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The heat isn't limited to California. Readings 20 degrees above normal may set new
records from Los Angeles north to Seattle. In Portland, Ore.—where mid 60s are
typical this time of year—unusual 90s are predicted each of the next two days.
Mid May arrives in Chicago with the month's temperatures running within a half
degree of normal—but a noteworthy 6.5 degrees cooler than a year ago. The month's
3.09 inches of rain is twice normal and nearly as much as a full May’s rainfall (3.38
inches). A year-to-year comparison is even more dramatic. Rainfall in the opening 15
days this month is 24 times the 0.13 inches recorded by this date a year ago.
ONLY TWO 80s HERE SO FAR—UNUSUAL COMPARED TO THE PAST 80 YEARS
With no 80s expected here until the week after next, the two 80s on the books stand
out. Only 14 of the past 80 years (since 1928) have recorded so few 80s by mid-May.
Dear Stan and Ted,
Tropical cyclones are named to enable better communication between meteorologists
and the public. Frequently multiple storms are active and naming the storms reduces
confusion and helps the public keep the storms straight.
In 1950, previously anonymous Atlantic Basin tropical cyclones were named using the
phonetic alphabet (Able, Baker, Charlie, etc.). From 1953 until 1978 only women’s
names were used, but starting in 1979 lists of alternating women’s and men’s names
were developed, a system still in use today.
It also makes sense to name tropical cyclones because they can roam the oceans for
days or weeks, while most tornadoes last for just a few minutes.
However, significant tornadoes or major tornado outbreaks are named after the fact,
like the Oak Lawn tornado or the Palm Sunday tornadoes.
-Tom Skilling
Photos courtesy of Taylor Spooner, Aurora, Illinois
Francis and Paula Regelbrugge of west suburban Sugar Grove share this shot of Tuesday
evening’s rainbow there. Thanks Francis and Paula!
Photo coutesy of Francis and Paula Regelbrugge, Sugar Grove, Illinois
Regina Janito sends us this shot taken by her eight year old son Alex in Oswego, Illinois. Thanks Regina and Alex! A great shot!
Photo courtesy of Regina and Alex Janito, Oswego, Illinois
Hanover Park residents were treated to this rainbow in the wake of Tuesday evening’s thunderstorms. Robin Biggs photographed it and shares it with us. Thanks Robin!!
Photo courtesy of Robin Biggs, Hanover Park, Illinois
Photos courtesy of Mike Toohill, Bloomington, Illinois
Powerful winds gushed out of the leading edge of the eastbound storms, reaching 52
m.p.h. at suburban Long Grove, Mundelein and Carpentersville early Tuesday
evening.
ONLY FOUR MAYS IN THE LAST HALF CENTURY WERE WETTER HERE
May's rainfall at O'Hare International Airport reached 2.99 inches prior to Tuesday's
storms, making it the 17th wettest opening for the month here since 1871. Only four
Mays in the past half century have opened wetter.
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I'm old fashioned and I like to hang my wash outside to dry, but I only do this during
the summer. Would clothes still dry even in colder winter temperatures? Would it be
worth trying?
Dear Marlene,
A sunny day is conducive to hanging your wash out anytime, but you will be
disappointed during the colder months.
Drying (evaporation) rates are a function of the air's ability to hold moisture, and this
is determined by temperature. Cold air has a very small capacity to hold moisture,
and a full day on the line on a cold day might still result in damp or frozen clothes.
Sunshine itself has a minor effect, raising the temperature of the clothes and adjacent
air molecules a few degrees.
Indirectly, though, sunny skies usually indicate a dry air mass and, hence, increased
evaporation.
Chicago’s 56-degree high tied May’s coolest reading—but the lakeshore area bore the
brunt of the chill. Highs reached just 44 degrees in Highland Park and in Wrigleyville,
and 46 degrees at Wilmette and Glencoe.
TUESDAY’S HIGH TEMPERATURE IN CHICAGO REBOUNDS TO THE 70s
Highs surge 18 degrees Tuesday to 74 degrees—a reading likely to be the warmest of
the coming seven days. The overall pattern continues to be cool over the next two weeks.
Dear Tom,
Are tornado warnings ever issued for funnel clouds?
-Patricia Nesbit
Dear Patricia,
A meteorologist would not hesitate to issue a tornado warning based on a
funnel cloud if the report appeared to be reliable and could be associated with a
Doppler radar that shows a rotation in the clouds in the area.
A funnel cloud becomes a tornado when it hits the ground. During periods of severe
weather, it could only be a matter of seconds before a funnel reaches the ground and
starts causing damage.
Storm spotters and weather professionals often use the redundant phrase “tornado on
the ground” to convey a sense of urgency and danger to the public about an
approaching twister. The redundancy makes it clear that the storm is an actual tornado
and poses an immediate threat.
A STEAMY MOTHER'S DAY IN FLORIDA
In contrast to Chicago's rainy chill, record heat gripped the Sunshine State. Record
highs were established in many areas, ranging from 93 at Pensacola to 96 at Miami
and Ft. Lauderdale.
TWISTERS STRIKE EASTERN CAROLINAS
Severe weather continued Sunday evening with tornado damage and injuries reported
in eastern North Carolina near Elizabeth City and Morehead City and in South Carolina
near Charleston.
--By Steve Kahn, WGN Weather Center Meteorologist
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More than an inch of rain is likely to fall in many locations in heavy downpours before
the rains diminish to light showers in the afternoon. High temperatures will struggle
to reach the lower 50s, and as strong northeast winds gust in excess of 40 m.p.h. in
the afternoon, readings should drop back into the 40s, making 2008 the coolest
Mother’s Day here since a 50-degree high back on May 12, 2002.
DEADLY TORNADOES SWARM SOUTHWEST MISSOURI
Numerous tornadoes struck southwest Missouri late Saturday. Early reports indicate
three were killed, with many injured and extensive damage. Towns hit included
Neosho, Newtonia and Seneca.