MikJournal Monday 06/26/2017...Regional Storm Info

Good Monday. Let me be the first to say (ur, well I'm sure others have already thought it out loud) what a wonderful weekend of pleasant weather we enjoyed after such a drenching two-day period from mostly the remnants of Cindy.

However, for some, cleaning up was the story of their weekend. Rainfall became too excessive in some places of central Kentucky, leading to flash flooding. In addition, a couple of spin-up tornadoes damaged a few structures and trees between Hodgenville and Lebanon.

According to NWS Jackson, Morehead regional airport in Rowan county received 8.42" from June 18-24, a climatologically rare event for that location.

Looking ahead. Well, normally about this time, I like to focus on projections. After all, it's been a long time since Louisville has recorded a below normal June. If we go back to the rainy 2009 June, we recorded a -0.1 degree departure from normal. Despite over 9" that would definitely hinder opportunities for above average readings, we did have a couple of mornings with 52 degrees and a daytime high of 62 on the 4th.

Well, what can I say? Ummm, I have to say that it is still too close to call. It would come down to a coin flip if I had to decide today.

For example, my preliminary projection using the forecast as of today for the Louisville area shows that we will finish right at average for the month. Interestingly, based on the forecast numbers, we need a total of 734 degrees to finish right at average (that includes the high and low temperatures for the next 5 days). When I add up the forecast high and low temperatures for the next 5 days, I only reach 731 degrees. Technically, we would be below normal, if that should hold true; but, it would be such a miniscule number, that for all intents and purposes, an average month would likely be the declared result.

Now you know why it's still too close to call in order to make an official projection.

At this point, Bowling Green is the only official reporting station in the state that is below normal for the month. Everyone else is above normal. But. based on the projection above for Louisville, similar locations like Lexington and Frankfort could be right on the line between above and below normal.

Finally, this does not have to do with weather, but I subscribe to the USGS Earthquake Notification System that alerts me to any earthquake greater than a 6.0 on the Richter scale. Well, last week, I received a false alarm by email saying that Santa Barbara California was struck by a 6.8 earthquake, but for the year 2025. The explanation given sounds plausible, something about a software glitch that highlighted the same area that was struck with a similar earthquake in 1925, yes, 1925. It does make one wonder though, "Are they trying some kind of earthquake prediction thing?" Because 2025 is only 8 years away, and, well that part of California is due for another 'big one' soon. Hmm.

That is all. Have a nice week, everyone.

MS