Happy Tuesday, Bloggers —
Our dry spell may soon be coming to an end, as we finally have a chance of rain and thunderstorms within the next 5-7 days.
We are currently over 5 inches below the annual average for rainfall and over 7 inches below since July 5th.
At KCI, precipitation in September is officially zero.
Jeff Penner
During the last 45 days, beginning August 3, the average rainfall in the region was 6.00-6.50 inches.
While there are a few places with above average rainfall, 95% of the region receives 3 to 5 inches below average.
Rain is basically needed everywhere.
Jeff Penner
There are two storm systems we are tracking in the Western United States today.
The first storm is located in southeastern Idaho, causing severe thunderstorms across the western Plains. This system will move north into southern Canada through Friday.
The southern portion of this system could bring a round or two of isolated thunderstorms to our area on Thursday and Friday, especially Thursday night. Some of these could be severe.
The second system is now reaching California. It is bringing much-needed rain to the wildfire areas of California and Nevada.
This system will reach the southwestern United States by Friday and move into the central United States over the weekend. It will produce a 200-300 mile wide zone of widespread rainfall and thunderstorms.
Jeff Penner
Currently it looks like widespread rain and thunderstorms are most likely to occur between Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning.
Some severe weather is possible.
Jeff Penner
Jeff Penner
RAIN FORECAST:
There will be a roughly 300-mile-wide band of significant rainfall and thunderstorms, with 1 to 2 inches of rain common. 2 to 4 inches or more of rainfall is possible in 30 to 50 percent of locations within this band.
This band can still shift 100 miles north or south. You can see that there isn’t much about 50-100 miles south of I-70.
A 100-mile shift north could take KC out of the main band.
Locations outside the band still have the potential for 0.10 to 1 inch of rainfall. That’s better than nothing, but not nearly enough.
Jeff Penner
WEATHER FORECAST SUMMARY:
Wednesday will be very similar to the last few days, with highs of 29 to 32°C, partly to mostly sunny skies, moderate humidity and a south-southeast breeze of 10 to 15 mph.
Thursday and Friday will be even hotter, with highs in the 35s. One or two periods of isolated thunderstorms are possible, especially Thursday night. Some of these could be severe.
The pleasant rain and thunderstorm potential will begin this weekend. Autumn will also arrive on Sunday at 7:43 a.m.
Jeff Penner
I wish you a great week.
Stay healthy.
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