It was a struggle to get the sun out today. In fact, some didn’t see but a few glimpses. Others were treated to a nice afternoon. Haves and have nots dividing Southern New England yet again.
The theme I want to play off in the coming days is bright but not beautiful, mainly dry but not rain-free, mild but not warm. I think you got the picture. There are showery threats in the afternoon hours in the coming days, but as far as all day rains with dismal highs in the 40s – they’re out.
What we see evolving is a generally above normal temperature pattern (at least in the short term), with an active jet stream still zipping by overhead. This means some cool mornings, with mild afternoons. It also means that the clouds billow up in the afternoon and drop some showers – or even a few brief downpours. Heck, there could even be some small hail on Sunday afternoon with robust cold in the upper atmosphere.
Nevertheless, we’re light years away from where we have been. March cold is out, and the sea breeze will be held back by southwest or northwest winds. Quietly, however, we’re holding our breath. The turning point from spring to summer (May) is upon us. This is solar summer time (May-July) – the longest days of the year. Climatologically, we’re also going into the warmest part of the year. Problem is, a summer pattern is NOT yet established. There is no dominant high pressure system anywhere in the East or the Deep South (typically we’d see some sign that the Bermuda high is forming). Sure, one could form in the next couple of weeks, or we could slide into a wet, cool start to summer – that, on average, comes around every 2-3 years. Yes, we’re due, but no, I’m not ready to pull the trigger yet. Let’s give it a week or two for the pattern to really show its hand. In the meantime, enjoy the sun.
Pete