer you're in it, the less likely you'll win it.

Severe Weather Updates 03/12/2020

Check this page for updates...
3:10 p.m. edt...no warnings in Kentucky
However, there are power outages in Owensboro, possibly related to lightning? No significant wind reports yet.

Rain-wrapped tornado reported earlier in Edmonson county. No damage reported

Near Woodbury, 66 mph gust at Mesonet station

Rainfall becoming more of an issue...Many flood advisories and warnings being issued across south central Kentucky

Hail reported just north of Bowling Green

Baseball size hail in Greenville today

The Waning Winterless Winter

Is is time to stick a fork yet into this abysmal winter season? Well, technically, some in our region still could receive a little bit more snowfall before Spring begins in earnest.

However, as of March 10, 2020, when we look at the snowfall totals, some numbers might indicate a decent winter for some. But, we have to look at the averages for each location.

Although 15.0" sounds like a decent amount of snowfall for Louisville, who should be seeing 11.6" right now, Indianapolis should be seeing a little over 24", so that 15.0" is only about 61 percent of  normal. St. Louis' total of 14.3" represents a closer approximation to average than anyone in our region, at 89% of normal.

Charleston, WV has recorded 10.8", but that represents only 34 percent of what they should have seen by now. Some locations in our region are reporting only 14 to 17 percent of normal snowfall.

So, nobody in our region has seen above normal snowfall. Again, some values might change, but it's likely that most in our region will not record much more snowfall over the next few weeks.

I say let's get this thing over with. I'm tired of bashing all of the forecasters who got this winter wrong, again. For some of these quacks, this is their 3rd winter out of 4 they have missed, not a good track record if you ask me.

I guess as long as they are out there entertaining the viewers with the HOPE for more snow, most viewers will forgive their favorite TV personality and eagerly look forward to the next winter 'show'.

No need for a disclaimer when the winter 'forecast' comes out next time, your track record speaks for itself.

Nashville Area Tornadoes for March 2-3, 2020

After a thorough review of the damage by the National Weather Service (more information may still be forthcoming), spanning an area from just west of Nashville east to the Cookeville region, one of the strongest tornadoes I have seen in a while affecting a populated region did indeed produce EF-3 to EF-4 damage along its path.

At least 2 dozen people died with hundreds injured. This was a night time event complicated by the storm's forward motion approaching 65 mph! In addition, the report states it could have been worse, but the churning tornado producing EF-4 damage dissipated before reaching the most populous area of Cookeville.

Honestly, even with a weather radio, it would have been considered miraculous if nobody died.

Many thanks to the efforts of on-air meteorologists, the NWS, first responders, and other emergency response officials during this tragic event.

https://www.weather.gov/ohx/20200303