Standing lenticular clouds over our mountains this morning. Check out the satellite loop and description in my post to learn more about these interesting clouds. – Pic taken 4/30/2023
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Sunday – 30 Apr 2023 – 4:45pm
The past…
At Stevens Field the high temperature yesterday afternoon was 71 and this afternoon it was also 71. The low this morning was 33. Our low was 31 at the southern end of O’Neal Park.
The peak wind at Stevens Field yesterday afternoon was 23mph and this afternoon it was 22mph. Our peak wind this afternoon in O’Neal Park was 22mph.
*** The average last freeze is 31 May. Temps can still drop below freezing into the third week of June with average lows remaining in the mid-30s. ***
| Average High | Record High / Year | Average Low | Record Low / Year |
| 62 | 81 / 1981 | 26 | 19 / 1909 |
Precipitation summary… No measurable precip was reported in the last 24 hours.
Forecast discussion…
The clouds are lee-side cirrus and altocumulus standing lenticular. Moderate to strong upper level flow perpendicular to our mountains and stable conditions above mountain-top level help develop those clouds above and downwind of the mountains. The clouds don’t move much but will continuously change shape. Standing lenticular clouds indicate turbulence to pilots.
Note: The lead picture above was taken during this satellite loop. The standing lenticular clouds in the picture also show up in the satellite loop.
There is nothing significant on radar in our region this afternoon.
Highlights…
*** A multi-day period of warm temps has increased run-off again. Area streams are on the rise. ***
River flow…
On 28 Apr Navajo Reservoir had an inflow of 4,501cfs, an outflow of 497cfs, and it rose 0.68 feet. On 29 Apr it had an inflow of 4,786, an outflow of 498cfs, and rose 0.72 feet.
Rest of today through Monday… Ridging and upper level northwest flow will continue to bring us fantastic spring weather. Occasional patches of clouds will move through, but we’ll have lots of sun and pleasant temps.
Temps… Lows tonight will be in the high 20s to high 30s. Tomorrow highs in the high 60s to mid-70s and lows will be in the high 20s to high 30s.
Winds… Tomorrow afternoon peaks will be around 15mph.
Tuesday through Thursday… The ridge will push to our east and upper level southwest flow will increase as a slow moving low pressure system meanders around the CA and NV area. We’ll be on the eastern edge of that system and will see a few more clouds and a slight chance for spotty afternoon showers and a thunderstorm or two.
Temps… Tuesday and Wednesday highs will be in the low 60s to low 70s and lows will be in the high 20s to high 30s. Thursday temps will be a little cooler with highs in the high 50s to high 60s and lows in the mid-20s to mid-30s.
Winds… Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon winds will peak in the 15-20mph range. Winds Thursday afternoon will be a little stronger with gusts in the 20-25mph range.
I plan to do the April Summary and May Outlook tomorrow. My next forecast post will be on Tuesday.
– Shawn
