Rip Current

Rip currents can be a serious threat and are responsible for over 100 deaths every year in the United States. A rip threat is a strong surface flow that is usually a narrow and extremely powerful current of water that runs perpendicular to the coast that heads back out to sea. These strong water flows can happen at any given time, however during tide changes it can make the current rip more dangerous. These rip currents can travel quickly and can pull a swimmer into the strong flow unexpectedly. Rip currents are commonly mistaken for an undertow, and undertow is a current that pulls a swimming under the water and down to the sand. A rip current doesn't pull a swimmer under water the strong current just moves out to sea. The biggest mistake swimmers encounter is panicking when pulled into a rip current. People tend to swim forward back to shore when the strong current is pulling them out to sea, a swimmers can trier quickly and have no energy left, and drown. The best solution is not to panic and swim parallel to the shore line to get out of the narrow band of water or relax and let the current take you out to sea, once the current is just off shore it dies out and you can swim safely back to land.

Heat Wave

Although, the Eastern Shore has not experienced a heat wave so far this summer, it doesn't mean you shouldn't be prepared for the hot weather! Typically, heat waves along the NE usually occurs between late June to early September. A heat wave is a prolonged period of extremely hot weather, along with high humidity readings. Along the Eastern Shore, the definition of a heat wave is three or more consecutive days of temperatures 90 degrees and above. Heat waves can last from 3 days to weeks in some areas, here on the Eastern Shore we typically experience 3 days up to a week. Extreme heat waves, usually last about 5 days to a week and in these lengthy situations, you should be alert and be very cautions in staying cool and hydrated!

There truly is not a universal definition for a heat wave. The term and definition varies in different climates, such as the western coast of California the term is different there it is known as a heat storm and must be 3 consecutive days of 100 degrees and above. With extreme heat and high humidity, these severe heat waves can causes crop failure, a drain on power that can cause outages from the over use of air conditioning, and possible death from dehydration and heat strokes. If you are in a heat wave the best actions to take is to stay indoors as much as possible, wear light color clothing if going outside, drink plenty of water (avoid caffeine or alcohol), and avoid strenuous activity to keep your body cool.

Being Prepared!

Several weeks into hurricane season and the Atlantic seems to be quiet for now, but you and your family should always be prepared in case of emergencies! Knowing the difference between watches and warnings, help make decisions of what you and your family should do in case of a hurricane situation. A hurricane watch, should trigger your families hurricane disaster plan and protective measures should be initiated. A hurricane watch is issued for areas that could possible experience hurricane conditions within 36 hours. Now, if the National Weather Service issues a hurricane warning this mean that sustained winds of at least 74 mph are expected within 24 hours. Once this warning is issued your family should take immediate action and travel to safety.
Even before watches and warnings come into effect, it is important to talk with your family and loved ones about possible plans in case of emergencies, make an evacuation plan, have a disaster kit, and have a check list before you leave your home. First thing is first, having an evacuation plan is important with this plan you should have a map and phone numbers of family or friends you plan to evacuate to or have a list of phone numbers to hotels in several different locations that maybe far enough out of the hurricanes path. Next, have a disaster supply kit ready, this should include several important items listed below:
-Water (at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 days)
-Food (enough for 3 days worth include non-perishable packaged or canned foods)
-First Aid Kit
-Flashlight
-Radio (Batteries)
-Cash
-Clothing (rain gear, rain shoes)
-Blankets/Pillows
-Keys
-Important Documents
- Set of tools
A check list is another great item to have ready in case of an emergency, this list should include getting your evacuation plan in the car, along with your disaster supply kit, and secure your home. When you secure your home try and make it disaster resistant by boarding up windows securing valuables, and turn off your gas. Also, another great way to protect your house well in advance, is to talk with your homeowners insurance to make sure it covers flood damage.
Being prepared ahead of time is key in emergency situations, less time you spend getting ready to leave in an evacuation the faster you can get to safety! And always remember that its great to have a radio, weather radio, cell phone and laptop computer handy to keep you and your family updated on the storm!

Delmarva Severe Weather: Saturday June 13th

Scattered strong to severe storms broke out Saturday afternoon over Delmarva. Earlier in the afternoon strong thunderstorms developed over the southern Chesapeake Bay and Virginia's eastern shore. A waterspout (tornado over water) was reported at Somers Cove Marine in Crisfield, MD at 1:15 pm. The waterspout was located just outside the marina basin in the Little Annemessex River and lasted about 5 minutes.

Here is a photo taken by Dockhand Linda Wilmer.

Later that afternoon a severe thunderstorm developed and tracked through Southwestern Kent County, DE and Sussex County, DE. The storm acquired rotation and prompted a tornado warning. The storm had 80 mph wind gusts, large hail, and funnel clouds reported. Numerous property, crop, and tree damage occurred from this storm. Below is the link to the National Weather Service's storm survey on this event. The survey includes details on the storm, damage, and additional photos. http://www.erh.noaa.gov/er/phi/storms/06132009.html

Here is a tree damage photo taken from Rick Szutenbach in Greenwood, DE after the storm. Just imagine how strong the winds were to be able to uproot a tree that size.

Rainfall Totals 2009

Overall, the start of 2009 along the Eastern Shore has been very dry, and well below average in the way of rainfall for the year! However, the month of May in Salisbury has received the most rainfall than any other month this year so far, coming in with 5.18" of precipitation. Also, in just the first ten days of June, rainfall is already up to 2.73". That is a total of 7.91" of rainfall since the first of May and the total rainfall for the year so far is 15.19". So, the entire month of May and 10 days in June poured in over half of the rainfall for the year in just 41 days. The average rainfall total for the year is 20.75", however, still below average by 5.56" but much closer to the average precipitation amounts than Salisbury has had in months! Hopefully, Salisbury can break the rain deficit by the end of June, and with the current weather pattern keeping a chance of rain showers in the forecast it just might be possible!

Hurricane Survival Show

The 2009 National Hurricane Survival Show will air this summer on WMDT 47 and Delmarva's CW 3. The show will provide information and tips for hurricane awareness and safety issues. This is an important program to watch to educate you and your family incase a tropical system strikes the area. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 - November 30. This year the official NOAA tropical outlook is for a near-average hurricane season. This does not mean a tropical system will or will not make landfall for sure on Delmarva.

Below are the air days and times of the show:

Friday, June 12th @ 2pm on Delmarva's CW3
Sunday, June 14th @ 3pm on WMDT 47
Saturday, July 11th @ 3:30pm on WMDT 47
Sunday, July 26th @ 10am on Delmarva's CW3
Monday, August 17th @12:30 pm on Delmarva's CW3
Sunday, August 23rd @4:30pm on WMDT 47

Lightning Safety

Most people do not realize how dangerous lightning can be, an average of 62 fatalities in the United States occur each year and hundreds of others were seriously injured. Thunderstorms form from the result of buildup & a discharge of electrical energy between negatively charged areas which is the bottom of the cloud and positively charged areas which are items on Earth, it basically static electricity. Here are a few tips to know about thunderstorms: if you hear thunder you are close enough to be struck by lightning! Lightning occurs with all thunderstorms, no matter what! Most people think that lightning that they can see but not hear is "heat lightning", there is no such thing! "Heat lightning" is just a thunderstorm far away that you just can't hear yet, this could be headed your way! Another safety tip, if your hair stands on end or your skin begins to tingle, make yourself the smallest object and do the lightning safety crouch, you need to get low to the ground on the balls of your feet, place your hands on your knees with your head between them. Always seek shelter when you hear thunder, do not stand under trees, get out of the water even if you are boating, do not take a bath or shower, and stay off the phone unless an emergency!

For more lightning safety tips visit the National Weather Service: www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov

2009 Atlantic Hurricane Season Begins

Today (June 1st marks the start of the Atlantic Tropical season. NOAA forecasters are expecting a near average season with 9-14 named storms, 4-7 hurricanes, and 1-3 major hurricanes. An average season has 11 named storms, 6 hurricanes, and 2 major hurricanes. Note these numbers do not indicate landfalling storms.

Just because an average season is expected, you still need to be prepared. Go to http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/prepare/family_plan.shtml for preparedness information.

You can also track the tropical systems at www.nhc.noaa.gov

Localized Heavy Rain

A warm moist air mass flowing up from the south running into a frontal boundary has been the focal point for showers and thunderstorms. These showers and storms were scattered but have been very slow moving on Memorial Day and today. Rainfall rates were up to 1-2 in/hr and some localized areas underneath the storms received about a quick 3 inch rainfall. Rainfall rates this high will cause localized flooding and ponding on the roadways, that's why flood advisories were issued on Monday for a few areas.

As of now, more scattered showers and storms are expected Thursday afternoon and Friday. If you happen to encounter any flooded roadways while driving, just turn around and find another way. It only takes 2 feet of fast flowing water to move a car and 6 inches of fast flowing water to knock and adult over. So it is best to take the National Weather Service advice, "Turn Around Don't Drown."

Record Lows Temps In SBY

High pressure remains situated off the coast creating clear skies calm winds making another chance to hit the 30s for the third night in a row. Early Tuesday morning Salisbury hit a record low temperature of 35 degrees at 5:15AM dropping below the record low of 36 degrees in 2002. With the same setup high pressure centered off the northern Atlantic coast clear skies calm winds helped drop temperatures even lower early Wednesday morning. Wednesday's low hit the freezing mark at 32 degrees at 4:49 AM breaking the record of 34 degrees in 2002. Tonight's forecast expected to be another cold night with cold, calm conditions in the 30s but not expected to hit the record low at 31degrees. However, good news for the start to the holiday weekend with the continued high pressure situated off shore makes way for sunshine with good boating & beaching conditions Thursday and Friday.

National Safe Boating Week (May 16-22)

With the weather and water warming up, many folks are readyor already have put their boats in the water. This week the National Weather Service and National Safe Boating Council have teamed up to promote safe boating practices. Each day this week there will be a boating topic that will be focused on and promoted to help keep boaters educated and safe. Here are the daily topics that will be covered this week (provided by the National Weather Service and National Safe Boating Council):

Saturday:
...Boating Under the Influence...
The following is a safe boating message from the National Safe Boating Council and the National Weather Service...

The effects of alcohol can be even more hazardous on the water than on land. Boating Under the Influence, or BUI, affects judgment, vision, balance and coordination. These impairments can increase the risk of being involved in a boating accident... for both passengers and boat operators. Alcohol is a contributing factor in about a third of all recreational boating fatalities.

It is illegal to operate any boat or watercraft while under the influence of alcohol or drugs in every state. Penalties can include fines, suspension or revocation of your drivers license and even jail time.

Every boater needs to understand the risks of boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs. To learn more, visit the National Safe Boating Council online, at www.safeboatingcouncil.org.

Check www.weather.gov or listen to NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards for the latest forecasts and warnings.

This message is brought to you by the National Safe Boating Council and the National Weather Service, reminding you that Safe Boating Week is May 16 through the 22nd.

Sunday
...Dangers of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning...
The following is a safe boating message from the National Safe Boating Council and the National Weather Service...

Every boater should be aware of the risks associated with carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas produced when a carbon-based fuel - such as gasoline or propane - burns. C-O can be emitted from boat engines and gas generators.

Carbon monoxide fumes can harm or even kill you inside or outside your boat. It enters your bloodstream through the lungs, blocking the oxygen your body needs. Early symptoms are often confused with seasickness or intoxication. Prolonged exposure to low concentrations or short exposure to high concentrations can kill you.

Every boater needs to understand the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning. Know where and how carbon monoxide may accumulate in and around your boat. Maintain fresh air circulation. Install and maintain CO alarms inside your boat. To learn more, visit the National Safe Boating Council online, at www.safeboatingcouncil.org.

Check www.weather.gov or listen to NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards for the latest forecasts and warnings.

Monday
...Life Jackets...
The following is a safe boating message from the National Safe Boating Council and the National Weather Service...

Before you and your family get out on the water this year, grab a life jacket and "Wear It!" Nearly 90 percent of those who drown while boating were not wearing a life jacket.

Life jacket wear is one of the most effective and simple life-saving strategies for safe recreational boating. Boaters are required to have a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket on board for every passenger on their vessel.

Modern life jackets are available in a wide variety of shapes, colors, and sizes. They are comfortable, lightweight, and perfect for any boating activity or sport.

No matter what the activity or life jacket style chosen, the most important thing is this: remember to grab a life jacket and "Wear It!" To learn more, visit the National Safe Boating Council online, at www.safeboatingcouncil.org.

Check www.weather.gov or listen to NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards for the latest forecast and warnings.

Tuesday
...Navigation in Dense Fog...
The following is a safe boating message from the National Weather Service and the National Safe Boating Council...

Don't be caught in a fog, especially on the water. You just may lose your life. Fog can create very low visibility making safe navigation difficult for boaters. Fog is formed when moist air changes form creating a cloud at the earth's surface. In dense fog the visibility can be reduced to less than a boat length, significantly increasing the risk of collision or grounding your boat.

If your boat is shrouded in fog, reduce your boat speed. Remember - you should always wear your life jacket whether it is foggy or not, but double-check to make sure that everyone is wearing a United States Coast Guard approved life jacket in situations with fog. Display lights and sound warning signals for limited visibility following navigation safety rules.

You can always anchor in a safe location until conditions improve. Other precautions boaters take in low visibility include posting lookouts to see and listen for signals or sounds from other vessels, or to just listen for the sound of breaking waves.

Remember that safe boating is no accident. Consider staying in port when dense fog is occurring or is expected. Listen to NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards for the latest forecast and observation information before setting sail. On the open waters, set your radio frequency to the NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards for alerts on sudden severe storms that might cross your path. Be prepared, not sorry.

Wednesday
...Navigation Rules of the Road...
The following is a safe boating message from the National Safe Boating Council and the National Weather Service...

Do you know what to do when approaching, meeting or over taking another boat? Before you take your boat out on the water this season, it's important that you know the "nautical rules of the road."

The nautical rules of the road are the navigation rules for preventing collisions on the water. Knowing the nautical rules of the road is important for all boaters. Knowing what to do when meeting, crossing or over taking another boat can prevent costly damage to your boat, personal injury or even loss of life. Whenever you believe there is a risk of collision you should slow down, stop or steer away from the situation as described in the navigation rules. Maintaining a proper lookout and a safe speed are all a part of the navigation rules and should be an important part of your boat operation.

Take some time to learn the nautical rules of the road this summer and ensure safer boating for you, your family, and the other boaters on the water. To learn more, visit the National Safe Boating Council online, at www.safeboatingcouncil.org.

And Remember...
Grab a life jacket and "Wear It!"

Thursday
...Vessel Safety Check (VSC)...
The following is a safe boating message from the National Safe Boating Council and the National Weather Service...

This boating season, make sure that you take advantage of the Vessel Safety Check (VSC), program - a free, no risk, service provided in your area by the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and the US Power Squadrons. A qualified vessel examiner will conduct an inspection of all the required safety equipment carried or installed on a vessel and certain aspects of the vessel's overall condition. Even if you pay careful attention to safety, dangerous mechanical problems can crop up on the best-maintained boat. That's why the U.S. Coast Guard recommends that all recreational boats (including personal watercraft) get a free VSC each year.

A VSC is your best way of learning about conditions that might put you in violation of state or federal laws or, worse, create an unsafe condition for you or your passengers on the water.

Be prepared for any emergency when you are afloat. Get a free vessel safety check to ensure that your vessel complies with both Federal and State requirements. If the vessel meets all requirements, the examiner will award a Vessel Safety Check decal. If you vessel fails to receive a VSC decal, no law enforcement action is taken and the examiner will provide a list of items for correction.

To learn more, visit the National Safe Boating Council online, at www.safeboatingcouncil.org.

Friday
...Lightning Safety on the Open Water...
The following is a safe boating message from the National Weather Service and the National Safe Boating Council...

No one thinks they will ever be struck by lightning, but the most common threat boater's face in thunderstorms is lightning. Each year 100,000 thunderstorms develop across the United States and adjacent coastal waters. Lightning can generate a phenomenal amount of heat that can vaporize water, melt metal, or cause objects to explode. In fact, bolts of lightning can produce extreme temperatures up to 53,000 degrees Fahrenheit - or almost 5 times hotter than the surface of the sun!

A lightning strike to a boat can be catastrophic, especially if it results in a fire or loss of radio and navigation equipment. Although you cannot prevent lightning from striking your boat you can take protective measures to limit the damage.

The best things to do the minute you see lightning or hear thunder: head to shore and take shelter until the storm passes. If you must weather the storm out on the water, drop anchor so the boat's bow points into the wind. If your boat has a cabin, stay inside and avoid touching metal or electrical devices. If your boat doesn't have a cabin, stay as low as you can in the boat.
At all times, but especially during thunderstorms, make sure you and your crew are wearing life jackets. To protect your boat, make sure it is grounded. Use a good conductive material to allow the current to travel through and off the boat through a discharge plate or the keel. Another way to minimize the chance of a lightning strike is to install a static dissipater.

Even though you cannot stop lightning from striking, you can take measures to protect or minimize damage to yourself and your crew. Remember that boating safety begins ashore with planning and training.

Listen to NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards for the latest forecast and observation information before setting sail. On the open waters, set your radio frequency to the NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards for alerts on sudden severe storms that might cross your path. Be prepared, not sorry.

Ocean City Community Preparedness

Ocean City emergency officials held a community preparedness seminar, to help the public prepare for any emergency situations. The seminar informed the public on plans that are in place in case of evacuations, plans the public should take ahead of time, and phases the Ocean City officials will follow during emergency situations. The number one topic that was stressed is to be prepared ahead of time, make sure your family has a plan. Ocean City emergency officials encourage all household to take four steps to prepare before an emergency strikes.
1.Get Informed
2.Make A Plan
3.Make An Emergency Kit
4.Be Aware
The other important topics that were stressed is flood insurance, grants that can be applied for after June 1st, and getting items for your home to prepare yourself for an emergency situation. The points made at the seminar can be found on the Ocean City Emergency website at ocmdemergency.com which also including contact information for questions concerning the Ocean City Emergency Services.

Below Aveage Rainfall

Since the start of 2009, Salisbury is significantly below average in the way of precipitation. During the month of January rainfall totals coming in just above an inch of rain at 1.17" with February even drier at just .24"! In the month of April slightly better conditions in the way of precipitation totals coming in at 4.44", but still below average. Since the start of this year not once has Salisbury been at or above average in the way of rainfall. Finally, starting off the month of May with above average rain totals thus far at almost 2" that is more than January, February and March put together. In the past 4 months, we have had a total rainfall amounts of 9.19" and normal value for the year should be 17.13", that is 7.94" below average. So with the current weather pattern, keeping rain chances in the forecast for Salisbury maybe we will break the current below average rainfall pattern in the next month.

Wet Start to the Month of May

The month of April for Salisbury ended up with above average rainfall and we are already off to a wet start for May. Overall, we are still over eight inches below-average of precipitation for the year. The upcoming forecast will certainly help as showers remain in the forecast.

A cold front, which came through Delmarva on Saturday has stalled out across the tidewater of Virginia. Waves of low pressure will continue to ride along the boundary and provide rounds of showers and possible thunderstorms. The front will wobble north and south over the next several days and the exact position of the front will determine our temperatures and precipitation amounts and chances. Currently the front is well enough to the south to keep most locations on Delmarva on the cooler side in the 50s. The exception is the southern Virginia portion where temperatures are in the low 70s. If there front lifts any further north, the temperature spread will increase from south to north.

The heavy rain and thunderstorm activity remains along and to the south of the front where the atmosphere is most unstable. Right now, most of the thunderstorm chances will remain across southern Delmarva unless the front moves northward. The chance for showers will continue through Tuesday before we catch a break from the rain on Wednesday. More rain chances will then arrive later in the week as the front impacts us again.

Summer Preview Ends

Today was the fourth day in a row that a 90 degree temperature was recorded on Delmarva. Ocean City was the only spot today that reached 90. Winds were stronger today out of the southwest which kept temperatures down a few degrees from the past three days. The ocean water is now starting to warm up as well. The full sunshine the past several days combined with calm seas allowed the water temperatures to warm up into the mid 50s recorded at the offshore buoy off the Delaware coast. I expect teh ocean temperatures to fluctuate up and down over the next few weeks as storms kick up the colder water below. The Bay waters should have warmed up as well which will be great news for crabbers.

A cold front which has been sitting out in the Midwest over the past several days is now on the move. The frotn will spread clouds and bring and end to the well-above average temperatures. The front will slide through Delmarva Wednesday morning causing a wind switch to the northeast. There will be a chance for showers as most of the showers are placed behind the front. Highs on Wednesday will be much cooler in the lower 60s in many areas. Cool temperatures in the 60s will continue on Thursday before we make another brief run at 80 degrees on Friday.

Storms Continue on Wednesday

A jet stream trough continued over the northeast today allowing for more showers and thunderstorms to develop. An upper-level cold pocket of air shifted across the mid-Atlantic today which destabilized the atmosphere and allowed showers and isolated storms to develop. Some of the showers contained brief downpours and gusty winds. With the cold pocket of air aloft, hail was possible with any thunderstorms and was reported in Virginia. A severe thunderstorm developed late afternoon in southeastern Worcester county, MD and northeastern Accomack county VA which covered the ground with hail 5 miles NW of Chincoteague, VA. Pea to nickel size hail was reported. Drier weather will return on Thursday as the trough lifts out of the northeast.

A ridge in the jet stream will then develop over the east late in the week and hold into next week. This shift in the jet stream will allow warmer air to expand across the mid-Atlantic. Strong late April sunshine will allow temperatures to climb into the low to mid 80s inland this weekend into early next week.

Cool Weather Continues

The start of the Spring season has turned out to be dry but on the cool side. Today's highs reached the mid to upper 50s and it looks like we won't reach those values until late this week. High latitude jet stream blocking will occur downstream from the northeast which will lead to cooler than average conditions for the Northeast and mid-Atlantic. A back door cold front (a front which approaches from the north or northeast) will slide through tonight bringing just a few clouds and a Canadian air-mass for early this week. Abundant sunshine will prevail but the northerly winds will keep temperatures cooler in the upper 40s to low 50s through Wednesday. Temperatures will moderate some by the end of the week approaching the low 60s before another cold front slides through late in the weekend. Expect a small chance for showers on Thursday and then a better chance with the cold front passage for next Sunday. I expect overall temperatures to remain below average through the month of March into April as the downstream jet stream blocking continues.

Snow Totals

Last nights storm system is now off the coast of Main but dropped anywhere from 2-12" of snow across Delmarva. Most of the highest widespread amounts were across the northern viewing area in the upper MD Eastern Shore counties and in central and northern Delaware. There were a few other locally higher amounts across the area. Here some snowfall amounts and a few photos from around Delmarva. Thanks to everyone for their snow reports and photos.

Royal Oak, MD (Talbot county): 12.2"

Church Creek, MD (Dorchester county): 11.0"

Centerville, MD (Queen Anne's county): 10.3"

Frankford, DE (Sussex county): 9.0"

Ridgely, MD (Caroline county): 8.8"

Argos Corner, DE (Sussex county): 8.5"

Riverdale, DE (Sussex county): 6.0"

Cambridge, MD (Dorchester county): 6.0"

Lewes, DE (Sussex county): 5.5"

Sharptown, MD (Wicomico county): 5.5"

Salisbury, MD Airport (Wicomico county): 3.5"

Berlin, MD (Worcester county): 2.5"

Photo: Carol Loy (Oriole, MD)

Photo: C.J Wood (Ridgely, MD)

Photo: C.J. Wood (Ridgely, MD)

Photo: Hunter Outten (Frankford, DE)

Needed Rain in the Forecast

An area of low pressure developing over the center Plaines will track northeast towards the Great Lakes on Wednesday. The storm does not look to be very intense and most the of the energy will be to the northwest of Delmarva. However expect rain showers to develop by late morning from west to east and continue off and on through the afternoon and evening. It is possible that areas north and west of Delmarva such as southern PA and central and western MD could see a brief period of a wintry mix at the onset if the precipitation starts early enough. Warm air will then quickly win out and turn everything to rain. A milder push of air will move in tomorrow afternoon and evening and then exit Thursday as a cold front moves through.

Although rainfall amounts should only be around a 1/4 inch or so this would be some welcomed rain. Since the start of 2009 we are already down anywhere from 3-5 inches of precipitation. Typically February is one of the drier months of the year but March averages over 4.5" of precipitation. Also, the overall weather pattern in the next week or so does look fairly active and have potential for some storm development.

Arctic Air Returns

A chilly day is on tap for the Eastern Shore Thursday, a low pressure system located just of the east coast will continue to move northeast as a high pressure system begins to build in to Ohio Valley area. This set up will help provide cold arctic air to sink into the northeast with windy conditions on Thursday. Along the Eastern Shore there will be bitterly cold temperatures Thursday with highs only in the lower 20s and with winds out of the northeast between 15-25 mph, making wind chills drop into the single digits. Overnight Thursday, winds become calm but with clear skies, which will bring tomorrows evening low near the singles digits to the lower teens. Expect temperatures in Salisbury to be near 8 degrees, and along the coast in the lower teens. Mild temperatures begin to creep back in Friday and especially for the weekend with highs in the 50s.

Another Round of Wintry Weather

After another stellar weather day with highs near 60 degrees, winter weather returns to the forecast. Last week it looked like a disturbance in the southern branch of the jet stream would phase with a disturbance in the northern branch of the jet stream to form a strong storm system. Over the weekend changes occurred in the forecast showing that these two disturbances would not phase and remain separate. This has a big impact on the overall forecast for the northeast as no major storm system will develop. However there still will be the opportunity for some light snow through the day on Tuesday for Delmarva.

An area of low pressure is developing ahead of a cold front over the south and will continue to track northeast on Tuesday. This low pressure area will remain well offshore allowing the heaviest moisture to remain offshore. A second upper-level disturbance will rotate down from the Great Lakes and intensify on Tuesday. Initially the precipitation will arrive overnight Monday in the form as some light rain and snow showers. As the offshore low pressure intensifies on Tuesday, colder air will be drawn into the area allowing the rain to change over to snow during the morning hours. The strong upper-level disturbance will then approach us by the afternoon. This will cause an increase in precipitation in the from of light snow. The axis of heaviest snowfall looks to setup up across Eastern PA, Central NJ, and Southern NJ.

Overall I see the chance for a 1-3 inch snowfall across northern Delmarva and a coating to an inch for central locations. Amounts will really be determined by how quick the rain changes to snow and the location and intensity of the two storm systems. The heaviest precipitation looks to occur in the afternoon. Given the temperatures will be above 32 and the snow falling during the daytime, the highest accumulation should be on grassy areas. However if any heavier bursts develop, the snow will accumulate on the roads with reduced visibility. The snow will then taper off to flurries by the evening and temperatures will fall below freezing. Any standing water will likely freeze so icy conditions are expected Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.

24 Hour Temperature Change

The low pressure system that brought a wide spread snowfall and freezing rain to Delmarva Tuesday, January 27th, changed over to rain with an extreme temperature changes in the past 24 hours. Yesterday, temperatures lingered just below the freezing mark but today, Wednesday January 28th, a warm front associated with the low pressure system brought gusty winds, heavy rainfall, and extreme temperatures to Delmarva. Today's highs on the Eastern Shore was an extreme split from Easton, MD moving NE across the Peninsula just south of Dover, ranging in a difference of 21 degrees. Dover, DE high temperature today was 41 degrees and across the warm front in Salisbury, MD the high reached 62 degrees. As the system finally moved through the area just around 530pm-545 pm, the southern parts of the Eastern Shore experienced light thunderstorms, winds gusts over 40 mph, rainfall up to 1" and a rapid temperature drop. Tonight as the cold front passes off the east coast, cold air will filter back into the area. The temperatures tonight will return to the 20s and highs tomorrow will be in the upper 30s.

Delmarva's January Snowfall

Today, was the first wide spread snowfall across Delmarva, snowfall amounts ranging up to 2.2". A low pressure system moved into the Delmarva area today, ahead of the system was a cold air mass with enough moisture to bring snowfall to the Eastern Shore!
Today’s notable snowfall amounts:

Maryland

Saint Michaels: 2.0"

Royal Oak: 1.8"

Salisbury: 1.5"

Cambridge: 1.0"

Princess Anne: 1.0"

Delaware

Riverdale: 2.0"

Bridgeville 1.2"

Dover 1.1"

Frankford 1.10"

For the rest of the evening expect temperatures to linger just under the freezing mark, this will bring a chance for light ice accumulation to roadways and cars. Black ice is very possible tonight, especially on bridges and overpasses. After midnight, temperatures will begin to rise above the freezing level as a warm front approaches the area. The low pressure system will continue to move off shore Wednesday with warmer temperatures in the 50s and rainfall amounts between a quarter and half inch. As a cold front moves through Delmarva on Wednesday night colder temperatures will move back into Delmarva with lows in the 20s and highs back in the 30s.

Delmarva's January Snowfall Pictures

The Following Pictures Courtesy Of:

Weather Watcher

Hunter Outten

Frankford, DE

The Following Pictures Courtesy Of:

Weather Watcher

Carol Loy

Oriole, MD

Warmer Conditions Are On The Way!!!

There's a chance to hit the 50 degree mark on Friday, January 23rd. In the past week, cold artic conditions have swept across the northeast; bringing low temperatures near -2 degrees in Salisbury with wind chills in the negative teens. We've had black ice, sleet, flurries, cold rain, freezing fog but the worst of all was the bitter cold temperatures!
Finally, there may be some relief on the way, as a high pressure system moves off the east coast bringing SW winds and sunshine into the forecast for Friday! With all of these ingredients it just might make for a beautiful day with temperatures in the lower 50s. The last time Salisbury hit the 50 degree mark, was January 11th, 2009. The warm conditions will not be sticking around for long, with highs back in the 30s, the start of next week.

January Snowfall

After a extremely cold weekend with a Saturday morning low of -1, temperatures have warmed up a bit and some snow fell across Delmarva. If you like a little snow, then you will like the short term forecast. A trough in the jet stream continues to be situated over the northeast and mid-Atlantic. A series of disturbances will rotate around the next over the next 48 hours. Expect cloudy skies with cold temperatures and a chance for some snow showers. The first disturbance came through this evening producing a period of light snow. Temperatures were well above freezing so little if any accumulation occurred in most places. The exception was areas that saw a heavy burst of snow. One of these areas was in Sussex county, DE in Frankford. They received a covering up to 3/4" of snow. Here is a photo taken from our weather watcher Hunter Outten in Frankford.

On Monday, another disturbance will track through the mid-Atlantic bringing another chance at some light snow late Monday afternoon and evening. Not much accumulation is expected but if any heavy bursts develop, expect the potential for a coating to an inch to occur. Temperatures again will be above freezing until the evening.