"Because I have something worth living for."

Harry Potter to Lord Voldemort in Deathly Hallows, Part 2

STORMCAST:  MIDWEST & SOUTHEAST STORM RISK

2:35 PM  EDT Friday 7/15/2011 - Those readers who took refuge from the heat or storms last night to revel in Harry Potter 7, Part 2 now know the  secrets as to how "It All Ends." Those of us in the climate science community are also yearning to uncover similar earth-shattering secrets hinting as to if or when the "Extreme to Exceptional" drought plaguing the central and southern U.S. can also end. Looking at the current NWS advisory map to the left and seeing temperatures blaze into the 100's across many states, we know there are readers aplenty out there who just can't take anymore of this.


What does it means to "be on the team?" Consider reading this special report and meet just a few of the 40+ hard-working forecasters who reach a daily audience of nearly 30,000 in all 50 states. If these fine students and professionals are any indication of our nation's future, it is very bright indeed. By their reports, it is clear they have something worth living for.

To help us all gain a clearer understanding of how these climate and weather interactions occur, we  are launching an evidence-based climate science research focus into our forecasts over time. There is a wealth of evidence to unpack regarding changes between La Nina and El Nino, and how those or other climate teleconnections can correlate to produce unusually long term climate patterns, as well as exacerbate already stressed regions such as the persistent southern  U.S. drought. Some in the news media have compared this "waterless catastrophe" to the infamous Dust Bowl of the 1930's. 

Any hints on the horizon? Our student and professional forecasters recognize this drought situation has become a destructive influence on local economies in the south. Despite the boiling look of the 6-10 day temperature outlook (to the right), early indications in the 8-14 outlook from the Climate Prediction Center show increasing probability of above normal precipitation along the Gulf coast toward late July. What few options there are include the hope of one or more slow-moving, landfalling tropical systems to deliver a copious soaking rain over several days. Our multi-state Tropical Team continues a close watch on any evidence that a system will develop and head toward the drought-stricken regions of North America. Nature usually abhors a vacuum, so until it is filled, know that scores of professional meteorologists and climatologists at NOAA and National Weather Service will continue providing the latest observations and data, such as this June 2011 Climate Highlights report, to assist all of us in making the best of it.  


Our Regional Roundup A short overview of our regional forecasters at work today follows shortly. For detailed access to all our zones, please visit Forecast Centers or by clicking either the Western, Central or Eastern tabs above.  In the Pacific Northwest, Forecaster Mark Ingalls reports that cooler conditions have set in across Oregon, Idaho and Washington. In the Tennessee, Storm Chaser and Forecaster Kelton Halbert posted a new thunderstorm risk report in the Southeast Severe page, and our Ohio Valley Severe Weather page features the latest for that region from newly minted Forecaster Jason W. of Eastern Ohio. 


If you are a student wanting to see your area featured, let us know where you live and we can connect you with the nearest forecast team. Send a simple message to info@footsforecast.org.


(Lead Advisor Mr. Foot, Contributors Diandre Williams and Evan Schiesser)