Deep drought across all of Southeast Massachusetts, and we’re under a Flood Watch?
It’s odd, it’s out of sync, and it doesn’t make sense…until you take a look at the radar:
Granted, a LOT of that is still out over the fish, but with counterclockwise winds spinning around a low pressure south of Long Island, that will pinwheel back into Mass. overnight (essentially moving northwest towards Southern NH). This puts us in the cross hairs for heavy rain, and, with lightning now being detected offshore, thunderstorms.
Due to the drought, the ground was dry and compacted, and the soil dry and dusty. Obviously, that’s changed with today’s rain, but it doesn’t take away the risk for high runoff and pooling water. It’s too much water coming too fast. And for that reason, we have a Flood Watch up tonight:
What we needed was a slow soak, the kind Madge recommended before a manicure in those Palmolive commercials.
But it wasn’t to be. Instead, we have this moisture-laden storm dumping buckets of rain in a few short hours. On paper, this will put a serious dent – or even outright abolish – the drought. However, since most of the water will be lost to the storm drains, it will do very little to replenish our water table. This is what the National Drought Mitigation Center deems long term drought. The kind that takes months to evolve and months to remedy.
Good news is that the pattern is getting even more active and there will be more opportunities for rain. Will this drive a stake in the heart of the drought? Remains to be seen. These things typically don’t just fade away at the snap of the fingers.
Raw temps give way to some moderation in the coming days. In fact, the air may take on a little humidity on Saturday with the temps climbing to about 70. While we’re at it, the 7 day looks bleak, but most of that rain will be mid/late afternoon as a front nears. Could even be a rumble of thunder in there with a vigorous front crossing.
Warm weather lovers, it’s not all ‘down ‘n out’ from here on out. We’ll make a run for the 70s early next week as the mild air moves back into New England. Certainly not beach weather, but we’re far from a prelude to winter.
Pete