Geese at sunrise – pic taken 8/22/2023
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Wednesday – 23 Aug 2023 – 1:30pm
The past…
At Stevens Field the high temperature so far today is 75 and the low this morning was 60. The lowest humidity so far today is 35%.
The peak wind at Stevens Field so far today is 6mph.
| Average High | Record High / Year | Average Low | Record Low / Year |
| 79 | 89 / 1945 | 43 | 31 / 1950 |
Precipitation summary… Small, fast-moving showers and a couple of thunderstorms dropped some rain over much of the county yesterday. Amounts were mostly light, less than 0.10”.
Fire updates…
Quartz Ridge Fire link
Bear Creek Fire link
American Mesa Fire link
Forecast discussion…
Forecast Highlights…
*** Fire danger is “moderate”. ***
*** Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in effect for the lower elevations of San Juan National Forest and all of Archuleta County. The minimum fine for violating campfire restrictions is $530. ***
Tropical Storm Harold…
Rest of today… Moisture will slowly increase from the south and the atmosphere will become a little less stable. We’ll see scattered afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms, especially over the mountains.
Winds… Afternoons gusts will be mostly in the 10-20mph range. Stronger gusts are possible near showers and thunderstorms.
Temps… Highs will range from the mid-70s to low 80s and lows will be in the high 40s to mid-50s.
Thursday and Friday… The remnants of Tropical Storm Harold will move through Thursday night and Friday morning. We’ll get a good soaking rain with occasional embedded heavier showers and thunderstorms.
The chance for precip will ramp up late Thursday afternoon. The best chance for precip is Thursday evening and Thursday night.
*** Brief periods of heavy rain, small hail, gusty winds, and lightning are likely. ***
Most of the county will get 0.40” to 0.60” of rain. The western part of the county will be favored with up to an inch possible.
Winds… Afternoon gusts will mostly be in the 10-20mph range, but isolated stronger gusts are likely near showers and thunderstorms.
Temps… Highs will be in the mid-70s to low 80s and lows will be in the high 40s to mid-50s.
Saturday through Tuesday… Moisture will decrease but we’ll still have a chance for spotty afternoon showers and thunderstorms.
Winds… Afternoon gusts will mostly be in the 10-20mph range, but isolated stronger gusts are likely near showers and thunderstorms.
Temps… Highs will range from the high 70s to mid-80s and lows will range from the mid-40s to the low 50s.
My next post will be tomorrow.
– Shawn
