What's the Weather Where You are?

[Kevin Shaw]

Gaithersburg Maryland VP2 backyard report for Thursday, April 26, 2012

Thursday saw morning clouds and sprinkles, not measureable but enough to wet the sidewalk. We stayed cloudy for a while, but opened into partial sun in the afternoon, but it didn't warm up as much as expected, as high temps only reached the mid 60s. This evening clouds returned as the cold front approached, and we did have a light shower around 11:30 PM that gave us our meager rainfall amount for the day. Winds have picked up behind the front and should blow pretty good on Friday, with sunny skies and high temps in the 60s. Overnight Friday we should cloud up once again, yielding more clouds on Saturday with a 60 POP for showers and high temps only in the low 50s. More showers on Saturday night with lows in the upper 30s, then cloudy on Sunday with high temps in the upper 50s. Sunny to partly cloudy weather should return for the new week, with highs in the low 60s on Monday and mid 60s on Tuesday to start the new month of May on a "coolish" note. Hopefully it will stay that way for the rest of the month.

Thursday's precipitation: 0.03" (LR) 0.02" (VP2)

April total precipitation: 1.68"

2012 annual YTD precipitation total: 8.06"

Seasonal snowfall: 5.0"

VP2 data for Thursday as follows:

High temp 65.2° (1736)

Low temp 49.7° (0023)

Obs temp tonight 58.6°

Relative humidity ranged from a max of 93% (2234) to a low of 66% (0254)

Dew point ranged from 59° to 41°

Peak Wind Gust 18 MPH from the NE (2334)

Pressures ranged from 29.90"(0000) to 29.62"(1916).

At midnight EDT obs the temp was 58.6° and Cloudy. Winds 7 MPH from the N, barometer 29.76" and rising, humidity 76% with a dew point of 51°.

Currently at 0233 EDT the temp is 53.2°, Clear, Winds 6 MPH from the SW (quite variable in speed at the present time), barometer 29.83" and rising, humidity 59% with a dew point of 39°.

Current radar is showing decaying scattered showers moving south over parts of eastern NC, and an area of showers over parts of ME and NH, plus other lighter, more scattered showers over other parts of New England and New York at this time.

Kevin the Walrus from Gaithersburg Maryland, signing off early on Friday morning.

[Kevin Shaw]

Gaithersburg Maryland VP2 backyard report for Friday, April 27, 2012

Friday was sunny and cooler with good breezes at times in the AM and early PM. The wind died down later on, helping to bring on a frost advisory for overnight tonight with clear, calm skies. Looks like a low in the mid 30s is in the cards actually, still possible to have frost with these temps. Saturday should see an increase in clouds with temps in the upper 50s, and a 40 POP for showers by afternoon and a 70 POP for showers on Saturday night. We should clear out on Sunday and Monday with high temps in the 60s as we finish up April. A 30-40 POP for showers on Tuesday and Wednesday as we start May, with temps in the 60s to around 70, then partly cloudy to cloudy later in the week and warming up, with high temps on Thursday and Friday into the upper 70s.

Friday's precipitation: 0

April total precipitation: 1.68"

2012 annual YTD precipitation total: 8.06"

Seasonal snowfall: 5.0"

VP2 data for Friday as follows:

High temp 59.4° (1650)

Low temp 44.6° (2359)

Obs temp tonight 44.6°

Relative humidity ranged from a max of 76% (0005) to a low of 33% (1710)

Dew point ranged from 51° to 29°

Peak Wind Gust 18 MPH from the WSW (1240)

Pressures ranged from 30.22"(2345) to 29.76"(0000).

At midnight EDT obs the temp was 44.6° and Clear. Winds 1 MPH from the NNE, barometer 30.22" and rising, humidity 64% with a dew point of 33°.

Currently at 0534 EDT the temp is 38.4°, Clear, Winds Calm, barometer 30.26" and rising, humidity 82% with a dew point of 33°.

Current radar is showing lines of showers through much of the Midwest, scattered through several states from OH out to WI and in between. Moving this way, our later in the day action on Saturday.

Kevin the Walrus from Gaithersburg Maryland, signing off early on Saturday morning.

[Kevin Shaw]

Gaithersburg Maryland VP2 backyard report for Saturday, April 28, 2012

Saturday was mostly cloudy and quite cool - early morning clear skies gave way to the clouds early, but the anticipated rain didn't come till later in the day, mostly in the evening in fact. Sunny skies should return on Sunday with highs in the mid 60s. This pattern should carry over into Monday, with lows in the upper 40s. Then a warming trend should start on Tuesday and the rest of the week, with unsettled conditions at times. Temps in the low 70s on Tuesday and upper 70s on Wednesday with a 30 POP for showers and storms. Lows mostly in the 50s to around 60 by Friday. Thursday and Friday should be partly cloudy and quite warm, with highs in 80-85 range. Right now it appears that the weekend should be sunny and still warm, but a bit cooler with highs in the mid 70s.

Saturday's precipitation: 0.12" (LR) 0.09" (VP2) 0.32" Max Rain Rate (MRR) @ 2345

April total precipitation: 1.80"

2012 annual YTD precipitation total: 8.18"

Seasonal snowfall: 5.0"

VP2 data for Saturday as follows:

High temp 52.6° (1645)

Low temp 37.9° (0455)

Obs temp tonight 45.0°

Relative humidity ranged from a max of 93% (2118) to a low of 43% (1107)

Dew point ranged from 43° to 25°

Peak Wind Gust 6 MPH from the N (1536)

Pressures ranged from 30.33"(0905) to 30.17"(2055).

At midnight EDT obs the temp was 45.0° and Cloudy with light rain. Winds Calm, barometer 30.21" and rising, humidity 93% with a dew point of 43°.

Currently at 0457 EDT the temp is 43.1°, Cloudy, Winds Calm, barometer 30.19" and steady, humidity 95% with a dew point of 42°. 0.11" (VP2) of rain has fallen since midnight so far.

Current radar is showing a small area of rain in eastern KY and scattered light showers in coastal VA moving south and east and away from my area.

Kevin the Walrus from Gaithersburg Maryland, signing off early on Sunday morning.

[Kevin Shaw]

Gaithersburg Maryland VP2 backyard report for Sunday, April 29, 2012

Sunday had clouds and overnight light rain, but was mostly sunny for most of the daylight hours, and consequently milder than Saturday, with high temps into the mid 60s. Tonight is clear and cool once again, with lows by morning around 40. Preliminarily I have worked up the average temperatures for April, in the interest of comparing it with the record warmth of March. It is a close call, and tomorrow's data must still be entered, but it looks like April will be a tad warmer due to the warmer mins, as the max temps were actually cooler in April than in March, but stay tuned for the final determination and numbers, which will come out later this coming week. Monday should be sunny again for most of the day, with high temps in the low-mid 60s, but with increasing clouds towards evening, and a 50 POP for showers and storms late, in the overnight hours Monday into Tuesday. During the day Tuesday we should find more showers and storms (once again with a 50 POP) and a high temp well up in the 70s. Tuesday night still cloudy and milder, with lows in the 50s and a 30 POP for showers. Wednesday another day with a 30 POP for showers and storms, high temps in the upper 70s, partly cloudy skies. Thursday and Friday looks to be partly cloudy and warm, with highs in the low 80s and lows around 60, with a 30 POP for showers and storms coming back into the forecast on Friday afternoon. The next weekend looks to be sunny and not quite as warm, with highs in the mid 70s.

Sunday's precipitation: 0.12" (LR) 0.12" (VP2) 0.18" Max Rain Rate (MRR) @ 0112

April total precipitation: 1.92"

2012 annual YTD precipitation total: 8.30"

Seasonal snowfall: 5.0" (will no longer be listed after April 30 unfortunately)

VP2 data for Sunday as follows:

High temp 67.4° (1820)

Low temp 41.7° (0705)

Obs temp tonight 48.6°

Relative humidity ranged from a max of 97% (0839) to a low of 29% (1542)

Dew point ranged from 45° to 33°

Peak Wind Gust 12 MPH from the N (1605)

Pressures ranged from 30.28"(1035) to 30.15"(1900).

At midnight EDT obs the temp was 48.6° and Clear. Winds Calm, barometer 30.29" and rising, humidity 80% with a dew point of 43°.

Currently at 0226 EDT the temp is 44.7°, Cloudy, Winds Calm, barometer 30.28" and rising, humidity 81% with a dew point of 39°.

Current radar is showing rain showers through several midwestern states, WI, MI, IL, and MO, in lines and clusters, heading slowly easterly.

Kevin the Walrus from Gaithersburg Maryland, signing off early on Monday morning.

[Kevin Shaw]

Gaithersburg Maryland VP2 backyard report for Monday, April 30 2012

Monday was cloudy and remained relatively cool, but with no rain to close out the month of April. Warm air is just to our west, and this evening the warmth is starting to infiltrate, with temps remaining in the upper 50s and the dew point creeping over the 50 mark. Also to our west are showers and thundershowers in central WV and western PA, moving this way, but are forecasted to weaken as they go over the mountains and move east into our more stable environment. We have a 60 POP for showers tonight, and a 40 POP tomorrow. Highs tomorrow will rise into the upper 70s, and temps the rest of the week into the weekend will be in the upper 70s to low 80s, possibly warming into the mid-upper 80s on Thursday and Friday. Other than a 30 POP for showers and storms on Wednesday, the rest of the week should be mostly dry. Dew points will be climbing through the 50s and head into the 60s, which also will result in warmer nights, with lows in the 50s through Wednesday then around 60 or low 60s late in the week. Too late and too tired to talk more about the final April statistics but will do so in the next few days.

Monday's precipitation: 0

April total precipitation: 1.92"

2012 annual YTD precipitation total: 8.30"

Seasonal snowfall: 5.0" (will no longer be listed after April 30 unfortunately)

VP2 data for Monday as follows:

High temp 63.2° (1800)

Low temp 43.8° (0640)

Obs temp tonight 59.3°

Relative humidity ranged from a max of 86% (0141) to a low of 43% (1048)

Dew point ranged from 53° to 28°

Peak Wind Gust 8 MPH from the N (0253)

Pressures ranged from 30.34"(0812) to 30.13"(2349).

At midnight EDT obs the temp was 59.3° and Cloudy. Winds Calm, barometer 30.13" and falling, humidity 69% with a dew point of 49°.

(Thanks to Stan R for correcting my obs pressure reading from last night- I reported 30.29 and rising- it should have been 30.24 and rising)

Currently at 0236 EDT the temp is 58.6°, Cloudy, Winds Calm, barometer 30.06" and falling, humidity 76% with a dew point of 51°.

Current radar is showing rain showers and storms through central WV and western PA, strongest returns in WV, heading east but forecasted to weaken overnight, but likely to give us some showers sometime later this morning.

Kevin the Walrus from Gaithersburg Maryland, signing off early on Tuesday morning.

[Kevin Shaw]

Gaithersburg Maryland VP2 backyard report for Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Tuesday was the warm start to the month of May, as temps rose above 80 in the partly sunny afternoon after a few light AM showers and cloudy skies. Dew points rose above 60 and the hint of summer has begun. The rest of the week will continue this hint, stronger at week's end. Tonight an area of showers and storms to our west might make it over the mountains where they are right now and give us some more morning showers like Tuesday morning. They look stronger if anything than yesterday's shower area. We shall see what we get - still a few hours away. We have a 60 POP for showers and storms though Wednesday during the day. Thereafter lesser chances (30 POP) Wednesday night for showers, then mostly just partly to sunny skies the rest of the week, with highs in the low-mid 80s (some are predicting near 90 highs by Friday - we shall see about that!) and lows in the mid-upper 50s. Over the weekend we may cool off a bit into the upper 70s but should remain relatively dry with lower dew points into the low 50s/upper 40s by Sunday.

Tuesday's precipitation: 0.06" (LR) 0.05" (VP2) 0.12" Max rain rate- VP2 - (MRR) @ 0617

April total precipitation: 1.92"

May's total precipitation: 0.06"

2012 annual YTD precipitation total: 8.36"

VP2 data for Tuesday as follows:

High temp 81.6° (1704)

Low temp 57.4° (0624)

Obs temp tonight 63.5°

Relative humidity ranged from a max of 96% (0808) to a low of 43% (1653)

Dew point ranged from 66° to 49°

Peak Wind Gust 11 MPH from the SW (1715)

Pressures ranged from 30.13"(0010) to 29.99"(1942).

At midnight EDT obs the temp was 63.3° and Cloudy. Winds Calm, barometer 30.02" and steady, humidity 86% with a dew point of 59°.

Currently at 0248 EDT the temp is 61.1°, Cloudy, Winds Calm, barometer 29.99" and falling, humidity 89% with a dew point of 58°.

Current radar is showing rain showers and storms to my west in portions of western MD, SW PA, and central WV, much like last night, but tonight's rendition appears stronger. Moving east, it should get here around the same time it did yesterday (like around 0600-0700)

Kevin the Walrus from Gaithersburg Maryland, signing off early on Wednesday morning.

[Kevin Shaw]

Gaithersburg Maryland VP2 backyard report for Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Wednesday was not quite as warm as expected, as clouds and dampness hung around most of the day, with sprinkles falling at my station in the morning and also in the early evening but just managed a trace for the day. Tonight is cloudy and cooler with temps in the 50s - an area of storms, first in a line up around the PA/NY border earlier, has become a bit more diffuse as it heads SE, and may clip my area in the morning hours, for the third night in a row- though this line is coming from a different direction than the past 2 nights. The warm front keeps meandering north and south and keeping us unsettled. Partly cloudy skies on Thursday with warm and humid conditions in the mid 80s and a 50 POP for showers and storms in the afternoon and evening, along with the morning showers mentioned earlier. Friday should see more mid 80s temps with only a 30 POP for showers and storms. Night minimums should be in the 50s to around 60 through Friday night. Saturday should see sunny skies with lower dew pts and highs in the low 80s, lows in the 50s. Sunday should start a cooling down trend, with sunny skies and highs in the low to mid 70s. The new week should continue with the cooler, drier weather, with highs in the low 70s and lows around 50. Rain chances appear to be minimal till mid-week, when a 30 POP for showers and storms should return.

Wednesday's precipitation: T

May's total precipitation: 0.06"

2012 annual YTD precipitation total: 8.36"

VP2 data for Wednesday as follows:

High temp 77.0° (1624)

Low temp 59.3° (2357)

Obs temp tonight 59.3°

Relative humidity ranged from a max of 94% (0612) to a low of 65% (1639)

Dew point ranged from 66° to 55°

Peak Wind Gust 12 MPH from the SE (1631)

Pressures ranged from 30.14"(2354) to 29.98"(0339).

At midnight EDT obs the temp was 59.3° and Cloudy. Winds 4 MPH from the E, barometer 30.14" and rising, humidity 87% with a dew point of 56°.

Currently at 0231 EDT the temp is 57.6°, Cloudy, Winds 4 MPH from the ESE, barometer 30.13" and steady, humidity 89% with a dew point of 54°.

Current radar is showing a wide area of rain showers and storms in central PA moving SSE at this time. It appears that most of the action will pass into MD to my east towards sunrise. But we should get some light action once again in the later morning hours.

Kevin the Walrus from Gaithersburg Maryland, signing off early on Thursday morning.

[Kevin Shaw]

Gaithersburg Maryland VP2 backyard report for Thursday, May 3, 2012

Thursday dawned cloudy and damp, with a few sprinkles noted on my car as I got in it to go to the office in mid-AM. Eventually by afternoon the sun came out and the warm front was back through, and we were in the warm and humid air once again. Temperatures rose to a bit over 80, and dew points soared into the mid 60s. Storms started to break out in the evening, and in the late evening I did manage to get a brief passing storm that mostly hit elsewhere in the county that gave me my measurable total for the day. Those storms have moved south and east, and no more are on the horizon now and things should remain quiet overnight, with low temps in the muggy 60s. We have a muggy, warm day for Friday to close out the work week, with highs in the mid 80s, dew pts well up in the 60s, and a 40 POP for showers and storms during the afternoon and evening. Partly cloudy skies with highs in the low 80s should be expected for Saturday with only an outside shot at a shower and storm. Sunday the cold front will definitely be through with sunny skies and high temps in the low 70s, more seasonable early May weather. Monday should be similar to Sunday, then a 30 POP for showers on Tuesday and Wednesday, with highs in the low to mid 70s.

Thursday's precipitation: 0.03" (LR and VP2) 0.33" Max rain rate @ 2315

May's total precipitation: 0.09"

2012 annual YTD precipitation total: 8.39"

VP2 data for Thursday as follows:

High temp 80.9° (1744)

Low temp 55.1° (0533)

Obs temp tonight 67.9°

Relative humidity ranged from a max of 95% (0728) to a low of 57% (1715)

Dew point ranged from 66° to 53°

Peak Wind Gust 9 MPH from the N (0345)

Pressures ranged from 30.19"(0736) to 30.03"(1845).

At midnight EDT obs the temp was 67.9° and Cloudy. Winds Calm, barometer 30.05" and falling, humidity 92% with a dew point of 66°.

Currently at 0222 EDT the temp is 65.1°, Cloudy, Winds Calm, barometer 30.01" and falling, humidity 93% with a dew point of 63°.

Current radar is showing our earlier showers and storms have moved east and south and are now dying out over the lower Chesapeake Bay, parts of the Maryland Eastern Shore and coastal Virginia. There are a few isolated storms up in Central PA, they are moving light easterly.

Kevin the Walrus from Gaithersburg Maryland, signing off early on Friday morning.

[Kevin Shaw]

Gaithersburg Maryland VP2 backyard report for Friday, May 4, 2012

Friday was partly cloudy, warm and muggy, but without any rain in my backyard. Storms were scattered about the region, but no rain gauge action in my location. I recorded my first 70 degree dew point of the season, a statistic I hope doesn't become commonplace this summer but afraid it will be at times. Partly cloudy and warm again on Saturday, with now a 60 POP for showers and storms during the day (though the local weather channel forecast is only carrying a 30 POP for the day and evening) , dropping down to a 40 POP during the evening. On Sunday, skies should clear finally and high temps drop down to more seasonable levels, into the low 70s. On Monday, even a bit cooler with highs looking to only be in the upper 60s. Thereafter looks seasonable 70s for highs and 50s for lows, with slight to moderate chances for rain showers and storms from Tuesday on.

Friday's precipitation: 0

Correction to the LR (official) precipitation total for Thursday- 0.04" (0.03" was reported last night)

May's total precipitation now revised to: 0.10"

2012 annual YTD precipitation total now revised to: 8.40"

VP2 data for Friday as follows:

High temp 81.4° (1615)

Low temp 61.9° (0627)

Obs temp tonight 65.5°

Relative humidity ranged from a max of 98% (0827) to a low of 55% (1807)

Dew point ranged from 70° to 61°

Peak Wind Gust 9 MPH from the W (1152)

Pressures ranged from 30.06"(0001) to 29.89"(1846).

At midnight EDT obs the temp was 65.5° and Clear. Winds Calm, barometer 29.90" and steady, humidity 87% with a dew point of 62°.

Currently at 0358 EDT the temp is 63.3°, Clear, Winds Calm, barometer 29.89" and steady, humidity 92% with a dew point of 61°.Supermoon, one day away from its full state, is nonetheless quite impressive right now in a clear sky.

Current radar is showing quite a large area of showers and storms way to my west, out in sections of WV, northern KY, southern OH, moving SE and should miss my location by quite a bit.

Kevin the Walrus from Gaithersburg Maryland, signing off early on Saturday morning.

[Kevin Shaw]

Gaithersburg Maryland VP2 backyard report for Saturday, May 5, 2012

Saturday was partly cloudy, with gradually improving conditions through the PM hours. Scattered showers in the region, but my station didn't get any action. Busy day, visiting with friends up near the Pennsylvania border and taking lots of pictures of weather stations and scenery. A good time, and some socialization at a few stops on the way home in the evening. Clear skies this evening provided great views of the "Supermoon", however I didn't take any pictures of that phenomenon. Plenty of others took plenty of pictures, so they are out there! Clouds may return a bit this morning, damp as the temp drops near the dew point. Partly cloudy later on Sunday afternoon with high temps around 70 as a cooler trend starts. Partly cloudy on Monday with highs in the upper 60s, lows in the 50s with clouds. On Tuesday and Wednesday there is a 50 POP for showers and storms with highs around 70. Thursday and Friday look to be sunny with high temps in the upper 60s. Lows down to about 50, maybe mid-upper 40s.

Saturday's precipitation: 0

May's total precipitation: 0.10"

2012 annual YTD precipitation total: 8.40"

VP2 data for Saturday as follows:

High temp 79.3° (1333)

Low temp 62.2° (0644)

Obs temp tonight 65.8°

Relative humidity ranged from a max of 96% (0742) to a low of 59% (1346)

Dew point ranged from 67° to 60°

Peak Wind Gust 12 MPH from the NE (1724)

Pressures ranged from 30.01"(2356) to 29.87"(0209).

At midnight EDT obs the temp was 65.8° and Clear. Winds 2 MPH from the NE, barometer 30.01" and rising, humidity 85% with a dew point of 61°.

Currently at 0555 EDT the temp is 61.9°, Clear, Winds Calm, barometer 30.01" and steady, humidity 88% with a dew point of 58°.

Current radar shows areas of rain over parts of WI and western TN at this time. Clear right now in the four state metro DC region.

Kevin the Walrus from Gaithersburg Maryland, signing off early on Sunday morning.

[Kevin Shaw]

Gaithersburg Maryland VP2 backyard report for Sunday, May 6, 2012

Sunday was cloudy and cool in the AM with some spotty drizzle, then some clearing in the PM but still lots of clouds, then this evening with the natural cooling the clouds have returned. High temps stayed in the 60s, as did the lows. More clouds and possible drizzle overnight and well into the morning hours, remaining mostly cloudy during the day with high temps once again in the 60s. On Tuesday partly cloudy and warmer early, but then a 70 POP for showers and storms as moist Gulf air starts to infiltrate into the region on the afternoon and well into the evening. On Wednesday still more clouds and a 50 POP for showers and storms with highs in the low-mid 70s. On Thursday and Friday sunny and pleasant weather should be in order, with lower dew points and high temps in the upper 60s with lows in the upper 40s. The weekend will see milder, sunny weather as it looks now.

Sunday's precipitation: T

May's total precipitation: 0.10"

2012 annual YTD precipitation total: 8.40"

VP2 data for Sunday as follows:

High temp 69.4° (1656)

Low temp 61.0° (0751)

Obs temp tonight 62.2°

Relative humidity ranged from a max of 91% (0717) to a low of 69% (1346)

Dew point ranged from 61° to 57°

Peak Wind Gust 8 MPH from the NE (1151)

Pressures ranged from 30.09"(1108) to 29.99"(0226).

At midnight EDT obs the temp was 62.2° and Cloudy. Winds 1 MPH from the ENE, barometer 30.08" and rising, humidity 84% with a dew point of 57°.

Currently at 0242 EDT the temp is 60.3°, Cloudy, Winds Calm, barometer 30.08" and steady, humidity 86% with a dew point of 56°.

Current radar shows areas of rain showers over parts of northern IL, southern MI, and northern IN at this time.

Kevin the Walrus from Gaithersburg Maryland, signing off early on Monday morning.

[Kevin Shaw]

Gaithersburg Maryland VP2 backyard report for Monday, May 7, 2012

Monday was cloudy and a bit cooler, particularly in the evening that also featured a dew point drop from the 50s into the 40s. Very pleasant breeze this evening as the drier air started to take over. Clouds still around, and should be around on Tuesday for the most part, though some sun should get us warmer, up into the 70s. Later in the day we should start seeing showers and even the rumble of thunder possibly (50 POP) that should get more frequent in the evening (70 POP). Showers (60 POP) should continue into Wednesday, with highs in the 60s under mostly cloudy skies. Sunny and pleasant weather should return on Thursday and continue into the weekend. Temps should be topping off in the upper 60s on Thursday with lows in the upper 40s, then low to mid 70s on Friday and into the weekend, with lows in the upper 40s to lower 50s. Right now Mother's Day looks to be cloudy and mild, with highs in the mid 70s - no rain, then clearing off once again as we start the next week.

Monday's precipitation: 0

May's total precipitation: 0.10"

2012 annual YTD precipitation total: 8.40"

VP2 data for Monday as follows:

High temp 68.8° (1450)

Low temp 58.3° (0745)

Obs temp tonight 61.7°

Relative humidity ranged from a max of 89% (0610) to a low of 51% (2235)

Dew point ranged from 57° to 44°

Peak Wind Gust 13 MPH from the E (1740)

Pressures ranged from 30.12"(1050) to 30.02"(1845).

At midnight EDT obs the temp was 61.7° and Cloudy. Winds 7 MPH from the ESE, barometer 30.04" and steady, humidity 53% with a dew point of 44°.

Currently at 0226 EDT the temp is 60.5°, Cloudy, Winds 2 MPH from the E, barometer 30.01" and falling, humidity 66% with a dew point of 49°.

Current radar shows areas of rain showers and storms in WV, KY, OH moving NE into PA and far western MD, it is going to take a while to get that area to move east into our area, which should not occur till later in the afternoon on Tuesday.

Kevin the Walrus from Gaithersburg Maryland, signing off early on Tuesday morning.

[Kevin Shaw]

Gaithersburg Maryland VP2 backyard report for Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Tuesday was cloudy with just about the same temperatures as Monday, but this time the dew points rose after a dry beginning and stayed mostly in the 60s in the periods of light rain we had during most of the day. I stayed home to recover from a period of exhausting long, busy days and to get my mental health to recover a bit also. I also tried to catch up on a few things. I finished up my station April weather/climate data and posted it to many of you. If you didn't get it and would like it , just let me know. Tonight we were dry for a spell but now another round of showers has begun. Tomorrow should see a 50 POP for showers and storms, particularly later in the day, with temps running a bit warmer up in the 70 range, but mostly cloudy. By late evening the precip should be over and we should start clearing out. Thursday and Friday look sunny with highs in the mid 60s to upper 60s with lows in the mid-upper 40s. Saturday should be sunny and a bit milder, and now I see a more cloudy day for Mother's Day with a 30 POP for showers, highs in the 70s. I have a feeling that Sunday forecast may change a few times between now and the weekend so stay tuned!

Tuesday's precipitation: 0.22" (LR) 0.13 (VP2) 0.12" Max Rain Rate (MRR) @ 1403 (not sure why such a difference between LR and VP2 today- winds were light which usually is a major cause for differences, also intensity, and that wasn't a factor today either with the low MRR). I might have some vegetation blocking in the bottom of the VP2 - will have to check that out when I can.)

May's total precipitation: 0.32"

2012 annual YTD precipitation total: 8.62"

VP2 data for Tuesday as follows:

High temp 68.1° (1120)

Low temp 58.6° (0635)

Obs temp tonight 65.4°

Relative humidity ranged from a max of 95% (1505) to a low of 53% (0000)

Dew point ranged from 66° to 44°

Peak Wind Gust 14 MPH from the E (1150)

Pressures ranged from 30.05"(0040) to 29.81"(1850).

At midnight EDT obs the temp was 65.4° and Cloudy. Winds Calm, barometer 29.82" and steady, humidity 95% with a dew point of 64°.

Currently at 0227 EDT the temp is 64.6°, Cloudy with light rain, Winds Calm, barometer 29.79" and falling, humidity 96% with a dew point of 64°. Rainfall since midnight in the VP2: 0.06"

Current radar shows scattered rain showers in the region, mostly centered around the I-95 corridor, moving NE.

Kevin the Walrus from Gaithersburg Maryland, signing off early on Wednesday morning.

[Kevin Shaw]

Gaithersburg Maryland VP2 backyard report for Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Wednesday was cloudy and a bit milder, with overnight rain that became more showery in the milder air during the day, mostly falling in the later afternoon and evening hours with some fog. Clearing late evening, cooler, drier air slowly coming in now and will be with us for the next few days. Should drop under now clear skies into the low 50s by Thursday sunrise. Sunny with highs in the upper 60s on Thursday, lows in the mid 40s Thursday night, then low 70s on Friday and mostly sunny with clear and upper 40s Friday night, sunny once again and mid 70s on Saturday, clear with lows in the low 50s Saturday night and partly cloudy on Sunday with highs in the upper 70s for Mother's Day. Some rain showers look to come back for the beginning of the work week from Sunday night through Wednesday (40 POP)

Wednesday's precipitation: 0.57" (LR) 0.24 (VP2) 0.10" Max Rain Rate (MRR) @ 0124

(I believe there is a blockage in the VP2 gauge that I will have to get to real soon, probably over the weekend, as no rain is expected to fall here till late Sunday)

May's total precipitation: 0.89"

2012 annual YTD precipitation total: 9.19"

VP2 data for Wednesday as follows:

High temp 72.1° (1554)

Low temp 57.3° (2351)

Obs temp tonight 57.3°

Relative humidity ranged from a max of 98% (0707) to a low of 63% (1558)

Dew point ranged from 65° to 56°

Peak Wind Gust 11 MPH from the SW (1724)

Pressures ranged from 29.82"(0000) to 29.67"(2326).

At midnight EDT obs the temp was 57.3° and Clear. Winds Calm, barometer 29.67" and falling, humidity 96% with a dew point of 56°.

Currently at 0228 EDT the temp is 55.5°, Clear, Winds Calm, barometer 29.63" and falling, humidity 96% with a dew point of 54°.

Current radar shows scattered rain showers out to my E and NE over eastern MD, DE, NJ and eastern PA into NY and New England, moving away from my station to the North and East.

Kevin the Walrus from Gaithersburg Maryland, signing off early on Thursday morning.

[Kevin Shaw]

Gaithersburg Maryland VP2 backyard report for Thursday, May 10, 2012

Thursday brought partly cloudy and cooler conditions, after clouds and some fog overnight, breezy at times in the earlier part of the day, but now quite calm that is allowing the temperature to drop into the 40s. Clear overnight, with a low by sunrise in the lower 40s. Friday should be sunny and pleasant, with continued low humidity and highs in the low 70s. Another night in the 40s on Friday night, then sunny and mid 70s on Saturday, partly cloudy and mid 70s on Sunday for Mother's Day with lows in the low 50s. The first part of next week looks a bit unsettled with highs in the low 70s, cloudy, and a 40 POP for showers and storms on Monday and Tuesday.

Thursday's precipitation: 0

May's total precipitation: 0.89"

2012 annual YTD precipitation total: 9.19"

VP2 data for Thursday as follows:

High temp 64.4° (1537)

Low temp 48.5° (2359)

Obs temp tonight 48.5°

Relative humidity ranged from a max of 100% (0233) to a low of 42% (1543)

Dew point ranged from 56° to 41°

Peak Wind Gust 21 MPH from the SW (1707)

Pressures ranged from 29.97"(2358) to 29.63"(0228).

At midnight EDT obs the temp was 48.5° and Clear. Winds Calm, barometer 29.97" and rising, humidity 84% with a dew point of 44°.

Currently at 0241 EDT the temp is 45.7°, Clear, Winds Calm, barometer 30.01" and rising, humidity 88% with a dew point of 42°.

Current radar shows very widely scattered light rain showers over portions of northern New England, dissipating as they drift NE.

Kevin the Walrus from Gaithersburg Maryland, signing off early on Friday morning.

[Kevin Shaw]

Gaithersburg Maryland VP2 backyard report for Friday, May 11, 2012

Friday brought bright, sunny skies, diminishing winds and rising afternoon temps into the low 70s after a chilly morning in the low 40s. Another chilly morning on Saturday with lows by sunrise down in the mid 40s. Sun will return on Saturday and warm temps into the upper 70s should come by afternoon. Not as cool on Saturday night with lows in the low 50s under partly cloudy skies. Mother's Day Sunday should turn mostly cloudy, highs in the upper 70s and a 30 POP for a shower during the afternoon. Sunday night back into the mid-upper 50s with a 40 POP for showers. Monday and Tuesday look mostly cloudy with highs around 70 and a 60 POP for likely showers on Monday and a 50 POP for showers on Tuesday. The rest of the week looks seasonable and dry, with highs in the mid 70s under mostly sunny skies, with lows in the mid-upper 50s through Friday.

Friday's precipitation: 0

May's total precipitation: 0.89"

2012 annual YTD precipitation total: 9.19"

VP2 data for Friday as follows:

High temp 71.7° (1830)

Low temp 43.1° (0610)

Obs temp tonight 54.1°

Relative humidity ranged from a max of 89% (0410) to a low of 30% (1630)

Dew point ranged from 45° to 37°

Peak Wind Gust 14 MPH from the WSW (1315)

Pressures ranged from 30.21"(2355) to 29.97"(0000).

At midnight EDT obs the temp was 54.1° and Clear. Winds Calm, barometer 30.21" and rising, humidity 72% with a dew point of 45°.

Currently at 0445 EDT the temp is 47.0°, Clear, Winds Calm, barometer 30.25" and rising, humidity 88% with a dew point of 44°.

Current radar shows all clear throughout the NE United States and adjoining Canada. Rain showers are starting to show in parts of southern TN, AL, MS that foreshadow the rain chances expected first on Sunday and then more likely on Monday and Tuesday.

Kevin the Walrus from Gaithersburg Maryland, signing off early on Saturday morning.

[Kevin Shaw]

Gaithersburg Maryland VP2 backyard report for Saturday, May 12 2012

Saturday was sunny, warm with light winds with increasing high clouds in the afternoon and evening from the approaching storm out to my S and W that will affect us the next few days. The better day of this weekend, weatherwise, as it looks now. Probably the last night in a while with mins in the 40s. Tonight it will be cloudy with lows only in the 50s. Mother's Day Sunday looks to be mostly cloudy, with a 20 POP for afternoon showers, with high temps in the mid-upper 70s. A 70 POP for showers on Sunday night with lows only in the low 60s, then a 90 POP for showers and possible storms on Monday and Monday night, highs in the upper 60s and lows around 60. A 50 POP for showers on Tuesday with highs in the 70s under still cloudy skies. Wednesday should clear, at least partially, with no rain and highs around 80. Sunny skies the rest of the week, with seasonable mid 70s temps and no further rain. Happy Mother's Day to all of you out there who are mothers, be it to either human kids or four-legged kids, if you know what I mean.

Saturday's precipitation: 0

May's total precipitation: 0.89"

2012 annual YTD precipitation total: 9.19"

VP2 data for Saturday as follows:

High temp 76.0° (1556)

Low temp 45.4° (0625)

Obs temp tonight 58.9°

Relative humidity ranged from a max of 93% (0722) to a low of 29% (1618)

Dew point ranged from 52° to 41°

Peak Wind Gust 6 MPH from the E (1103)

Pressures ranged from 30.33"(0907) to 30.21"(0000).

At midnight EDT obs the temp was 58.9° and Cloudy. Winds Calm, barometer 30.22" and steady, humidity 76% with a dew point of 51°.

Currently at 0516 EDT the temp is 55.3°, Cloudy, Winds Calm, barometer 30.20" and falling, humidity 88% with a dew point of 52°.

Current radar shows rain moving slowly this way from parts of the southern and south central US, including the states of AL, GA, TN, KY and OH. Also noticing a line of showers running through parts of southern Ontario and MI - that line doesn't appear to be moving very fast in any sort of definite direction.

Kevin the Walrus from Gaithersburg Maryland, signing off early on Sunday morning.

[Kevin Shaw]

Gaithersburg Maryland VP2 backyard report for Mother's Day Sunday, May 13, 2012

Sunday was a bit warmer and sunnier than I expected, but still partly cloudy and definitely clouding over by evening as the precipitation shield draws closer to my immediate area. Tonight it should stay in the 60s under the clouds with showers expected at any time (100 POP). Monday and Monday night showers and possible tstorms (100 POP) with highs in the 70s and lows in the 60s. A 90 POP for showers on Tuesday with highs in the 70s, 80 POP for showers on Tuesday night and lows only in the low 60s once again, then dropping down to a 50 POP for showers and storms on Wednesday with a high around 80. The rest of the week should be sunny to partly cloudy with highs in the mid-upper 70s (seasonable) and lows in the mid-upper 50s.

Sunday's precipitation: 0

May's total precipitation: 0.89"

2012 annual YTD precipitation total: 9.19"

VP2 data for Sunday as follows:

High temp 79.4° (1623)

Low temp 55.3° (0511)

Obs temp tonight 68.1°

Relative humidity ranged from a max of 90% (0646) to a low of 47% (1637)

Dew point ranged from 61° to 51°

Peak Wind Gust 9 MPH from the W (1416)

Pressures ranged from 30.23"(0002) to 30.10"(1737).

At midnight EDT obs the temp was 68.1° and Cloudy. Winds 1 MPH from the E, barometer 30.13" and steady, humidity 69% with a dew point of 58°.

Currently at 0235 EDT the temp is 66.3°, Cloudy, Winds 1 MPH from the NE, barometer 30.11" and falling, humidity 74% with a dew point of 58°.

Current radar shows lots of rain to my S, SW and W all through VA, WV, NC, etc. moving slowly NE. To me it looks like lighter precip is in the slot to my SW that would be moving up over my immediate area overnight. It doesn't appear to be getting here for a few more hours.

Kevin the Walrus from Gaithersburg Maryland, signing off early on Monday morning.

[Kevin Shaw]

Gaithersburg Maryland VP2 backyard report for Monday, May 14, 2012

Monday was as advertised, cloudy, humid, with periods of rain, particularly heavy between 1515-1555 (see max rain rate below) and occasional foggy periods. We did have dry periods too, but skies remained cloudy. Tonight we are having occasional very light rain with temps holding in the 60s much as it did during the day on Monday. Tuesday should be a bit warmer with highs in the 70s, but with continued showers (100 POP) and scattered thundershowers. Rain showers into the evening but with only a 50 POP, then cloudy to partly cloudy skies on Wednesday with a 20 POP for showers/storms, and highs in the lower 80s. Clearing out Wednesday night with lows in the 50s. Thursday should be sunny with highs in the mid 70s and lows in the mid 50s, which are seasonable readings for this time of year. Continued sunny skies with similar temps Friday and Saturday, then warming a bit into the upper 70s on Sunday with sunny skies, lows in the upper 50s. Dry, seasonable weather appears to be likely to extend into the first part of the next work week.

Monday's precipitation: 1.04" (LR) 0.82" (VP2) Max rain rate (MRR) 6.47" @ 1520

May's total precipitation: 1.93"

2012 annual YTD precipitation total: 10.23"

VP2 data for Monday as follows:

High temp 68.1° (0000)

Low temp 61.2° (0945)

Obs temp tonight 62.9°

Relative humidity ranged from a max of 98% (2230) to a low of 69% (0000)

Dew point ranged from 64° to 57°

Peak Wind Gust 7 MPH from the E (0240)

Pressures ranged from 30.13"(0000) to 30.03"(2340).

At midnight EDT obs the temp was 62.9° and Cloudy with very light rain. Winds 1 MPH from the ENE, barometer 30.03" and steady, humidity 98% with a dew point of 62°.

Currently at 0232 EDT the temp is 63.4°, Cloudy/very light rain, Winds 1 MPH from the E, barometer 29.99" and falling, humidity 98% with a dew point of 63°. 0.01" (VP2) since midnight.

Current radar shows lots of rain up and down the East Coast from South Carolina up through much of New England. Locally the rain showers look heaviest and most concentrated to the W and SW of me in the Shenandoah valley of VA and in the mountains in parts of WV and VA.

Kevin the Walrus from Gaithersburg Maryland, signing off early on Tuesday morning.

[Kevin Shaw]

Gaithersburg Maryland VP2 backyard report for Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Tuesday was warm and humid, but the rain all fell overnight before I got up (along with a bit of fog) - concentrated between 0400 and 0600 (see max rain rate below). Storms threatened late in the afternoon and evening, but fell elsewhere, mostly to my south and southwest though there also was some action around sections of Baltimore. I even saw a bit of sun today, which warmed us up a bit more than yesterday and also triggered really cool bulging cumulus towers that I was able to see on the drive into work in the morning and also on the way home in the evening. Tonight it is still mostly cloudy, but the rain showers have moved elsewhere, mostly off to the east. Wednesday should find partly cloudy, warm, humid conditions with highs in the low 80s and a 20 POP for showers and isolated storms. Clearing skies on Wednesday night and cooler air behind the cold front passing through should drop us into the 50s by morning. Sunny, dry weather should predominate through the weekend, with highs on Thursday in the low 70s and lows in the upper 40s moderating to the upper 70s to around 80 by Sunday, with lows generally in the 50s. Perhaps some showers may come back early next week but we will see if anything develops on that in the coming days.

Tuesday's precipitation: 0.63" (LR) 0.44" (VP2) Max rain rate (MRR) 1.99" @ 0418

May's total precipitation: 2.56"

2012 annual YTD precipitation total: 10.86"

VP2 data for Tuesday as follows:

High temp 77.0° (1738)

Low temp 62.8° (0021)

Obs temp tonight 67.6°

Relative humidity ranged from a max of 99% (0844) to a low of 65% (1635)

Dew point ranged from 68° to 62°

Peak Wind Gust 7 MPH from the SE (0013)

Pressures ranged from 30.03"(0000) to 29.92"(1837).

At midnight EDT obs the temp was 67.6°. It was still Cloudy with a few breaks in the overcast. Winds Calm, barometer 29.96" and steady, humidity 90% with a dew point of 65°.

Currently at 0239 EDT the temp is 64.3°, Cloudy/some breaks in OC, Winds Calm, barometer 29.93" and falling, humidity 94% with a dew point of 63°.

Current radar shows most of the earlier rain activity moving off to the E and NE, over the Atlantic Ocean with the largest area, and other areas in NJ and NE into New England. There is a small area due south of me in the northern neck of VA, between DC and Richmond that is still hanging in there.

Kevin the Walrus from Gaithersburg Maryland, signing off early on Wednesday morning.

[Kevin Shaw]

Gaithersburg Maryland VP2 backyard report for Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Wednesday was a transition day, warm and humid in the first part, warm later but gradually drier with dew points dropping slowly. Mostly sunny, dry - some widely scattered showers around late this evening as a cold front presses south out of PA, but nothing here. The next several days should be sunny and seasonable, with highs in the low-mid 70s on Thursday, lows in the upper 40s, warming gradually into the low-mid 80s by Sunday, with lows in the 50s. Sun should predominate through the weekend. Early next week increasing chances for showers and storms by Tuesday and Wednesday, but only a 30 POP each day, with highs in the upper 70s to around 80.

Wednesday's precipitation: 0

May's total precipitation: 2.56"

2012 annual YTD precipitation total: 10.86"

VP2 data for Wednesday as follows:

High temp 81.2° (1819)

Low temp 60.6° (0626)

Obs temp tonight 66.8°

Relative humidity ranged from a max of 97% (0741) to a low of 39% (1632)

Dew point ranged from 65° to 53°

Peak Wind Gust 8 MPH from the NE (1338)

Pressures ranged from 29.96"(1104) to 29.87"(1653).

At midnight EDT obs the temp was 66.8°. Partly Cloudy. Winds 2 MPH from the SE, barometer 29.95" and rising, humidity 83% with a dew point of 62°.

Currently at 0228 EDT the temp is 65.7°, Partly Cloudy, Winds Calm, barometer 29.96" and rising, humidity 78% with a dew point of 59°.

Current radar shows remnant small areas of rain over parts of Maine and South Carolina. All other areas pretty clear at this time.

Kevin the Walrus from Gaithersburg Maryland, signing off early on Thursday morning.

[Kevin Shaw]

Gaithersburg Maryland VP2 backyard report for Thursday, May 17, 2012

Thursday was a real pretty day, sunny, low dew points, more comfortable temps in the lower 70s after pleasant sleeping weather overnight with lows in the mid 50s. We should drop down tonight to around 50, then rise into the mid 70s on Friday with continued sunny skies. Upper 70s and sun on Saturday, then sun and highs around 80 on Sunday. Next week looks partly cloudy with highs in the upper 70s and a 30 POP for showers and storms each day. Lows from Saturday night on should be somewhere in the 50s. Got a bit of a download problem with my VP2 right now that I hope I will be able to resolve sometime real soon, like tomorrow night or over the weekend.

I attended our May 2012 DC-AMS Chapter meeting on Thursday evening at the NWS Operations Center in the building next to where I work in Silver Spring. There was a presentation on Space Weather by Bob Rutledge of the NWS Space Weather Prediction Center in Boulder CO. He spoke in general terms of the solar activity which they monitor and try to predict when solar mass ejections, etc head towards earth, figuring out when they should arrive, how strong they are, and what affects, if any, they will have on GPS, communications, etc here on earth. They have a website with a lot of information about what is going on in space, and they also have an email system where you can get updates on email of solar activity that might/will have an affect on earth and its systems.

They had a teleconference set up so he gave his presentation remotely from his Boulder office. It was interactive, we could ask him questions through microphones hanging from the ceiling... Pretty interesting...

Thursday's precipitation: 0

May's total precipitation: 2.56"

2012 annual YTD precipitation total: 10.86"

VP2 data for Thursday as follows:

High temp 73.4° (1818)

Low temp 55.4° (2359)

Obs temp tonight 53.4°

Relative humidity ranged from a max of 85% (0029) to a low of 34% (1723)

Dew point ranged from 62° to 47°

Peak Wind Gust 13 MPH from the NE (1005)

Pressures ranged from 30.15"(2319) to 29.94"(0007).

At midnight EDT obs the temp was 55.4°. Clear. Winds Calm, barometer 30.14" and rising, humidity 74% with a dew point of 47°.

Currently at 0237 EDT the temp is 50.6°, Clear, Winds Calm, barometer 30.14" and rising, humidity 85% with a dew point of 46°.

Current radar shows scattered showers over the north half of MI, and also in parts of North Carolina, along the coast and back in the Smokies in the western part of the state.

For now, hopefully very temporary, my online real time weather station status is on hiatus - not updating right now. Stay tuned for updates. Thanks for yor patience and understanding.

Kevin the Walrus from Gaithersburg Maryland, signing off early on Friday morning.

[Kevin Shaw]

Gaithersburg Maryland VP2 backyard report for Friday, May 18, 2012

Friday was another real pretty day, sunny, nice low dew points, temps rising a bit into the mid 70s after pleasant sleeping weather overnight with lows in the upper 40s. We should drop down tonight into the upper 40s again, then rise into the upper 70s on Saturday with continued sunny skies. Lower 80s on Sunday with partly cloudy skies. Next week looks partly cloudy with highs in the mid-upper 70s and a 30 POP for showers and storms on Monday, rising to a 50 POP on Tuesday and Tuesday night, then a 40 POP on Wednesday, then a 30 POP for the rest of the week. Temps should mostly be in the 50s at night.

Fixed my download problem this morning - a critical wire had become unplugged that was causing a disconnect in getting my data onto the internet and downloading into my computer.

Friday's precipitation: 0

May's total precipitation: 2.56"

2012 annual YTD precipitation total: 10.86"

VP2 data for Friday as follows:

High temp 75.4° (1815)

Low temp 48.1° (0549)

Obs temp tonight 61.6° (Yesterday's obs temp was incorrectly advertised as 53.4- it should have been 55.4)

Relative humidity ranged from a max of 92% (0629) to a low of 37% (1528) (Yesterday's time of low rel hum was incorrectly shown as 1723 - it should have been 1605)

Dew point ranged from 52° to 45° (Yesterday's low dew point was incorrectly shown as 47 - it actually was 41)

Peak Wind Gust 11 MPH from the NE (1444)

Pressures ranged from 30.21"(0902) to 30.13"(1820).

At midnight EDT obs the temp was 61.6°. Clear. Winds Calm, barometer 30.18" and falling, humidity 62% with a dew point of 48°.

Currently at 0355 EDT the temp is 52.4°, Clear, Winds Calm, barometer 30.16" and falling, humidity 85% with a dew point of 48°.

Current radar is clear throughout the Eastern United States north of Florida.

Kevin the Walrus from Gaithersburg Maryland, signing off early on Saturday morning.

[Yeoman]

Does anyone actually read these?

[Kevin Shaw]

Gaithersburg Maryland VP2 backyard report for Saturday, May 19, 2012

Saturday warmed a bit higher and a bit out of my comfort level for this time of the year, up to and over the 80 mark. Sunny and still relatively dry with dew points still remaining in the upper 40s to mid 50s most of the day. After another clear Saturday night with lows in the low 50s we should be sunny on Sunday with high temps in the low 80s. Clouds should come in late Sunday, with a 40 POP for showers, most likely after midnight. Clouds, showers and storms, with highs in the upper 70s for the week, most likely on Monday (70 POP) and diminishing as the week progresses. (50 POP on Tuesday, 40 POP on Wednesday, then a 30 POP for Thursday and Friday). Lows should mostly be in the 50s to lower 60s.

Saturday's precipitation: 0

May's total precipitation: 2.56"

2012 annual YTD precipitation total: 10.86"

VP2 data for Saturday as follows:

High temp 80.5° (1817)

Low temp 49.9° (0603)

Obs temp tonight 61.8°

Relative humidity ranged from a max of 90% (0611) to a low of 35% (1717)

Dew point ranged from 57° to 47°.

Peak Wind Gust 9 MPH from the N (1345)

Pressures ranged from 30.21"(0912) to 30.11"(1847).

At midnight EDT obs the temp was 61.8°. Clear. Winds Calm, barometer 30.15" and rising, humidity 79% with a dew point of 55°.

Currently at 0437 EDT the temp is 55.9°, Clear, Winds Calm, barometer 30.16" and steady, humidity 88% with a dew point of 52°.

Current radar is clear throughout the Eastern United States north of Florida at this time.

Kevin the Walrus from Gaithersburg Maryland, signing off early on Sunday morning.

[Kevin Shaw]

Yeoman asks if anyone ever reads these posts? Well I do, and I know that Brad also reads them; other than us two I don't know if anyone else reads them. We don't get a lot of questions about our posts. Also of late the weather has been pretty featureless, with no real significant weather going on. We just post what the weather was like on each day at our location, our backyard where we live. Thanks Yeoman for posting the question. I wonder that myself from time to time.

The Walrus, Kevin Shaw, of Gaithersburg Maryland

[Kevin Shaw]

Gaithersburg Maryland VP2 backyard report for Sunday, May 20, 2012

Sunday warmed a bit more further into the low 80s from Saturday, but will be the last of that trend for a while. Sun predominated early, but by mid-afternoon clouds were on the increase and the evening was cloudy. Dew points climbed through the 50s from mid-afternoon on, and went over the 60 mark in the evening. A LOW offshore is retrograding westward and bringing in moisture from the Atlantic on easterly component winds this evening. After midnight tonight showers have broken out and should spread and intensify as the overnight progresses into the later, post-sunrise morning hours of Monday. An 80 POP for showers and scattered storms on Monday with clouds and high temps only around 70 should carry through the evening/overnight hours into Tuesday, with lows in the low 60s. Tuesday will bring more showers and clouds, with a 60 POP. A 50 POP on Wednesday for continued showers with temps in the 70s and lows around 60. By Thursday the POP should be down to 30 for showers and temps into the 70s. Finally we should dry out on Friday with highs around 80 and then reach well into the 80s with sun for the Memorial Day weekend as it looks right now.

Sunday's precipitation: 0

May's total precipitation: 2.56"

2012 annual YTD precipitation total: 10.86"

VP2 data for Sunday as follows:

High temp 81.4° (1550)

Low temp 54.1° (0615)

Obs temp tonight 69.0°

Relative humidity ranged from a max of 92% (0705) to a low of 37% (1420)

Dew point ranged from 62° to 51°.

Peak Wind Gust 15 MPH from the NE (1515)

Pressures ranged from 30.20"(0910) to 30.11"(2350).

At midnight EDT obs the temp was 69.0°. Cloudy. Winds 7 MPH from the NE, barometer 30.11" and steady, humidity 80% with a dew point of 63°.

Currently at 0209 EDT the temp is 65.3°, Cloudy, Winds 4 MPH from the NE, barometer 30.07" and falling, humidity 94% with a dew point of 64°. VP2 rainfall since midnight: 0.03"

Current radar is showing showers coming in from the E and SE from the Atlantic Ocean and coastal Maryland, heading west to our area.

Kevin the Walrus from Gaithersburg Maryland, signing off early on Monday morning.

[Kevin Shaw]

Gaithersburg Maryland VP2 backyard report for Monday, May 21, 2012

Monday clouded up, was cooler and damp, with morning rains, mostly falling between 7 and 9 AM, then a bit more in the mid-afternoon. Foggy at times, a few breaks in the clouds with a bit of sun by late afternoon. More fog (also fractostratus in spots) in the evening, and showers set up just to my west in VA and far western Montgomery County late this evening into the early morning hours that have not moved much, and prompted flash flood warnings out of our local forecast office out at Sterling VA. Some of that rain may make it here eventually during the overnight hours as it is moving easterly very slowly (50 POP). Right now radar shows the edge of the precipitation over my location, but only a bit of drizzle has been noted so far early this morning. Showers and thundershowers are likely on both Tuesday (60 POP) and Wednesday (70 POP) with temps in the 70s by day and muggy 60s at night. Partly sunny and a bit warmer on Thursday but with still a 40 POP for showers and storms, highs around 80. We should dry out on Friday and continue that pattern through the Memorial Day weekend, with highs in the mid 80s on Friday rising to around 90 by Memorial Day. Lows will be in the 50s on Friday then into the 60s by Sunday with little chances for rain over the entire holiday weekend.

Monday's precipitation: 0.66" (LR) 0.42" (VP2) 0.93"/hr Max Rain Rate @ 0830

May's total precipitation: 3.22"

2012 annual YTD precipitation total: 11.52"

VP2data for Monday as follows:

High temp 69.7° (1720)

Low temp 63.5° (0834)

Obs temp tonight 65.4°

Relative humidity ranged from a max of 97% (0927) to a low of 79% (0005)

Dew point ranged from 68° to 62°.

Peak Wind Gust 13 MPH from the NE (0517)

Pressures ranged from 30.11"(0013) to 29.93"(1945).

At midnight EDT obs the temp was 65.4°. Cloudy. Winds Calm, barometer 29.93" and steady, humidity 94% with a dew point of 64°.

Currently at 0258 EDT the temp is 64.8°, Cloudy, Winds 3 MPH from the E, barometer 29.89" and falling, humidity 95% with a dew point of 63°.

Current radar is showing showers just to my west and southwest, slowly moving E. Most of the heavier showers have decreased in intensity over the past few hours, and are to my south, and will miss my station.

Kevin the Walrus from Gaithersburg Maryland, signing off early on Tuesday morning.

[Kevin Shaw]

Gaithersburg Maryland VP2 backyard report for Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Tuesday started cloudy, warm and humid with some very light early morning showers/drizzle, then the clouds broke up a bit in the afternoon, warming us up a bit more than yesterday, with plenty of billowing cumulus with the sun's heating and plenty of available moisture. Storms have developed to my W and NW, similar to last night though a bit more to the north tonight, and are slow moving - appearing to be right on my doorstep though not quite as close as last night, moving in an easterly direction slowly. Staying in place mostly during the evening so far, this has caused flash flood warnings to be posted in some counties and areas to my west in northern VA for the second straight night, centered once again in the Manassas area of VA. They appear to be weakening somewhat, but are still expected to affect my area sometime during the overnight hours with rain, heavy at times, and some brief, gusty winds. Wednesday looks to be partly to mostly cloudy with a 70 POP for showers and storms from the afternoon through the evening and overnight. Highs in the mid-upper 70s and lows mostly in the muggy 60s. Thursday looks like partly cloudy, humid skies, with highs in the lower 80s and a 50 POP for showers and storms. Friday we look to dry out with sunny, quite warm conditions with highs in the mid 80s. The weekend looks sunny and hot, with highs around 90 on Saturday and low 90s on Sunday for our first 90 degree weather of the season. Memorial Day looks hot also, but with clouds coming in somewhat and a 40 POP for showers and storms that should carry further into the mid-week period and a slight "cool-down" into the mid 80s.The horrible muggies of the summer appear to be arriving just in time for the first holiday weekend of the summer.

Tuesday's precipitation: 0.03" (LR) 0.01" (VP2)

May's total precipitation: 3.25"

2012 annual YTD precipitation total: 11.55"

VP2 data for Tuesday as follows:

High temp 77.0° (1823)

Low temp 64.1° (0533)

Obs temp tonight 67.6°

Relative humidity ranged from a max of 97% (0735) to a low of 68% (1843)

Dew point ranged from 67° to 63°.

Peak Wind Gust 8 MPH from the NE (0013)

Pressures ranged from 29.94"(0012) to 29.81"(1713).

At midnight EDT obs the temp was 67.6°. Cloudy. Winds Calm, barometer 29.87" and rising, humidity 89% with a dew point of 64°.

Currently at 0220 EDT the temp is 67.0°, Cloudy, Winds Calm, barometer 29.87" and steady, humidity 91% with a dew point of 64°.

Current radar is showing showers just to my west and northwest, very slowly moving E. Much of the heavier showers have decreased in intensity over the past few hours, but appear to be moving into my immediate area in the next few hours

Kevin the Walrus from Gaithersburg Maryland, signing off early on Wednesday morning.

[Kevin Shaw]

Abbreviated Gaithersburg Maryland VP2 backyard report for Wed May 23, 2012

I had a power outage late Wednesday night/early Thursday morning from about 12:30 AM to about 5 AM - the outage was throughout Gaithersburg according to PEPCO. So I could not send out my usual daily wx post. This is an attempt to do one now, but it will be necessarily abbreviated with some of the usual features not carried this time due to obvious reasons, and also serious time constraints.

Wednesday started out fair, warm and humid, but clouded over in the afternoon and I got a good gullywasher (with lightning observed by my wife while driving home from school in the mid-afternoon) between 1500 and 1515, when I got 1.02" of rain according to my VP2 gauge. A few light showers thereafter, and some fog, otherwise the evening was tranquil but still humid with lows staying in the muggy 60s. Overnight was also uneventful except for the power outage - weather didn't directly cause the outage as far as I know. Sunny and warm to start Thursday, but with a 60 POP for more showers and storms to develop this afternoon and evening, Looks like the LOW that has been giving us these showery/ stormy afternoons and evenings this week will finally move out and weaken, with sunny and increasingly hot conditions on Friday throughout the Memorial Day weekend. Highs should be reaching 90 or into the low 90s, with lows in the upper 60s to low 70s. There is somewhat of a chance of storms by late Sunday into Monday, but at this point only a 30 POP. The horrible "hot muggies" of the summer appear to be arriving just in time for the first holiday weekend of the summer.

Wednesday's precipitation: 1.08" (LR) 1.17" (VP2) max rain rate 9.76"/hr @ 1506

May's total precipitation: 4.33"

2012 annual YTD precipitation total: 12.63"

VP2 data for Wednesday as follows:

High temp 76.2° (1259)

Low temp 63.5° (0602)

Obs temp tonight 66.4°

Relative humidity ranged from a max of 98% (2237) to a low of 72% (1309)

Dew point ranged from 70° to 62°.

Peak Wind Gust 7 MPH from the N (1047)

Pressures ranged from 30.00"(2219) to 29.85"(0458).

At midnight EDT obs the temp was 66.4°. Cloudy with light fog. Winds Calm, barometer 29.98" and steady, humidity 97% with a dew point of 66°.

Current conditions and current radar not available at this time.

Kevin the Walrus from Gaithersburg Maryland, signing off late on Thursday afternoon.