February 10-11

Tuesday was needed!  Just like after an extended hot and muggy streak in the summer, when we get cooler/refreshing air, today provided relief.  It also reminded us that we ARE through the longest, coldest stretch of winter and spring WILL make it here.  What a variety of temperatures we saw across the state...from the mid 40's north - my high temperature of 49 degrees - mid 50's central to mid 60's far south and southwest.  Why the difference in temperatures?  Cloud cover had  some to do with it, snow cover had quite a bit to do with it -- and the amount of time spent with a southerly breeze before a wind shift turning winds back to the northwest, which has happened as the afternoon progressed.  Now, we have cut off the polar branch of the jet stream, so what is headed our way the rest of the work week is more seasonal - but that's an improvement over what we have had.  True warmth arrives next week and looks to last a week to 10 days!  I expect to see widespread 60's during that time, at least for a bit -- with southern IN seeing a 70+ temperature.   When should we expect to see our first 70 degree temperature?  Southern IN late February - central IN around mid March and northern IN late March to early-early April.  MORE GOOD NEWS -- I am lowering rain chances over the weekend.  We may not see widespread rain until the middle of next week, which will not help our ongoing drought situation.  However, from say Feb 18/19 to Feb 24/25 I expect we all will see a good soaking rain, with thunderstorms. Maybe over 2.00" of rain!   WINTER IS NOT OVER --- we should get back to cold to seasonally very cold temperatures before the end of the month.  With cold will come snow/ice threats.