RECORD COLD SET TO SLOWLY EASE...
For many of you in my area Tuesday was a big day and you didn't even know it. That's right, you experienced the coldest temperatures ever measured on February 17th. Dubuque and Cedar Rapids set record lows. Dubuque hit -17, beating the record of -13 (1973). Cedar Rapids hit -16, beating the record of -15 (1958). And in Moline, the low of -15 tied the record previously set in 1973. Monticello was the coldest at 20 below.
Notice the zero line penetrating as far southeast as Kentucky.
On a positive note, despite Tuesdya's frigid start, temperatures warmed to 12 degrees in Cedar Rapids. That's still 22 degrees below normal but it's the warmest high in 12 days. Ouch...a small step in the right direction.
During the period February 6th to the 16th temperatures remained not just below freezing, but below 10. That will now sit in the record books as the second longest stretch on record. One day behind the all-time mark of 12 days back in January of 1912.
On top of all that temperatures remained below zero for 108 straight hours (4.5 days). That's the largest string since 1996 and the second longest stretch in the data which goes back to 1972.
Just to add some frosting to the cake, the snow depth in Cedar Rapids at its peak reached 16 inches. Friday will be the 14th consecutive day with more than a 14 inch depth, the second longest on record. Virtually no chance we break the all-time record of 40 days in 1979, a monster winter for snow.
With the extreme events of the past month, the Winter Severity Index compiled by the Midwest Climate Center for the winter to date, has reached the severe category in cities such as Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, and the Quad Cities. In fact, it's on the verge of moving into the extreme category.
Cedar Rapids
The Quad Cities
The next few days temperatures will continue to inch up going from highs in the teens Thursday and Friday into the 20s Saturday and close to 30 Sunday.
As far as the next snow-maker is concerned, that sits squarely on the table for Sunday. The GFS has actually been the most consistent with its depiction of a surface low and mid-level short wave crossing the area. The past 24 hours both the EURO and GFS have trended towards the GFS idea lending higher confidence towards a snowier solution. We are still more than 3 days away so things are still in flex but as of now another 1-4 inches of snow seems possible for much of the area.
Here's the latest models. Keep in mind these are not forecasts, just model guidance from which forecasts will eventually be made. Right now we are just looking for consistency in the overall trends.
The EURO
The GFS
The Canadian GEM
That's a wrap for now. Here's to the warmer temperatures due in the weekend. Roll weather...TS
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A SECOND PRINTING OF MY NEW BOOK IS ON THE WAY...
The second printing of my new book Derecho, Iowa's Inland Hurricane has just arrived and can be purchased below. However they are going fast and if you are interested in having the most authoritative account of this extreme event you need to act now. Don't miss this opportunity to own the weather story of a generation. You can order yours at derechobook.com See the book endorsements below
BOOK ENDORSEMENTS.
*This book has been quite the talk with the Iowa State Library promoting it. I have never seen the State Library promote any books like this unless it was an award winner of particular interest to libraries. Hopefully your sales are through the roof!
Jolene Kronschnabel-Director of Hawkins Memorial Library, La Porte City, Iowa
*I ordered one of your Derecho books about the storm in Cedar Rapids, IA back in December. I love it! I had also bought one that the Cedar Rapids Gazette sold. Your book by far is so much better, you have a lot more pictures and it just tells more of the story. Thank you for putting a wonderful keepsake together! Do you have any left? If so can you tell me how to get at least one more.
Thank you so much! Penny Brecke
*Hi Terry and Carolyn!
Thank you for my book, the kind dedication and wonderful job on the book warmed my heart!! Loved all the info-great job Terry! Carolyn the stories brought tears to my eyes. I have to admit it was difficult to read at first-reliving that day, but joy also with the way you wrote them in such good faith! We are living in town as our house is still gutted. Work is slow but progressing. The damage was far greater than we thought, but it will be glorious again one day! Love and prayer.
Jenny Janssen
*I received my book yesterday (just in time for Christmas). Thank you for all the hard work it took to put it together and trying so hard to get this book out. My husband will love it. Enjoyed your Christmas Video.
Karleen Booth
*Got the book today and am reading it now! Very well done. Thanks.
Jack Wiley
