Weather! Beautiful weekend ahead

Seriously, folks, it doesn’t get much better than this in March. 74 was the high for Friday – which is pretty freakin’ sweet on its own. It last hit 74 for the high on November 16, 2009 – more than four months ago! The average high for this time of year is 59, so we’re […]

March 20, 2010; 8:24 AM • by Weather Dan

Seriously, folks, it doesn’t get much better than this in March. 74 was the high for Friday – which is pretty freakin’ sweet on its own. It last hit 74 for the high on November 16, 2009 – more than four months ago! The average high for this time of year is 59, so we’re doing quite well to be this warm this early. I’ve told some people that I’ve talked to in person that I’m ready to declare an end to winter. Well, astronomical spring – the vernal equinox – begins today at 1:32 PM, so officially, winter has ended and spring has begun at that time.

I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw at least one more cold snap before we’re done, but in the meantime, we’ve got some awesome weather, so let’s focus on that before I bring you down.

Saturday
Did you like Friday’s weather? If not, what’s wrong with you?! More of the same is in store for Saturday! Blue skies and lots of sun – highs around 76. It’s going to be an absolutely fabulous day, especially if you’re planning to get outside. The Irish Festival is happening in Church Hill this weekend. If you’re feeling slightly more adventurous, head out to Charlottesville and partake in some of the panels and other events as part of the Virginia Festival of the Book. Just get out and enjoy the weather tomorrow, because the days after aren’t looking as hot – in both the literal and figurative senses. Lows Saturday night should hold in the upper 40s, similar to the last few nights.

SundayI think Sunday’s still going to look pretty good, though with a few more clouds overhead. A low pressure system will be moving into the Mississippi Valley, and bringing us some moisture aloft with it, meaning that Saturday’s blue skies will turn into Sunday’s white skies, as clouds begin to develop overhead in earnest. Sunday’s weather will still be great for getting outdoors: highs in the low to mid 70s again. The cloudcover will keep things from cooling off quite as much Sunday night, with the lows in the low 50s rather than the upper 40s. I wouldn’t be surprised to see some rain move in late in the evening Sunday night.

Monday’s looking the roughest of them all. Thankfully you will have survived the weekend by then, but Monday will be back with a vengeance. Expect a decent amount of rain on Sunday night into Monday, helping to moderate the temperatures somewhat. A cold front in front of this system will bring in more clouds and some instability, so there’s a chance, albeit a small one, Richmond might see a thunderstorm or two before this one is completely done. Highs will still be near 70, but with rain rather than sun.

Longer-range, some of the models for next weekend are looking very interesting – perhaps a cooling trend is in store? It’s still pretty early on to declare a whole lot, but things aren’t looking good for the Monument Ave 10K next Saturday. I’ll have more about that later this week.

March 20, 2010 8:24 AM 0