Derecho... and it looks like we might be getting rain.

I learned this morning that parts of Texas experienced something called a derecho yesterday. I wasn't familiar with the term, so I decided to do a little digging to find out more. Per Wikipedia, "a derecho is a widespread and long-lived, violent convectively induced windstorm that is associated with a fast-moving band of severe thunderstorms usually taking the form of a bow echo". This one happened to be about 400 miles long. During storms in Texas yesterday, 10 tornadoes were reported. I heard one report of 2 deaths associated with this storm, but I haven't seen anything to confirm that... There was a lot of wind damage with that system, and the low is still spinning over Texas, so it should be another busy weather day for the folks of Southeastern Texas, where they have been placed under a slight risk for severe weather.

Locally, we are looking at a wet forecast... what? Precipitation forecasted? Here? Cool. TONIGHT THE REGION WILL COME UNDER THE SQUEEZE PLAY BETWEEN THE MID LEVEL SHORTWAVE ENERGY MOVING THROUGH THE LOWER MISSISSIPPI VALLEY AND A BACKDOOR FRONT SLIDING SOUTH ACROSS THE CAROLINAS INTO EASTERN GEORGIA. BEST LIFT WITH EACH OF THESE FEATURES SHOULD STAY GENERALLY FAR ENOUGH AWAY DURING THE NIGHT THAT (Bryan) DO(es) NOT ANTICIPATE ANY SIGNIFICANT SHOWER COVERAGE AND WILL KEEP POPS AT A SILENT 10 FOR MOST LOCATIONS.

That backdoor front will be slowing down some... but unfortunately, not enough to keep from interfering with our Relay for Life. Not sure where the biggest impact will be, but the guys are expecting some interaction between the surface front and some mid-level energy, enough to generate moisture and lift to suggest chance POPS, over most of our CWA... so it's still just in the "might happen" category. Perhaps if I bring a rain poncho and umbrella... better yet, Steve/Rick, what have y'all got planned for tomorrow night...? We could use some of your storm scaring powers to thwart off a poorly timed, though sadly, much needed rain event... just scare it away for the day. I am so torn... I want the Relay to be successful, but I also know that we need rain, desperately. With Bryan's supposition that the chances of a large area experiencing significant rainfall being low, a rain event would just be enough to be a Relay event spoiler, but not enough to really help the problem of the dryness and drought...

Speaking of dryness and drought, smoke from the Atkinson County fire is supposed to track to our east today, but it is still very hazy here, and the smell of the fire is significant, though not overpowering.

Today, there is a new article in the series relating to Air Quality Awareness week. Today's topic is tools available to get Air Quality Awareness. Feel free check that out.

I hope you have a fabulous day!
~Dewdrop