Hurricane Season 2010: Update October 31

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The 2010 Atlantic Hurricane Season is living up to predictions by NOAA and the National Hurricane Center. Since the Hurricane Season began in early June of this year there have been an above average number of tropical cyclones in the Atlantic Basin. This year to date there have been 19 named tropical systems in the Atlantic; of these, 12 have reached Hurricane strength (winds equal to or greater than 74 miles per hour.) Out of these 12 Hurricanes, 5 have achieved Major Hurricane status (category 3 Hurricane or stronger). The 5 major Hurricanes in the Atlantic basin this year to date in chronological order are:

1- Hurricane Danielle August 21- August 31
Maximum sustained wind speeds: 135 miles per hour Category 4
Minimum central pressure: 942 millibars

2- Hurricane Earl August 25- September 5
Maximum sustained wind speeds: 145 miles per hour Category 4
Minimum central pressure:928 millibars

3- Hurricane Igor September 8- September 21
Maximum sustained wind speeds: 155 miles per hour Category 4~5
Minimum central pressure: 925 millibars

4- Hurricane Julia September 12- September 20
Maximum sustained wind speeds: 135 miles per hour Category 4
Minimum central pressure: 950 millibars

5- Hurricane Karl September 14- September 18
Maximum sustained wind speeds: 120 miles per hour Category 3
Minimum central pressure: 961 millibars

Weather synopsis: Tuesday October 28

2:19 pm a very impressive Low Pressure system is deepening over the northern Great Plains of the United States. This Low Pressure system is packing quite a punch; it has produced powerful storms that have ripped through major metropolitan regions like Chicago. Now, the cold front associated with this storm system; the same cold front that produced the damaging storms in Chicago is racing towards the east. Because of the dynamics of this storm, this line of strong storms will likely hold up as they approach western New York this evening. Ahead of this squall line of thunder storms gusty winds will blow from a south westerly direction. This will usher in a warm air mass today with temperatures likely topping out in the middle 70s. The force of the wind will increase as the front approaches by 6:00pm or 7:00pm this evening. This line of storms has already prompted Tornado watches and warnings over the Ohio River Valley. I would not be surprised if we see severe thunder storm advisories posted for western New York as the frontal boundary approaches. The stormy weather will then make its way to the Atlantic coast this latter this evening producing unsettled weather in to New York City; by the time these storms reach the coast. Like I mentioned before, the same front that will produce the unsettled weather is only one part of a much larger, more powerful Low Pressure System over the northern Great Plains. This storm will turn into a wind storm tomorrow over the Great Lakes with winds gusting over 40 miles per hour. Over the northern Great Plains, this system will produce blizzard like conditions for the first snow fall of the season for that region. Eventually this cold air mass will infiltrate the Northeast; the cold air mass will likely move in by Friday October 29th and will drop temperatures to near average levels. Until then however, temperatures will run in the 60s and 70s for day time highs.

Weather synopsis: October 20, 2010

10:47pm batten down the hatches, it is breezy out there to say the least. Winds will continue to howl through Thursday in excess of 40 miles per hour. In addition to the wind we will have to contend with precipitation over the lower Great Lakes. A Low Pressure System over the northern Great Lakes and southern Canada is working its way towards the east. This system will introduce a cold front in to the region. Rain will likely break out tonight across the lower Great Lakes and persist through the Thursday. Depending on the timing of the cold air and the duration of the precipitation, there is a possibility for the air temperatures in the upper atmosphere to be just cold enough to support a Rain and Snow mixture at the surface from Thursday afternoon through early Friday morning so don't be surprised if you notice some snow falling tomorrow evening. What ever snow that does fall if any will be brief and should not accumulate. Nevertheless conditions will be hazardous, it would be advisable to give your self extra time when heading out. Rain will also develop towards the Northeast coast as the cold front progresses east towards the Atlantic. Here the precipitation will more than likely remain all rain. Temperatures tomorrow will be tumbling as the cold front will usher in a brisk air mass. Initially high temperatures across the lower Great Lakes will range in the 50s and 60's along the coast. Then as the cold front passes temperatures will begin to drop in to the 30s and 40s.

Weather synopsis: Saturday October 2

11:53am an area of low pressure is crossing over the Great Lakes today. This system is being enhanced by the relatively warmer lake waters compared to the chilly air mass setting in. Unsettled weather will over take the western New York region late tonight; the rain will get steadier towards Sunday morning and last through the early afternoon hours. This low pressure system will then redevelop off the east coast by Monday and produce more rain over regions that have been flooded during this past weeks deluge. Generally, expect a cool damp weekend for western New York State and expect plenty of sunshine along the Northeastern coast through Sunday then a cool damp rain will over take the entire Northeast for the majority of the week, sunshine should return on Thursday Obtober 7th.

Weather synopsis: Friday October 1

12:19pm a slew of flash flood and wind advisories are still in effect all over the Northeast as a bizarre weather pattern continues to introduce a stream of tropical moisture to the region. It seems as if the worst is over for a good portion of the eastern United States with the exception of New England where the heavy rain will continue today. It wont be until Saturday when this weather pattern finally shifts and allows a cool and dry air mass to infiltrate the region. This will be a brisk air mass and will likely produce the first frost and freeze advisories of the season for much of the Northeast signifiying the end of the growing season. It might be a good idea to start to bring any plants indoors for those of you with a green thumb. Highs will generally stay in the 50s for the most part with lows in the 30s and 40s, though it will generally be about 10° warmer along the coast for the coming week. At the moment we have no significant chance of precipitation this week but that could change as the weather is dynamic in nature and can change at a moments notice.