Records, anyone?

While it was quite a bit warmer today than average, we did not break a record at the airport.  We came close though. The record is 77 degrees set back in 1937.  Our high today was 71.  Temperatures will remain in the upper 60's and low 70's through mid-week.  The wind is still brisk out of the southwest today.  The NWS reissued a Lake Wind Advisory until 6pm.  It looks like the majority of the rain chances for Sunday night through Tuesday will be produced by upper level disturbances.  The problem becomes Wednesday as a cold front comes in from the north.  This will mix with upper level instability and strong winds aloft and at the surface to produce the potential for severe thunderstorms.  Damaging winds, heavy rain, and lightning will be the main problems Wednesday.  Monday is our first live show of the semester. Toon in for the latest!    

Burn Bans

As of January 24, seventeen Arkansas counties are under burn bans, with White County being one of them. Since then 5 more have been added, bringing the total to 22 counties. Faulkner County was added to the list yesterday. Dead brush from the ice storm, strong winds, and low humidity are key ingredients for a high fire risk. Numerous fires have burned hundreds of acres already. Monday will be our next significant chance for rain fall. I think we'll get enough rain that the burn ban should be lifted.~Stephen

Lots to talk about!

Today is the last day of run throughs before we go live on Monday. Nevertheless, there is lots to talk about. First, the wind. We are sandwiched between high pressure to the east and low pressure to the west. This is setting up a wind tunnel for gulf moisture to pump into the region. This will keep our temperatures comfortable for the time being. Second, temperatures this weekend will feel like spring time temperatures. Highs will be in the 60's and 70's with the lows in the 40's and 50's. Finally, there is a looking like a pretty good chance for severe thunderstorms on Monday. Damaging wind and lightning will be the main problem. I'll have more details in future posts and when we go live Monday!

Down the pike

Temperatures are just now reaching the freezing mark.  And they won't dip below freezing for several days.  YAY!!  We will however start to see our winds pick up today.  As high pressure moves east and our next system moves in from the west the gradient will tighten, meaning stronger winds.  There is also rain in the forecast late Saturday and into Sunday.  The main system will rear its ugly head on Monday.  I am starting to become a bit concerned that there may be a chance for some severe thunderstorms on Monday.  Damaging wind is the biggest concern.  We go live Monday and as always we'll have the latest on Live at Five.  Tune in!

The Good and the bad

The good news is that tonight is the last night for below freezing temperatures for the next couple of days.  We will be cold again tomorrow night, but still above freezing.  Highs will be in the middle 50's and low 60's.  Lows will be will enough above freezing this weekend that you may only need a light jacket.  Thats the good news.  The bad news is that there will be a slight chance of rain this weekend. High pressure will start to move east out of Arkansas on Friday allowing room for our next system to make its way into the natural state.  What does that means for us in White County?  It means a slight chance for showers late Saturday and Sunday.  Then on Monday significant chances of rain as our next cold front comes through.  As of now no severe weather with this system, but we'll be watching closely for any to develop.

Frigid Night Ahead

A cold front is moving south out of Missouri this morning.  We will start to feel the effects this evening into tonight as it settles in.  A stiff North wind will provide colder temperatures than we've seen the past copuple of nights.  Lows tonight will be in the mid to upper teens as opposed to the middle and upper 20's.  And it looks like there is no precipitation associated with this system.  By late Wednesday the front will weaken and high pressure will move in behind it.  This will allow temperatures to warm back into the 50's during the day and to stay above freezing at night.  A welcome change!

6 more weeks!

It's an annual tradition held every February 2.  All the citizens of Punxsutawney, PA gather to greet Phil, the groundhog.  Same as last year, Phil saw his shadow.  Which means 6 more weeks of winter.  For us here in Arkansas, Spring can't come soon enough.  With many northern residents trying to recover after a historic ice storm, they need all the help they can get.  No more ice storms in the forecast for White County in the near future, just more cold temperatures!