Foot's Forecast | Weather Intelligence

Celebrating the truth 
about Cinco de Mayo

1:45 PM EDT 5/5/12 (Forecasters Mike N. and Mr. Foot) - Today marks the start of  "Cinco de Mayo" celebrations this weekend, which have their roots in honoring Mexican culture and heritage. The origin of this date is a victory by Mexican forces against the French on May 5, 1862 at the Battle of Puebla. Contrary to what some (including us earlier today!) may believe, this is actually not Mexican Independence Day, which is September 16. The importance of Cinco de Mayo lies in the values of self-determination and liberty, as noted in this article by the Huffington Post. 


There are many events around the country worth mentioning, so we offer this quick look at our local zones and the weather in those areas.. starting with the Kentucky Derby:

Artwork credit: Celeste Susany
As featured on the Commemorative label of the Official Mint Julep

DERBY DAY - Areas such as our Charlotte & The Metrolina zone will be in some pop-up showers and thunderstorms occurring today. Storms are expected from the Northern Plains down through the western Ohio Valley and into the Southeast. The 138th "Race for the Roses" at the Kentucky Derby may be able to squeeze in the most exciting two minutes in sports, but not without the risk of storms before or after the race. 

STEAMY IN THE SOUTH - One region that will be scorching is our Central Florida zone, where it will be a nice weekend for the beaches, but not much else with humid high temperatures sizzling in the lower 90s. Overall, Saturday will be absurdly warm in many areas, except for much of the Northeast. As the stationary front sags, warmth will get pushed to the south, flooding the central and southeast portions of the nation. Highs can be expected in the 80s and 90s for much of the regions.  If that's not enough, portions of Texas could fly right past the 100º mark! 

An inside look at the Ocean City SpringFest via their live webcam

SPRINGY IN THE NORTHEAST -  Humidity levels will start to drop in the Northeast and the northern Mid-Atlantic, but Saturday will still be quite the mild one. If you're heading down to SpringFest in Ocean City, Maryland - our local forecast is posted in The Bayshore zone.  While we won't be near the 90s, Ocean City, MD will be enjoying highs in the mid to upper 70s Saturday, although some scattered thunderstorms are possible. 

WINTRY IN THE WEST? WHAAT? - A storm in the Pacific Northwest is actually dropping some wintry weather to the higher elevations of Idaho and Montana, warranting some Winter Weather Advisories for the regions. This will be quite rare, considering that we are getting into the month of May!  

Have a spectacular Cinco de Mayo Saturday everyone!