Weather! Improvement on the way

Apologies for the late forecast tonight, people. I am sad to admit that today was definitely a semester-end-induced case of the Mondays.

May 3, 2010; 8:09 PM • by Weather Dan

Apologies for the late forecast tonight, people. I am sad to admit that today was definitely a semester-end-induced case of the Mondays.

Richmond set a record Sunday night, though not one you might expect. The low temperature for Sunday was 72 degrees, which we reached prior to sunrise Sunday morning. This broke the record for warmest low temperature for the date; the previous record for the date was 66 degrees, set in 2004. This also sets the record for the earliest day in the year with a low temperature of 70 degrees or higher. The previous record was 70 degrees, set on May 11th, 1916.

While you’re reading the previous paragraph, keep this in mind: the average high temperature for this time of year is 73 degrees.

After an overcast day today, Monday night is looking like a bit more of the same. Clouds associated with a frontal boundary over the Blue Ridge are trying to move eastward and clear out, but they are taking their time. It means that we’ll continue to see unseasonably warm temperatures overnight, but we’ll also have the humidity sticking around. Low temperatures tonight should fall into the upper 60s as some breaks start to appear overnight.

Clouds still stick around through Tuesday morning, though skies will become partly cloudy around midday, allowing for some additional sun to get through and boost daytime highs into the low 80s. The humidity will begin to break as well, making tomorrow slightly more pleasant. (I’m looking forward to being able to turn off the AC for a bit.) The possibility of rain is gone from the forecast, leaving us with a pleasant Spring day. Tuesday night is more of the same, as low temperatures drop into the mid 50s.

Squirrelcast (vs. Altoona, 7:05pm): It’ll be a great night for baseball. Partly clear skies will persist, with light wind and first-pitch temperatures in the mid 70s. Expect a sharp drop as the game progresses, with temperatures into the 60s by 10pm.

The middle of the week is setting up to be a nice one, with clear skies and warm temperatures, but most importantly, a break in the humidity. I’ll have an updated forecast ready on Wednesday.

May 3, 2010 8:09 PM 0