Friday Daily Weather Summary

ONLINE DAILY WEATHER SUMMARY

Friday, 22 January 1999

A MAJOR STORM DEVELOPS IN THE NATION'S MIDSECTION
SEVERE WEATHER RAKES THE MISSISSIPPI VALLEY
ICY CONDITIONS ACROSS THE UPPER MIDWEST
ARCTIC AIR REMAINS ALONG THE CANADIAN BORDER
CONTINUED WARM WEATHER ACROSS THE SOUTHEAST
WINTRY WEATHER CONTINUES IN THE ROCKIES
TEMPERATURE EXTREMES ACROSS THE CONTINENTAL US
ALASKAN WEATHER
HAWAIIAN WEATHER
HISTORICAL WEATHER EVENTS

WELCOME TO ONLINE WEATHER - The Daily Weather Summary file will describe the current weather pattern across the U.S. Additional Supplemental Information Files will provide optional background material when appropriate.

A MAJOR STORM DEVELOPS IN THE NATION'S MIDSECTION -- A large and powerful storm developed across the Plains on Thursday. This sytem was accompanied by severe thunderstorms, heavy rains and icy weather conditions. As of late Thursday night the storm had several low pressure centers along a long frontal boundary that separated tropical air in the Southeast from the cold air in the upper Midwest. One low pressure center was located over northeastern Oklahoma and another center was found in the Texas Panhandle. A warm front, representing the leading edge of warm, humid air from the Gulf, extended eastward across the Mississippi and Ohio Valleys. A cold front extended southward from the low in the Texas Panhandle toward the Edwards Plateau, marking the boundary of drier and cooler air over west Texas and New Mexico.

The counterclockwise circulation of air around this storm has carried a large region of precipitation northward around the eastern flank of the system. Numerous thunderstorms were found to the southeast of the low from the Gulf Coast northward to the warm front across the Ohio Valley. To the north, a wide shield stretched the southwest portion of Michigan's Lower Peninsula westward to north central Kansas.

This low pressure system is expected to move toward western Illinois on Friday carrying the warm moist air northward.

SEVERE WEATHER RAKES THE MISSISSIPPI VALLEY -- The southern Plains storm system was responsible for a major severe weather outbreak that occurred on Thursday evening across the lower and mid Mississippi Valley. Thunderstorms, accompanied by high winds, large hail and tornadoes were reported across the region from Louisiana to southern Illinois. This region was to the south and east of the storm system and accompanying frontal zone. As of late Thursday night, numerous tornadoes had been reported across Arkansas. At least 3 fatalities were reported from these storms near Little Rock, along with numerous injuries. Tornadoes were also reported in Missouri, Illinois and Louisiana. Significant damage was inflicted by these severe thunderstorms and tornadoes.

These thunderstorms developed as warm, humid Gulf air was brought northward across the region on fairly strong winds within the atmosphere's lowest several thousand feet. At about 30,000 feet, very strong jet stream winds from the west, with speeds exceeding 100 mph, ushered in cold, dry air. The vertical contrast in temperature helped make the atmosphere more conducive for the explosive vertical developing thunderstorms. In addition, the wind flow pattern aloft contributed a chimney to help the thunderstorms grow, and the directional turning of the winds with height contributed to the tornado formation within the thunderstorm cells.

In addition to the severe weather, the heavy rains that accompanied the thunderstorms have also increased the possibility of flash flooding. Flash flood watches were posted across portions of Mississippi and Louisiana.

The threat of severe weather is expected to continue into Friday.

Over time, the heavy rains have expanded northward. The heavy rains that have fallen, together with the additional quantities that have been forecast, could present a problem for many communities near Chicago, IL. This large quantity of water falling onto the large snow pack from the early January snowstorms could produce floods as essentially all the water will not have a chance to percolate into the ground.

ICY CONDITIONS ACROSS THE UPPER MIDWEST -- The northward advance of the large precipitation shield along the northside of the storm was also causing problems across the northern Plains, Upper Mississippi Valley and western Great Lakes. Freezing rain was beginning to develop late Thursday across eastern South Dakota, southern Minnesota and central Wisconsin. The rain accompanying the warm air was falling through a shallow cold pool of air that was located across these states. As a result, winter weather advisories had been issued. Several tenths of an inch of glaze are anticipated.

On Friday, a similar freezing rain situation could occur across the eastern Great Lakes and Upstate New York as the precipitation shifts eastward.

ARCTIC AIR REMAINS ALONG THE CANADIAN BORDER -- A stationary front extended along the U.S.-Canadian border. This front separated the cold arctic air from the north from milder conditions to the south. Several weak disturbances, to include a low pressure cell, producing light snowfalls. Williston, ND had a 0.58 inches of liquid equivalent precipitation by midafternoon, establishing a new daily precipitation record and making this month the second wettest January on record.

CONTINUED WARM WEATHER ACROSS THE SOUTHEAST -- Afternoon high temperatures across the Gulf Coast and Southern states were as much 25 degrees above the 30 year climatological average high temperatures for the season. Record high temperatures for the date were once again recorded across Texas and other portions of the South. In Texas, Corpus Christi had a record 85 degrees and San Antonio had 80 degrees. Records were also set in Tennessee at Chattanooga, TN (73 degrees) and Memphis (75 degrees); in Alabama at Montgomery (79 degrees), Pinson (76 degrees) and Huntsville (72 degrees); and at Columbus, GA (77 degrees).

WINTRY WEATHER CONTINUES IN THE ROCKIES -- The daily parade of storms moving on to the West Coast from the north Pacific Ocean appears to have changed its beat. A low pressure system was located to the northwest of British Columbia's Vancouver Island. Most of the precipitation associated with this system was confined to the Pacific Northwest. Snow fell from the Cascades of Washington through the Rockies. As much as 14 inches of snow fell by midmorning in Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho. A snow advisory was issued for the Oregon Cascades for 6 inches of additional snow by late Friday. As much as a foot of snow fell over the Rockies in Colorado.

Heavy snow, with accuumulations between four to six inches, was expected across the Rockies on Thursday night. Flood warnings were continued for rivers in western Oregon.

TEMPERATURE EXTREMES ACROSS THE CONTINENTAL US -- Thursday's lowest temperature was 16 degrees below zero at Roseau, MN and the day's highest temperature was 91 degrees at McAllen, TX.

ALASKAN WEATHER -- High pressure over the upper Yukon Valley, was responsible for clear skies across eastern interior portions of Alaska on Thursday afternoon. However the presence of the high pressure system caused temperatures to fall to as low as 60 degrees below zero. With these frigid conditions, areas of dense fog, ice crystals and haze were reported, to include the Anchorage Bowl. Earlier on Thursday morning, windy conditions and the low air temperatures caused wind chill equivalent temperatures fell to 80 degrees below zero at Selawik and Anaktuvuk.

A large storm system located over the western Aleutians spread clouds and precipitation across western Alaska. Strong southerly winds to the east of the storm system were found across the Alaska Peninsula and southwest Alaska. Cape Romanzof had gusts to 53 mph and Cold Bay gusts to 35 mph. A variety of winter weather watches and warnings were posted across western Alaska and the Pribilofs for blizzard or high wind conditions extending through Friday. High winds that exceeded 30 mph were reported across northwest Alaska as low pressure moved toward the region and intensified the pressure gradient. Kotzebue had gusts to 49 mph and Unalakleet had gusts to 45 mph. Blowing snow was reported along the North Slope.

Tomorrow at 1:09 PM AST, the sun should finally rise above the horizon at Barrow after being below the horizon for 65 days, 23 hours and 25 minutes. The sun was last above the horizon last 18 November at 1:46 PM AST.

The lowest overnight temperature in Alaska on Thursday morning was 60 degrees below zero at Arctic Village and Chandalar Lake, while the mid-afternoon highest statewide temperature was 39 degrees at Dutch Harbor and Adak Island.

HAWAIIAN WEATHER --A wind shear line associated with the southern end of a midlatitude cold front slowed as it approached Kauai from the northwest on Thursday. An increase in the cloud cover and trade showers were found ahead of this shear line. This shear line is expected to stall and dissipate over the islands. To the northwest of the shear line a large high pressure system was intensifying as it moved eastward. As a result, strengthened trade winds, reaching speeds between 20 and 35 mph, are expected by Friday. Surf reaching 18 feet should continue along the north and west shores of the islands, causing the high surf warning to be continued. Small craft advisories were also in effect for all Hawaiian waters.

HISTORICAL WEATHER EVENTS - 22 January

From the files of the Aviation Weather Center, Kansas City, MO and Intellicast

...1904...An F4 tornado leveled the northern half of Moundville, AL. 36 people were killed and 150 were injured. Sections of the northeastern part of the town were left with only bare ground. Some manner of "phosphorescent glow" was noted in this nighttime tornado. (Intellicast)
...1930...The record low temperature for the state of Illinois was set at Mount Carroll. The mercury dipped to 35 degrees below zero. (Intellicast)
...1943...Chinook winds during the early morning hours caused the temperature at Spearfish, SD to rise 49 Fahrenheit degrees from 4 below zero to 45 above in just two minutes (between 7:30 and 7:32 AM), the most dramatic temperature rise in world weather records. An hour and a half later the mercury plunged from 54 above to 4 below zero in twenty-seven minutes. Plate glass windows cracked as a result of the quick thermal expansion and contraction. (David Ludlum)
...1987...A winter storm spread snow from central Mississippi through northern Georgia to New England. Up to 20 inches of snow fell in North Carolina, making this the worst snowstorm to hit the state in nearly 50 years. As much as 15 inches of snow fell across the heavily populated areas of Virginia, Maryland and Delaware. Traffic tie-ups nearly paralyzed the Washington DC area. Winds gusted to 76 mph at Chatham, MA, and in Pennsylvania, snowfall totals ranged up to 21 inches at Dushore. Williamsport, PA received five inches of snow in just one hour. The pressure of the very deep low pressure center dropped to 968 millibars (28.60 inches) as it passed through New England. (National Weather Summary) (Storm Data) (Intellicast)
...1988...The nation was free of winter storms for a day, however, winds in southern California gusted to 80 mph in the Grapevine area of the Tehachapi Mountains, and winds along the eastern slopes of the Rockies reached 100 mph in the Upper Yellowstone Valley of Montana. (National Weather Summary) (Storm Data)
...1989...Low pressure brought heavy rain and gale force winds to Florida. Daytona Beach was drenched with 5.48 inches of rain in 24 hours to establish a January record for that location, and winds at Titusville, FL gusted to 63 mph. (National Weather Summary) (Storm Data)
...1990...It was a very tame and peaceful mid winter day. Mild weather prevailed across the nation, with rain and snow primarily confined to the northeastern U.S. and the Pacific Northwest. Warm weather continued in Florida. Highs of 83 degrees at Hollywood and 85 degrees at Miami were records for the date. (National Weather Summary)

23 January

...1780...The coldest day of the coldest month of record in the northeastern U.S. A British Army thermometer in New York City registered a reading of 16 degrees below zero. During that infamous hard winter the harbor was frozen solid for five weeks, and the port was cut off from sea supply. (David Ludlum)
...1955...The biggest snowfall in 55 years -- 3.5 inches of snow fell at Mobile, AL. (Intellicast)
...1969...A large F4 tornado ripped through Jefferson, Copiah, Simpson, Rankin, Smith, and Scott counties of Mississippi. The tornado tracked a total of 95 miles. 32 people were killed and 241 were injured. (Intellicast)
...1971...The temperature at Prospect Creek Camp, AK plunged to 79.8 degrees below zero, the coldest reading of record for the United States. (David Ludlum)
...1982...A blizzard struck the upper Midwest. Winds gusting up to 60 mph created snow drifts 15 to 20 feet. 18.5 inches was recorded at Minneapolis St. Paul, MN and 18 inches piled up at Sioux City, IA. (Intellicast)
...1987...Strong winds ushered bitterly cold air into the north central U.S., and produced snow squalls in the Great Lakes Region. Snowfall totals in northwest Lower Michigan ranged up to 17 inches in Leelanau County. Wind chill temperatures reached 70 degrees below zero at Sault Ste Marie, MI and Hibbing, MN. (National Weather Summary) (Storm Data)
...1988...Northeastern Colorado experienced its most severe windstorm in years. A wind gust to 92 mph was recorded at Boulder, CO before the anemometer blew away, and in the mountains, a wind gust to 120 mph was reported at Mines Peak. The high winds blew down a partially constructed viaduct east of Boulder, as nine unanchored concrete girders, each weighing forty-five tons, were blown off their supports. (National Weather Summary) (Storm Data)
...1989...Low pressure brought heavy snow to Wyoming, with 18 inches reported at the Shoshone National Forest, and 17 inches in the Yellowstone Park area. Gunnison, CO, with a low of 19 degrees below zero, was the cold spot in the nation for the twelfth day in a row. (National Weather Summary) (Storm Data)
...1990...A Pacific cold front brought strong and gusty winds to the northwestern U.S. Winds in southeastern Idaho gusted to 62 mph at Burley. Strong winds also prevailed along the eastern slopes of the northern and central Rockies. Winds in Wyoming gusted to 74 mph in Goshen County. (National Weather Summary) (Storm Data)

24 January

...1857...The coldest weather in pre-U.S. Weather Bureau history occurred with temperatures of 50 degrees below zero reported in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. The temperature was 30 degrees below zero in Boston, MA and 11 degrees below zero on Nantucket Island. (Intellicast)
...1916...The temperature at Browning, MT plunged 100 degrees in just 24 hours, from 44 degrees above zero to 56 degrees below zero. It was a record 24 hour temperature drop for the U.S. (Weather Channel) (National Severe Storms Forecast Center)
...1922...The all-time record low temperature for the state of Wisconsin was set at Danbury when the temperature dipped to 54 degrees below zero. (Intellicast) (This record has been broken by one degree in February, 1996)
...1935...Snowstorms hit the northeastern U.S. and the Pacific Northwest producing record 24 hour snowfall totals of 23 inches at Portland, ME and 52 inches at Winthrop, MA. (David Ludlum)
...1956...Thirty-eight inches of rain deluged the Kilauea Sugar Plantation of Hawaii in 24 hours, including twelve inches in just one hour. (David Ludlum)
...1963...A great arctic outbreak reached the southern U.S. The cold wave broke many records for duration of cold weather along the Gulf Coast. A reading of 15 degrees below zero at Nashville, TN was an all-time record low for that location. (David Ludlum)
...1967...An outbreak of 32 tornadoes struck the central U.S. with 14 tornadoes in Iowa, 9 in Missouri, 8 in Illinois, and 1 in Wisconsin. Never had there been a recorded tornado in Iowa in January until this day. Seven people were killed in this outbreak. This was the farthest north tornado outbreak ever recorded for the winter season. (Intellicast)
...1982...Chinook winds plagued the foothills of southeastern Wyoming and northern and central Colorado for the second straight Sunday. The winds gusted to 140 mph at Wondervu, CO, located northeast of Denver. Chinook winds a week earlier produced wind gusts to 137 mph. (Storm Data)
...1987...Temperatures in Minnesota plunged far below the zero mark. International Falls, MN reported a morning low of 35 degrees below zero, and Warroad, MN was the cold spot in the nation with a low of 45 below zero. A storm developing in northeastern Texas produced severe thunderstorms with large hail in Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas. Camden, AR reported golf ball size hail. (National Weather Summary) (Storm Data)
...1988...A blizzard rapidly developed in the north central U.S. In just one hour weather conditions in eastern North Dakota switched from sunny skies, light winds and temperature readings in the 20s, to rapidly falling temperatures and near zero visibility in snow and blowing snow. High winds in Wyoming, gusting to 72 mph at Gillette, produced snow drifts sixteen feet high. Northwestern Iowa experienced its second blizzard in just 24 hours. High winds in Iowa produced wind chill readings as cold as 65 degrees below zero. (National Weather Summary) (Storm Data)
...1989...Heavy snow blanketed the Rockies and the Northern High Plains Region. Hettinger, ND received 12 inches of snow. Wolf Creek Pass, CO was blanketed with 16 inches of snow in just 24 hours. Severe cold prevailed across Alaska. Between the 24th and the 29th of January, a total of thirty stations in the state report all-time record low temperatures. (National Weather Summary) (Storm Data)
...1990...A deep low pressure system brought high winds and heavy snow to the western Aleutian Islands of Alaska. Winds gusting to 82 mph at Shemya reduced the visibility to near zero in blowing snow. Rain and gale force winds lashed the northern Pacific coast. Thunderstorms produced locally heavy rains over the central Gulf coast states. (National Weather Summary) (Storm Data)