What's the Weather Where You are?

[Kevin Shaw]

Gaithersburg Maryland VP2 backyard report for Thursday, May 24, 2012

Thursday was a bit warmer and still quite humid, with more sun than Wednesday but with cloud buildups once again in the afternoon and evening with light showers during the evening, but no gullywasher like I received yesterday. The LOW that has been giving us these showery/ stormy afternoons and evenings this week is finally moving out and weakening. Friday should start out a bit cloudy but the sun should come out in the afternoon and drive our temps up into the mid 80s. The Memorial Day weekend should be mostly sunny, hot and humid, with highs on Saturday in the upper 80s, lows in the 60s, then Sunday and Monday should see high temps topping off in the lower 90s, with lows around 70, and a 30 POP for showers and storms on Memorial Day Monday. A front appears to be moving through sometime on Tuesday with a 30-40 POP for showers/storms and highs in the upper 80s, then sunny and a bit more pleasant on Wednesday with highs in the lower 80s.

Thursday's precipitation: 0.06" (LR) 0.03" (VP2)

May's total precipitation: 4.39"

2012 annual YTD precipitation total: 12.69"

VP2 data for Thursday as follows:

High temp 80.0° (1708)

Low temp 65.6° (0112)

Obs temp tonight 68.9°

Relative humidity ranged from a max of 98% (0012) to a low of 58% (1647)

Dew point ranged from 69° to 64°.

Peak Wind Gust 10 MPH from the NE (1219)

Pressures ranged from 30.10"(2347) to 29.97"(0001).

At midnight EDT obs the temp was 68.9°. Cloudy with light fog. Winds Calm, barometer 30.10" and steady, humidity 95% with a dew point of 68°.

Currently at 0221 EDT we have a temp of 68.3°, cloudy with light fog, winds calm, barometer still steady at 30.10", humidity at 96% with a dew point of 67°.

Current radar is showing a thin line of showers and storms cutting through Eastern WI and the Upper Peninsula of MI with light showers offshore in the Atlantic off from the VA/NC border and over parts of southern New England.

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

[Kevin Shaw]

Gaithersburg Maryland VP2 backyard report for Friday, May 25, 2012

Friday was warmer and sunnier than Thursday but still quite humid, as dew points rose over the 70 mark at times, truly oppressive, especially for May. And tonight the overnight conditions are muggy and warm, with lows just barely dropping into the upper 60s. That nighttime trend will persist throughout the weekend, unfortunately. Highs on Saturday and Sunday will be in the upper 80s to near 90 with plenty of sun, dew points in the upper 60s to lower 70s, more oppressiveness! Memorial Day Monday should see high temps reach into the low 90s, with low temps only about 70. As the workweek starts again on Tuesday, we should see increasing chances for showers and storms - 30 POP during the day, 40 POP in the evening/overnight. On Wednesday we should dry out a bit and cool off slightly, down in the mid 80s. Low 80s on Thursday and then 70s on Friday with a 30 POP for showers/storms. All in all a summerlike week for Memorial Day weekend and week.

Friday's precipitation: 0

May's total precipitation: 4.39"

2012 annual YTD precipitation total: 12.69"

VP2 data for Friday as follows:

High temp 84.6° (1817)

Low temp 68.2° (0153)

Obs temp tonight 73.0°

Relative humidity ranged from a max of 97% (0427) to a low of 60% (1822)

Dew point ranged from 71° to 67°.

Peak Wind Gust 7 MPH from the E (1846)

Pressures ranged from 30.16"(0939) to 30.09"(1819).

At midnight EDT obs the temp was 73.0°. Clear. Winds 1 MPH from the E, barometer 30.13" and steady, humidity 85% with a dew point of 68°.

Currently at 0403 EDT we have a temp of 68.7°, clear, winds calm, barometer still steady at 30.13", humidity 94% with a dew point of 67°.

Current radar is showing pockets of rain showers in parts of OH, MI, IL, and over a good part of WI and Iowa at this time. Pretty clear elsewhere.

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

[Kevin Shaw]

Gaithersburg Maryland VP2 backyard report for Saturday, May 26, 2012

Saturday was a bit warmer and cloudier than Friday and even more humid, as the dew point rose over the 70 mark for most of the day, topping off briefly at 74 a few times in the mid-afternoon, once again truly oppressive, especially for May. I would still call the day partly cloudy, though by late afternoon the clouds overspread the area, from storms that had formed over central PA and had moved south, along a stationary frontal boundary. The rain shield entered into northern Maryland by early evening but the storms weakened/ spread out. I believe some areas got sprinkles/light rain showers, but nothing fell here unfortunately. Most of the late evening/overnight has been mostly cloudy, and slightly drier as the dew point has dropped below 70. This has allowed the air temperature to drop into the upper 60s. Sunday should see a return of the muggies, with high temps in the upper 80s and a 40 POP for showers/storms in the mid-late afternoon. Muggy and cloudy on Sunday night, with lows in the upper 60s once again. Memorial Day Monday should be sunny and hot, with highs in the lower 90s. There should be a high of 90 or thereabouts on Tuesday with a 40 POP for showers/storms as a front approaches the area. Continued 40 POP into the evening hours, with lows in the 60s. Partly cloudy on Wednesday and Thursday and a bit cooler and drier, with highs in the low-mid 80s. Friday should be cooler into the 70s with a chance of rain again (40 POP) yielding to sunny skies on Saturday with highs in the lower 70s. Sounds a bit nicer as we enter into June.

Saturday's precipitation: 0

May's total precipitation: 4.39"

2012 annual YTD precipitation total: 12.69"

VP2 data for Saturday as follows:

High temp 85.5° (1518)

Low temp 67.6° (0610)

Obs temp tonight 75.5°

Relative humidity ranged from a max of 96% (0633) to a low of 65% (1516)

Dew point ranged from 74° to 66°.

Peak Wind Gust 7 MPH from the E (1531)

Pressures ranged from 30.17"(0837) to 30.08"(1656).

At midnight EDT obs the temp was 75.5°. Cloudy. Winds Calm, barometer 30.14" and steady, humidity 80% with a dew point of 69°.

Currently at 0600 EDT we have a temp of 68.9°, clear, winds calm, barometer steady at 30.13", humidity 92% with a dew point of 67°.

Current radar is showing rain showers/storms over NE WI and parts of northern MI, and an area of showers/storms over parts of eastern PA and central NJ, moving off to the E.

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

[Kevin Shaw]

Gaithersburg Maryland VP2 backyard report for Sunday, May 27, 2012

Sunday was a tad warmer than Saturday, a bit less muggy, and with another round of showers/storms coming down to my area like yesterday, but from further west in Pennsylvania so it came from a NW direction. The storms held together longer so I actually did get some rain, but it wasn't much. Radar images looked quite impressive, even when the cells were right on top of me, but apparently the storms fizzled out greatly right at that time. Also remarkably I observed no lightning and heard no thunder. Others in the area also noted this trait from the evening activity. More stratiform rain behind the initial cells fell but most of it dried up before reaching the ground, at least at my location. Tonight it is still cloudy, slightly cooler than last night at this time, but still muggy. Tomorrow, Memorial Day should be mostly sunny, quite warm and humid with highs around 90, and a 20 POP for showers/storms. Tuesday should have similar numbers, a bit more clouds (partly cloudy) with the POP for showers/storms increasing to 40. Tuesday night should see the POP go up a bit more, to 50. The muggy air should leave us for a while overnight, and Wednesday should be dry, partly cloudy, and with a high in the upper 80s. Thursday should see it cool off a bit, with sunny skies and highs in the lower 80s. Friday should see high temps in the 70s with cloudy skies and a 50 POP for showers that should continue into Saturday. Then Sunday looks to dry out, clear up and be really nice, with highs in the lower 70s as we start off June relatively cool. I only wish it would stay that way!

Sunday's precipitation: 0.05" (LR) 0.01" (VP2 - blockage from leaves/trees very apparent now)

May's total precipitation: 4.44"

2012 annual YTD precipitation total: 12.74"

VP2 data for Sunday as follows:

High temp 85.8° (1625)

Low temp 67.3° (2357)

Obs temp tonight 67.3°

Relative humidity ranged from a max of 93% (0607) to a low of 53% (1606)

Dew point ranged from 72° to 64°.

Peak Wind Gust 16 MPH from the N (2037)

Pressures ranged from 30.18"(2046) to 30.04"(1802).

At midnight EDT obs the temp was 67.3°. Cloudy. Winds Calm, barometer 30.08" and falling, humidity 93% with a dew point of 65°.

Currently at 0421 EDT we have a temp of 67.0°, cloudy, winds 1 MPH from the E, barometer 29.98" and now rising after dropping down to 29.96" about an hour ago, humidity 92% with a dew point of 65°.

Current radar is showing the evening activity in this area just about dried up, with just a dying small spot of rain over Northern VA, and a larger but still dying spot over northern NJ, and a bit of shower activity over parts of Maine.

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

[Kevin Shaw]

Gaithersburg Maryland VP2 backyard report for Memorial Day Monday, May 28, 2012

Monday was a hot one, the hottest day of the year so far, surpassing the previous hottest day of April 16 when I had a high temp of 86.9. The 90.2 high was also obviously my first 90 max temp day of the year. Hopefully we won't have a lot more to follow. The past few years we have had this burst of heat at the end of May that lead into hot summers. Hopefully that pattern won't manifest itself either. We had a mostly sunny day with virtually no threat for showers and/or storms like the previous few days. Dew points returned into the 70s again, but skies were pretty clear and air quality wasn't too bad. Tonight the temps have remained warm, and we may only bottom out at about 70 by sunrise Tuesday. Partly sunny, warm, and humid conditions during the day on Tuesday, with a 50 POP for showers/storms in the afternoon and highs in the upper 80s. A 70 POP for showers/storms Tuesday night, with lows in the 60s. Then Wednesday we should be sunny and a bit drier, with highs in the upper 80s. Thursday should also be sunny and a bit cooler, with highs in the lower 80s. Friday should see an increase in clouds with highs in the 70s and a 50 POP for showers/storms that will continue into Friday evening, as a front approaches from the West. Sunny and pleasant on Saturday with highs in the low 70s, lows Saturday night into the 50s, then sunny and upper 70s on Sunday for a really nice early June weekend.

Monday's precipitation: 0

May's total precipitation: 4.44"

2012 annual YTD precipitation total: 12.74"

VP2 data for Monday as follows:

High temp 90.2° (1816)

Low temp 65.3° (0621)

Obs temp tonight 77.1°

Relative humidity ranged from a max of 96% (0716) to a low of 51% (1647)

Dew point ranged from 74° to 64°.

Peak Wind Gust 7 MPH from the W (1200)

Pressures ranged from 30.09"(0009) to 29.93"(0301).

At midnight EDT obs the temp was 77.1°. Clear. Winds 2 MPH from the E, barometer 29.95" and steady, humidity 83% with a dew point of 71°.

Currently at 0227 EDT we have a temp of 74.8°, clear, winds 1 MPH from the WSW, barometer 29.91" and falling, humidity 86% with a dew point of 70°.

Current radar is scattered showers through parts of the midwest (MI and IL mostly), parts of southern Ontario, and parts of northern New England. Not moving this way at this time but those midwestern showers will probably evolve into our later in the day precipitation action on Tuesday.

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

[Kevin Shaw]

Gaithersburg Maryland VP2 backyard report for Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Tuesday was another hot and muggy day, but a bit less hot than yesterday since we got late afternoon clouds and then very cooling evening showers/ thundershowers, dropping our temps eventually into the upper 60s during the latter evening hours. The daily rainfall amount of 1.61" set a new daily record, easily eclipsing the old record of 1.17" set back in 1990 and again in 2009. BTW, yesterday's 90 set a new daily max temp record. We still have some scattered showers out there at this time, and a 50 POP for showers overnight so we may still get to add to the month's total. Wednesday will start out cloudy with still a chance of morning showers, but then should clear out and have a sunny afternoon with highs in the mid 80s. Lows Wednesday night should drop into the upper 50s. Thursday should be beautiful, sunny with highs in the upper 70s. Friday will cloud up a bit again, with a 40 POP for showers/storms and a high in the upper 70s. A 70 POP for showers/storms Friday night, then a 50 POP for showers on Saturday with highs in the mid 70s , with showers continuing into the evening (50 POP) and lows in the low 60s. Sunny weather should return for Sunday with highs in the upper 70s.

Tuesday's precipitation: 1.61" (LR) 1.51" (VP2) 8.23"/hr Max rain rate (MRR) @2000

May's total precipitation: 6.05"

2012 annual YTD precipitation total: 14.35"

VP2 data for Tuesday as follows:

High temp 88.1° (1549)

Low temp 68.3° (2140)

Obs temp tonight 68.3°

Relative humidity ranged from a max of 97% (2315) to a low of 57% (1435)

Dew point ranged from 73° to 67°.

Peak Wind Gust 12 MPH from the NW (1851)

Pressures ranged from 29.95"(0038) to 29.74"(1555).

At midnight EDT obs the temp was 68.3°. Cloudy. Winds Calm, barometer 29.82" and steady, humidity 97% with a dew point of 67°.

Currently at 0239 EDT we have a temp of 68.3°, cloudy, winds Calm, barometer 29.81" and steady, humidity 97% with a dew point of 68°.

Current radar is showing light, scattered showers through our area, moving generally SW to NE. They should be around for most of the overnight into the early morning hours.

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

[Kevin Shaw]

Gaithersburg Maryland VP2 backyard report for Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Wednesday was an improvement over Tuesday, still cloudy but with no rain and cooler temperatures and gradual lowering of the dew point temperatures. They briefly lowered into the 50s but crept back up into the 60s and have stayed there for now, which may keep us in the 60s for lows tonight. Thursday should be a pretty day with sun and a high temp of 80. Becoming somewhat cloudy Thursday night with lows in the low 60s, then on Friday an 80 POP for showers and storms, highs in the 70s and cloudy, with a good chance for some heavy rain to kick start June's precipitation totals perhaps. The 80 POP continues into Friday night with more showers and storms, then Saturday should be real pretty with sun and highs in the mid 70s. Partly cloudy on Sunday with a 30 POP for showers, highs in the upper 70s. Monday should be partly cloudy with highs in the upper 70s. A 30 POP for showers on Tuesday with highs in the upper 70s, then low 70s on Wednesday and sunny skies as thankfully we are also getting what looks like a relatively cool start to June besides the frequent precipitation chances.

Wednesday's precipitation: 0

May's total precipitation: 6.05"

2012 annual YTD precipitation total: 14.35"

VP2 data for Wednesday as follows:

High temp 81.9° (1639)

Low temp 63.5° (0831)

Obs temp tonight 67.4°

Relative humidity ranged from a max of 97% (0000) to a low of 44% (1623)

Dew point ranged from 68° to 57°.

Peak Wind Gust 5 MPH from the E (1549)

Pressures ranged from 29.84"(0945) to 29.72"(1805).

At midnight EDT obs the temp was 67.4°. Clear. Winds Calm, barometer 29.75" and steady, humidity 85% with a dew point of 63°.

Currently at 0243 EDT we have a temp of 65.5°, PCloudy, winds Calm, barometer 29.75" and steady, humidity 92% with a dew point of 63°.

Current radar is showing light, scattered showers in parts of ME, rain out in the Atlantic off NJ (remains of Beryl), and showers over parts of WI and IL.

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

[Kevin Shaw]

Gaithersburg Maryland VP2 backyard report for Thursday, May 31, 2012

Thursday was pretty nice day to end the wet, warm month of May. A lot more specific statistics on the month of May coming in the next few days over the weekend, but I was over 2 inches of rain above normal, though still running almost 4 inches below normal for the year to date. My average temps were all above normal, particularly the average minimum, but not record breaking like March was. Thursday certainly didn't give much of an indication of the tumultuous day that Friday might be, with clouds, rain showers developing into possibly severe thunderstorms (70 POP), with damaging winds, hail, and possible tornadoes. Big risk factor numbers are coming out that sound quite ominous. I look for mostly a big gullywasher here in what is normally a pocket of tranquility from the severe weather when it is going on in the DC area. There can be exceptions, of course, and I am always on my toes looking out for those indications of severe weather. Temps should remain in the 70s on Friday with the heavy cloud cover most of the day, though the morning should be mostly dry with the action starting to kick in by early-mid afternoon. Temps in the 60s on Friday night with continued rain showers and storms (90 POP) till about midnight. Sunny and cooler and drier on Saturday with highs in the mid 70s and lows in the mid 50s. Sunday should see partly cloudy skies with highs in the 70s once again, and a 40 POP for showers/storms. Partly cloudy with upper 70s for highs on Monday and dry. Chances of rain showers off and on next week, with generally high temps mostly in the 70s and lows in the 50s to lower 60s. Not too bad for the first week of June. I will take highs in the 70s anytime I can get it between now and September! Even more importantly dew points in the 50s or lower are most desireable! We won't be seeing those conditions very much this summer most likely unfortunately.

Thursday's precipitation: 0

May's total precipitation: 6.05"

2012 annual YTD precipitation total: 14.35"

VP2 data for Thursday as follows:

High temp 82.9° (1818)

Low temp 63.8° (0642)

Obs temp tonight 65.0°

Relative humidity ranged from a max of 93% (0237) to a low of 35% (1815)

Dew point ranged from 64° to 50°.

Peak Wind Gust 13 MPH from the NW (1020)

Pressures ranged from 29.92"(2320) to 29.75"(0252).

At midnight EDT obs the temp was 65.0°. Cloudy. Winds Calm, barometer 29.92" and rising, humidity 78% with a dew point of 58°.

Currently at 0238 EDT we have a temp of 62.6°, PCloudy, winds Calm, barometer 29.91" and falling, humidity 84% with a dew point of 58°.

Current radar is showing light, showers over parts of central and southern VA at this time, moving NE towards my location, which may arrive by sunrise or thereabouts. Lots more rain behind this in the lower midwest, over parts of southern OH, KY, and southern IN.

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

[Kevin Shaw]

Gaithersburg Maryland VP2 backyard report for Friday, June 1, 2012

Friday was quite an interesting weather day to kick start the month of June. I am wiped out right now, as it is getting quite late, so my post for Friday might not be as long as it should be. Cloudy warm and becoming humid as a warm front passed through early getting us in the juiciest of air ahead of the cold front out to our west and a LOW to our NW. Rain held off till early afternoon. Numerous tornado, flash flood, and severe thunderstorm warnings started coming out by mid-afternoon and last well into the evening. The entire area was placed under a tornado watch in the afternoon that ran through 0200 early this morning. No real severe weather was observed at my location as far as I know, but rotating clouds detected by NWS radar within 10 miles or so of my location prompted tornado warnings for my county/town. I don't know how many tornadoes actually made it onto the ground in my local area. Other areas in the region were not as fortunate, with mostly reports of flash flooding closing/blocking roads and making for a Friday evening rush hour commuting big headache. Most of today's rain fell at my station between 2120 and 2220 (1.02" on the VP2). In that period our max rain rate of 7.29"/hour occurred at 2140. That cell was along the last line of storms before the front passed through finally. Rain was over for the day shortly thereafter. Cloudy overnight, and cooler, as temps have dropped into the 50s along wth the dew points. Saturday should be partly cloudy with pleasant temps in the mid 70s and a continuation of lower dew points. Rain showers (30 POP) may fall once again on Sunday afternoon with a partly cloudy sky and high temps once again in the 70s. The coming week should have high temps in the 70s with numerous chances for showers most days. Monday and Tuesday look to have a 50 POP then the rest of the week lesser chances for rain but still in the forecast, at a 30 POP. Most nights should see low temps fall somewhere into the 50s. A nice way to get into the month of June after the wild start on Friday. We can always use the moisture. We are still running almost 3 inches below normal for the year through Friday.

Friday's precipitation: 1.27" (LR) 1.35" (VP2) Max rain rate 7.29"/hour @ 2140.

Not a daily record (1.39" in 2006 remains the daily record for June 1)

May's total precipitation: 6.05"

June's total precipitation: 1.27"

2012 annual YTD precipitation total: 15.62"

VP2 data for Friday as follows:

High temp 76.2° (1337)

Low temp 60.8° (2222)

Obs temp tonight 61.2°

Relative humidity ranged from a max of 97% (2339) to a low of 77% (1340)

Dew point ranged from 71° to 57°.

Peak Wind Gust 14 MPH from the E (1348)

Pressures ranged from 29.92"(0031) to 29.67"(2021).

At midnight EDT obs the temp was 61.2°. Cloudy. Winds Calm, barometer 29.74" and rising, humidity 97% with a dew point of 60°.

Currently at 0554 EDT I have a temp of 54.4°, Clear, winds Calm, barometer 29.78" and rising, humidity 96% with a dew point of 53°.

Current radar is showing our big rains of Friday well offshore from the MD/DE/NJ coast, and moving up through New England and away from my area.

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

[Kevin Shaw]

Gaithersburg Maryland VP2 backyard report for Saturday, June 2, 2012

Saturday was the calm after the tumultuous stormy day of Friday. Pleasant dry light breezes were enjoyed with temps in the low 70s with dew points remaining in the 50s. Many went out to survey the storm damage from Friday, including NWS storm surveyors who confirmed tornadoes in Damascus, Gamber/Finksburg and Bel Air Maryland (among others). The one in Bel Air (Harford County) did some house damage and was rated an EF1, the others were EF0. Tonight clear skies and light winds have allowed temps to drop well down into the 50s. An upper level trough is supposed to pass through on Sunday and Sunday night, so there is a 40 POP for showers/storms with partly cloudy skies and temps up in the 70s and lows in the 50s. The weather should remain "relatively" cool this coming week with highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s. There is a 30 POP for showers on Monday and Tuesday then things should be dry the rest of the week with a gradual warmup through the 70s - perhaps by Saturday we will reach a high temp of 80. The longer we can stay in the 70s as we advance into summer the happier I will be.

Saturday's precipitation: 0

June's total precipitation: 1.27"

2012 annual YTD precipitation total: 15.62"

VP2 data for Saturday as follows:

High temp 73.5° (1815)

Low temp 54.1° (0610)

Obs temp tonight 57.1°

Relative humidity ranged from a max of 97% (0000) to a low of 44% (1810)

Dew point ranged from 60° to 49°.

Peak Wind Gust 12 MPH from the WSW (1045)

Pressures ranged from 29.86"(2355) to 29.73"(0015).

At midnight EDT obs the temp was 57.1°. Clear. Winds Calm, barometer 29.86" and steady, humidity 86% with a dew point of 53°.

Currently @ 0535 EDT we have a temp of 52.4°, Clear, winds Calm, barometer 29.85" and falling, humidity 93% with a dew pt of 51°.

Current radar is showing our big rains of Friday mostly up in Maine right now. Scattered light showers can also be found over parts of lower Michigan and southern Ontario between MI and NY.

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

[Kevin Shaw]

Gaithersburg Maryland VP2 backyard report for Sunday, June 3, 2012

Sunday started off clear and cool, with low temps in the low 50s in the area. Sun warmed us up to the upper 70s with plenty of cumulus building with cold air aloft under the upper level trough we are under, and a short wave spinning under that trough came through late in the afternoon and evening spawning light showers and thundershowers in the region. I was visiting with my daughter in the Baltimore area for a good part of the afternoon and evening, and we had a light thundershower in the evening when we were in this great seafood restaurant in Overlea MD. Traveling home through the northern and western parts of the Baltimore area, I drove in and out of showers there and all the way home, though at home I just got a few sprinkles. It remains cloudy overnight with still some showers on radar streaming down NW to SE from western Pennsylvania. Temperatures for the coming week should be cooler than normal, with highs mostly in the low 70s and lows in the low 50s with partly to mostly cloudy skies and periods of showers possible on some days (mostly on Wednesday (30 POP) and Thursday(40 POP)). On Friday and over the weekend, skies should become mostly sunny and warm into the 80s.

Sunday's precipitation: T (LR)

June's total precipitation: 1.27"

2012 annual YTD precipitation total: 15.62"

VP2 data for Sunday as follows:

High temp 78.8° (1815)

Low temp 52.1° (0606)

Obs temp tonight 62.8°

Relative humidity ranged from a max of 95% (0657) to a low of 41% (1807)

Dew point ranged from 57° to 50°.

Peak Wind Gust 11 MPH from the SW (1050)

Pressures ranged from 29.87"(0723) to 29.73"(1812).

At midnight EDT obs the temp was 62.8°. Cloudy. Winds 1 MPH from the N, barometer 29.75" and falling, humidity 78% with a dew point of 56°.

Currently at 0236 EDT we have a temp of 60.8°, Cloudy, winds Calm, barometer 29.69" and falling, humidity 83% with a dew point of 56°.

Current radar is showing scattered showers streaming SE out of Pennsylvania and through our region, mostly from the Baltimore area and E and SE from there.

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

[Kevin Shaw]

Gaithersburg Maryland VP2 backyard report for Monday, June 4, 2012

Monday started off a bit cloudy and not quite as cool, and partly cloudy skies with still low dew points dominated on Monday afternoon and evening. There were some scattered light showers around the region, but nothing measureable at my location. Temps should stay relatively cool most of this week, with unfortunately a serious warm up next weekend that should get us around or perhaps over 90 by Sunday. Partly cloudy and pleasant in the meantime, with highs mostly in the 70-75 range through Thursday, with low temps in the low 50s. Isolated showers possible on Tuesday (20 POP) with increasing chances on Wednesday (50 POP) then sliding off to a 40 POP on Thursday, then dry thereafter as we start to heat up.

Monday's precipitation: 0

June's total precipitation: 1.27"

2012 annual YTD precipitation total: 15.62"

VP2 data for Monday as follows:

High temp 71.4° (1630)

Low temp 56.3° (0610)

Obs temp tonight 61.6°

Relative humidity ranged from a max of 91% (0622) to a low of 47% (1633)

Dew point ranged from 56° to 49°.

Peak Wind Gust 16 MPH from the N (1116)

Pressures ranged from 29.78"(2355) to 29.67"(0508).

At midnight EDT obs the temp was 61.6°. Clear. Winds 3 MPH from the NW, barometer 29.78" and rising, humidity 77% with a dew point of 54°.

Currently at 0223 EDT we have a temp of 59.1°, Clear, winds 2 MPH from the ENE, barometer 29.80" and rising, humidity 79% with a dew point of 53°.

Current radar is showing scattered showers in TN, NC, and KY, and also over Maine at this time.

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

[Kevin Shaw]

Gaithersburg Maryland VP2 backyard report for Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Tuesday was variably cloudy and cooler, with high temps remaining in the 60s during the day with 50s in the early morning, and also tonight where it has really dropped into the lower 50s. I saw temps in the mid 40s in parts of the northern Maryland region early this evening on the Wundermap, the weather underground google map that nicely displays wx underground stations real-time data. Temps should fall to around 50 by sunrise here at my locale, with those 40s holding in parts of the region. Wednesday shows a bit of a warmup into the 70s with a 40 POP for showers and isolated thundershowers. Lows in the 50s once again, then highs in the upper 70s on Thursday with a 50 POP for showers/storms. Thereafter a warming trend will take hold along with plenty of sunny days. Friday and Saturday should have high temps in the low 80s, then Sunday up in the upper 80s, then Monday and Tuesday up around 90 with continued sunny skies.

Tuesday's precipitation: 0

June's total precipitation: 1.27"

2012 annual YTD precipitation total: 15.62"

VP2 data for Tuesday as follows:

High temp 67.1° (1759)

Low temp 54.8° (2359)

Obs temp tonight 54.9°

Relative humidity ranged from a max of 87% (2349) to a low of 52% (1538)

Dew point ranged from 55° to 48°.

Peak Wind Gust 9 MPH from the NW (0233)

Pressures ranged from 29.98"(2353) to 29.78"(0000).

At midnight EDT obs the temp was 54.9°. Clear. Winds Calm, barometer 29.98" and rising, humidity 87% with a dew point of 51°.

Currently at 0223 EDT we have a temp of 52.5°, Clear, winds Calm, barometer 29.98" and rising, humidity 91% with a dew point of 50°.

Current radar is showing scattered light showers in western NC, SW VA, and parts of upstate NY at this time.

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

[Kevin Shaw]

Gaithersburg Maryland VP2 backyard report for Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Wednesday was variably cloudy once again with a bit more sun than Tuesday therefore a bit warmer, with temps reaching into the mid 70s after a chilly start with lows around the 50 mark. I had a few sprinkles on the way home from the office in the early evening- some beautiful cumulus buildups that really flared up into some showers in the region- but just sprinkles here. Lows tonight into the 50s once again, and tomorrow should see more clouds around with a 40 POP for showers and possibly an isolated thundershower. Some sun too, highs in the upper 70s. Thereafter the sun returns full bore on Friday and through the weekend, with high temps in the low 80s on Friday, then mid 80s on Saturday, then upper 80s on Sunday and Monday, with humidity increasing by the end of the weekend. Lows should be in the 50s for the last time on Thursday night, then 60s on Friday and through the weekend, mostly upper 60s for lows by Sunday night. The heat is on, but if we are lucky, we may not hit 90...

Wednesday's precipitation: T

June's total precipitation: 1.27"

2012 annual YTD precipitation total: 15.62"

VP2 data for Wednesday as follows:

High temp 75.7° (1819)

Low temp 49.9° (0555)

Obs temp tonight 61.1°

Relative humidity ranged from a max of 95% (0735) to a low of 42% (1622)

Dew point ranged from 55° to 48°.

Peak Wind Gust 7 MPH from the N (1209)

Pressures ranged from 30.04"(1024) to 29.97"(1807).

At midnight EDT obs the temp was 61.1°. Clear. Winds Calm, barometer 30.03" and rising, humidity 79% with a dew point of 55°.

Currently at 0158 EDT we have a temp of 57.8°, Clear, winds Calm, barometer 30.02" and steady, humidity 87% with a dew point of 54°.

Current radar is showing scattered light, dying showers in upstate NY and in parts of eastern ME and New Brunswick.

Kevin Shaw signing off for now early on this Thursday morning.

[Kevin Shaw]

Gaithersburg Maryland VP2 backyard report for Thursday, June 7, 2012

Thursday started out clear, but once again the cumulus built up with the afternoon heating and a few light thundershowers fell in my area in the late afternoon. Wind picked up nicely and we did pick up a few hundredths of an inch of rain just prior to 5 pm. My wife even noticed the thunder and reported it to me while I was still working at my office in Silver Spring. High temperatures still managed to stay below 80 for one more day, but I think our streak for that value so far this month is about up. Min temps were in the 50s early Thursday morning, and have reached that level early on this Friday morning as well. Friday night should reach down into the 50s once again, but that might be the last of the 50s we see for lows for a while. Highs on Friday under mostly sunny skies should be in the mid 80s. Saturday and Sunday should be sunny once again, with highs in the mid 80s on Saturday and upper 80s on Sunday. If we manage to stay below 90 on Sunday we may not hit that mark for this heat interlude, and not reach 90 for the next several days. Highs in the mid 80s on Monday with sunny skies, then more clouds return on Tuesday and Wednesday, with a 30 POP for showers/ storms on Tuesday and a 40 POP on Wednesday with high temps both days in the low 80s.

Thursday's precipitation: 0.04" (LR) 0.02" (VP2) 0.07" Max Rain Rate @ 1655

June's total precipitation: 1.31"

2012 annual YTD precipitation total: 15.66"

VP2 data for Thursday as follows:

High temp 79.1° (1629)

Low temp 54.6° (0616)

Obs temp tonight 59.4°

Relative humidity ranged from a max of 94% (0703) to a low of 44% (1633)

Dew point ranged from 65° to 52°.

Peak Wind Gust 21 MPH from the NE (1633)

Pressures ranged from 30.04"(0808) to 29.96"(1755).

At midnight EDT obs the temp was 59.4°. Clear. Winds Calm, barometer 30.02" and steady, humidity 82% with a dew point of 54°.

Currently at 0247 EDT we have a temp of 56.0°, Clear, winds Calm, barometer 30.01" and steady, humidity 89% with a dew point of 53°.

Current radar is showing a small area of decaying light showers in southern Ontario just above the NY state border and also over south central VA.

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

[Kevin Shaw]

Gaithersburg Maryland VP2 backyard report for Friday, June 8, 2012

Friday started out clear and pleasant, with one more nice morning in the mid-50s. Sun predominated today and we climbed over the 80 mark for the first time this month. Dew points stayed reasonably comfortable in the 50s, but will be creeping up over the next few days into the 60s unfortunately. Temps should drop down into the upper 50s by sunrise Saturday for one last hurrah. Sun should be the rule through the weekend, with highs in the upper 80s on Saturday and low 90s on Sunday, with lows in the 60s Saturday and Sunday night. Sunny and upper 80s on Monday during the day, but clouds should start coming in Monday night with a 30-40 POP for showers/storms, that will continue with chances most of the rest of the week, climaxing with a 60 POP on Tuesday evening. Still a 30 POP on Friday so this unsettled pattern will be giving us rain chances all week from time to time. High temps on Tuesday should be around 80 with the clouds keeping the temps down, but dew points will be up, approaching that evil 70 mark. There will be some sun, but plenty of clouds.

Friday's precipitation: 0

June's total precipitation: 1.31"

2012 annual YTD precipitation total: 15.66"

VP2 data for Friday as follows:

High temp 82.7° (1819)

Low temp 54.4° (0557)

Obs temp tonight 66.4°

Relative humidity ranged from a max of 93% (0641) to a low of 36% (1624)

Dew point ranged from 59° to 52°.

Peak Wind Gust 10 MPH from the E (1041)

Pressures ranged from 30.05"(0915) to 29.93"(2029).

At midnight EDT obs the temp was 66.4°. Clear. Winds Calm, barometer 29.97" and rising, humidity 75% with a dew point of 58°.

Currently at 0144 EDT we have a temp of 63.8°, Clear, winds Calm, barometer 29.98" and rising, humidity 81% with a dew point of 58°.

Current radar is showing scattered areas of showers throughout much of New England, extending westward through NY, southern Ontario and sections of lower Michigan.

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

[Kevin Shaw]

Gaithersburg Maryland VP2 backyard report for Saturday, June 9, 2012

Saturday started out clear and pleasant, with lowest temps in the upper 50s. Sun predominated today and we climbed well over the 80 mark towards 90 actually, with some spots hitting 90, but not my backyard fortunately. Dew points crept up, but mostly stayed in the upper 50s during the heat of the day. I attended the 2012 DC-AMS Awards Banquet, showcasing outstanding future talented students and their Science Fair projects and a featured speaker, Captain Barry Choy, who spoke of his extensive experiences flying countless missions in hurricanes as a pilot of hurricane recon aircraft. I relaxed after the luncheon and hibernated inside from the increasing heat. Speaking of heat, Sunday should be mostly sunny and even hotter with highs in the lower 90s and dew points slowly increasing into the 60s. Lows in the low 60s. Monday should be sunny and a tad cooler with highs in the mid 80s. Monday night through Tuesday night should find clouds with temps in the low 80s and a 70 POP for showers and storms. Wednesday should find similar conditions but with only a 40 POP for rain. Thursday more sun but still a 30 POP for showers/storms and a high in the low 80s, then finally on Friday sunny with a high of 80 and no chance of rain. The next weekend looks sunny and warm at first glance from afar.

Saturday's precipitation: 0

June's total precipitation: 1.31"

2012 annual YTD precipitation total: 15.66"

VP2 data for Saturday as follows:

High temp 88.6° (1816)

Low temp 58.3° (0619)

Obs temp tonight 70.1°

Relative humidity ranged from a max of 92% (0725) to a low of 31% (1607)

Dew point ranged from 62° to 53°.

Peak Wind Gust 15 MPH from the N (1347)

Pressures ranged from 30.02"(1107) to 29.95"(1316).

At midnight EDT obs the temp was 70.1°. Clear. Winds Calm, barometer 30.02" and rising, humidity 77% with a dew point of 61°.

Currently at 0519 EDT we have a temp of 62.9°, Clear, winds Calm, barometer 30.04" and rising, humidity 89% with a dew point of 60°.

Current radar is showing scattered areas of light showers through parts of central New York state and northern PA at this time.

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

[Kevin Shaw]

Gaithersburg Maryland VP2 backyard report for Sunday, June 10, 2012

Sunday was hot as we reached and surpassed the 90 mark for the first time in June and only the second time this year. The 91.4° high today was the hottest temperature so far this year at my station. The dew points are creeping up into the low 60s but not too oppressive yet. Temps tonight will remain in the 60s. Monday should see some sun with highs in the mid 80s but clouds should be on the increase with a 30 POP for showers/ storms by afternoon, increasing greatly to a 70 POP Monday night. Occasional showers and storms will predominate the action on Tuesday with a near 100 POP through the evening. Chances are for heavy, flooding rains in some spots. Sun should return on Wednesday with highs in the low 80s. Then more showers (40 POP) on Thursday with highs in the upper 70s. Friday should see partly cloudy skies with highs around 80. Sunny to partly cloudy skies over next weekend with highs in the low to mid 80s. Lows mostly in the 60s.

Sunday's precipitation: 0

June's total precipitation: 1.31"

2012 annual YTD precipitation total: 15.66"

VP2 data for Sunday as follows:

HiLow gh temp 91.4° (1817)

temp 62.0° (0620)

Obs temp tonight 72.4°

Relative humidity ranged from a max of 93% (0745) to a low of 35% (1823)

Dew point ranged from 65° to 58°.

Peak Wind Gust 7 MPH from the W (1738)

Pressures ranged from 30.13"(2344) to 30.02"(0059).

At midnight EDT obs the temp was 72.4°. Clear. Winds Calm, barometer 30.12" and rising, humidity 75% with a dew point of 64°.

Currently at 0246 EDT we have a temp of 67.6°, Clear, winds Calm, barometer 30.10" and falling, humidity 87% with a dew point of 64°.

Current radar is showing rain in MN, and down south in lower portions of AL, GA and SC, along with scattered areas of light showers through parts of IN and KY at this time.

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

[Kevin Shaw]

Gaithersburg Maryland VP2 backyard report for Monday, June 11,2012

Monday was getting hot again with strong morning sun, but a cloud deck from the SW cut off the heat rise around 2 PM and kept my station from hitting 90 again. Getting more humid, as damp E/SE winds started bringing in moisture to our area. Clouds this evening are also not allowing the temperatures to drop very much, as low 70s have held all evening. Showers to the W and SW have mostly advanced into PA so far, but showers will get here by the daylight hours of morning, probably messing up my rush hour commute. Tomorrow and tomorrow night we have a near 100 POP for occasional showers and storms that could get heavy at times throughout the region. High temps should not get much over 80 with lows around 70. Wednesday we should clear out and have a partly sunny day with highs in the low 80s. Thursday a marine flow off the ocean around the HIGH over New England will bring in the clouds and a 40 POP for showers/drizzle at times. Finally on Friday we should clear out totally, with sun and high temps in the low 80s that should carry through the weekend with a bit of luck.

Monday's precipitation: 0

June's total precipitation: 1.31"

2012 annual YTD precipitation total: 15.66"

VP2 data for Monday as follows:

High temp 85.5° (1356)

Low temp 64.6° (0607)

Obs temp tonight 74.4°

Relative humidity ranged from a max of 93% (0633) to a low of 44% (1315)

Dew point ranged from 68° to 60°.

Peak Wind Gust 12 MPH from the E (1315)

Pressures ranged from 30.15"(0914) to 30.07"(1748).

At midnight EDT obs the temp was 74.4°. Cloudy. Winds 2 MPH from the SW, barometer 30.08" and steady, humidity 70% with a dew point of 64°.

Currently at 0231 EDT we have a temp of 74.1°, Cloudy, winds 2 MPH from the E, barometer 30.02" and falling, humidity 74% with a dew point of 65°.

Current radar is showing scattered rain showers to my W and SW over portions of VA, W VA, mostly heading NNE into PA at this time, staying W of my area. Eventually by mid-late morning these areas of rain will fill in closer to my area and overspread the local region.

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

[Kevin Shaw]

Gaithersburg Maryland VP2 backyard report for Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Tuesday was a damp, cloudy, occasionally rainy day, mostly falling in the morning and then again in the later evening hours with a brief, intense shower that came along with the frontal passage. Temperatures mostly stayed in the 70s during the day, as did the dew points. We did have some mid-late afternoon partial clearing with some sun. We should remain cloudy overnight, though decreasingly so, as all the shower activity has moved off to the south and east. The next several days should be sunny to partly cloudy, with high temps in the upper 70s to low 80s, and low temps in the upper 50s to around 60, except for tonight (Tuesday) where low temps will be in the mid 60s as the muggy air will be slow to move out overnight.

Tuesday's precipitation: 0.54" (LR) 0.44" (VP2) 6.33" VP2 max rain rate @ 2242

June's total precipitation: 1.85"

2012 annual YTD precipitation total: 16.20"

VP2 data for Tuesday as follows:

High temp 76.4° (1824)

Low temp 68.5° (0624)

Obs temp tonight 70.1°

Relative humidity ranged from a max of 97% (1530) to a low of 70% (0000)

Dew point ranged from 74° to 64°.

Peak Wind Gust 9 MPH from the E (0820)

Pressures ranged from 30.08"(0000) to 29.83"(1845).

At midnight EDT obs the temp was 70.1°. Cloudy. Winds Calm, barometer 29.86" and steady, humidity 95% with a dew point of 69°.

Currently at 0225 EDT we have a temp of 67.2°, Cloudy, winds Calm, barometer 29.88" and rising, humidity 96% with a dew point of 66°.

Current radar is showing rain out to my south. east and northeast, mostly over the Atlantic Ocean and up in parts of New England, continuing to move away from my area to the south, east and northeast.

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

[Kevin Shaw]

Gaithersburg Maryland VP2 backyard report for Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Wednesday cleared up and a sunny, moderate day with lower dew points through the 50s into the upper 40s was the result. The morning didn't cool off that much, in the mid 60s, but the afternoon held down in the upper 70s for high temps. It should be a bit cooler overnight tonight with lows around 60 by morning and a few clouds around, yielding to a partly cloudy day on Thursday with highs in the upper 70s. Clearing skies Thursday night should drop us into the upper 50s. Friday and Saturday should be fine, sunny to partly cloudy days with highs in the upper 70s and lows in the upper 50s. Sunny with highs around 80 for Father's Day Sunday, then warming up through the 80s to 90 next week with lots of sun and moderate humidity at first but gradually ramping up with dew pts slowly climbing through the 60s. Not much signs of any rain for the foreseeable future.

Wednesday's precipitation: 0

June's total precipitation: 1.85"

2012 annual YTD precipitation total: 16.20"

VP2 data for Wednesday as follows:

High temp 78.2° (1635)

Low temp 64.9° (0720)

Obs temp tonight 65.8°

Relative humidity ranged from a max of 97% (0435) to a low of 39% (1545)

Dew point ranged from 69° to 47°.

Peak Wind Gust 15 MPH from the NNW (1325)

Pressures ranged from 30.08"(2255) to 29.85"(0015).

At midnight EDT obs the temp was 65.8°. PCloudy. Winds 4 MPH from the N, barometer 30.08" and rising, humidity 67% with a dew point of 55°.

Currently at 0209 EDT we have a temp of 65.0°, Cloudy, winds Calm, barometer 30.10" and rising, humidity 71% with a dew point of 55°.

Current radar is pretty clear throughout the Eastern United States north of Florida, with just a few light showers scattered over the upper peninsula of Michigan at this time.

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

[Kevin Shaw]

Gaithersburg Maryland VP2 backyard report for Thursday, June 14, 2012

Thursday was partly cloudy but still with plenty of sun at times to warm us up to the 80 mark. A LOW offshore kicked up enough circulation to give us the occasional cloudiness. It should not be around on Friday or the weekend, but a light northerly flow should still keep us a bit below normal with temps similiar to Thursday with highs in the upper 70s to around 80 and lows in the upper 50s with bright, sunny skies. By Monday a warmup should be starting with highs in the low 80s, Tuesday upper 80s, then into the 90s by Wednesday and maybe the rest of the week, mid 90s by Thursday, with lows in the 60s to around 70 by midweek. No signs of any rain for the foreseeable future.

Thursday's precipitation: 0

June's total precipitation: 1.85"

2012 annual YTD precipitation total: 16.20"

VP2 data for Thursday as follows:

High temp 80.0° (1641)

Low temp 61.6° (0632)

Obs temp tonight 69.0°

Relative humidity ranged from a max of 80% (0647) to a low of 54% (1633)

Dew point ranged from 64° to 54°.

Peak Wind Gust 13 MPH from the NE (1000)

Pressures ranged from 30.24"(2336) to 30.08"(0000).

At midnight EDT obs the temp was 69.0°. PCloudy. Winds Calm, barometer 30.24" and rising, humidity 77% with a dew point of 62°.

Currently at 0218 EDT we have a temp of 66.0°, PCloudy, winds Calm, barometer 30.25" and rising, humidity 85% with a dew point of 61°.

Current radar is pretty clear throughout the Eastern United States north of Florida, except for some showers/storms over central WI and parts of Iowa and Minnesota, heading slowly east but won't get very far with this building ridge over the East Coast at this time.

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

[Kevin Shaw]

Gaithersburg Maryland VP2 backyard report for Friday, June 15, 2012

Friday was sunny and seasonable with relatively low humidity/dew points mostly in the upper 50s-lower 60s. Tonight the temperature has dropped a bit lower than expected - perhaps due to the dew point dropping into the mid 50s - an infusion of slightly drier air and calm conditions must be the cause. It looks like I will be in the mid 50s by sunrise in a few hours. Sunny to partly cloudy skies will be the rule for the next week - and a gradual warm up - 80 to lower 80s through Monday, then upper 80s on Tuesday, then lower 90s unfortunately from Wednesday through Friday. Lows over the weekend should be in the mid-upper 50s, then warming into the 60s by early next week, then only dropping down to about 70 from Wednesday-Friday. Humidity should be on the rise also, as dew points start climbing through the 60s and probably reaching/surpassing the 70 mark by Wednesday or Thursday.

Friday's precipitation: 0

June's total precipitation: 1.85"

2012 annual YTD precipitation total: 16.20"

VP2 data for Friday as follows:

High temp 79.9° (1803)

Low temp 59.8° (0621)

Obs temp tonight 67.4°

Relative humidity ranged from a max of 94% (0648) to a low of 45% (1814)

Dew point ranged from 62° to 55°.

Peak Wind Gust 9 MPH from the N (1206)

Pressures ranged from 30.31"(1044) to 30.22"(0418).

At midnight EDT obs the temp was 67.4°. Clear. Winds 2 MPH from the E, barometer 30.29" and rising, humidity 64% with a dew point of 55°.

Currently at 0441 EDT we have a temp of 57.9°, Clear, winds Calm, barometer 30.29" and steady, humidity 86% with a dew point of 54°.

Current radar is pretty clear throughout the Eastern United States north of Florida, except for some light showers over parts of west-central WI and parts of Iowa and Minnesota and far western Illinois, not moving much as our Eastern US ridge won't allow it.

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

[Kevin Shaw]

Gaithersburg Maryland VP2 backyard report for Saturday, June 16, 2012

Saturday was mostly sunny and seasonable with relatively low humidity/dew points mostly in the mid-upper 50s for a very comfortable day once again. Tonight the temperature has dropped a bit lower than expected once again - mid 50s and not upper 50s as forecasted - dew points have lowered to 53 which always helps. Sunny skies will be the rule for most of Sunday, though clouds will be on the increase late with a 30 POP for showers/storms on Sunday evening and temps in the 60s. Mostly cloudy on Monday and Tuesday, with a 40 POP for showers/storms all day Monday, with highs in the mid 70s and lows around 60. Tuesday will see it warmer, with highs in the upper 80s. Wednesday will turn sunny and hot and humid, with highs in the mid 90s and lows around 70. Thursday will see a repeat performance of Wednesday's forecast, unfortunately. Right now there is a 30 POP for showers/storms on Friday as a cold front approaches from the west, with highs around 90, then sunny and slightly cooler and drier on Saturday with highs in the mid 80s and lows in the 60s.

Saturday's precipitation: 0

June's total precipitation: 1.85"

2012 annual YTD precipitation total: 16.20"

VP2 data for Saturday as follows:

High temp 79.1° (1641)

Low temp 57.1° (0635)

Obs temp tonight 66.8°

Relative humidity ranged from a max of 92% (0738) to a low of 42% (1726)

Dew point ranged from 59° to 51°.

Peak Wind Gust 9 MPH from the N (0914)

Pressures ranged from 30.36"(0850) to 30.20"(2025).

At midnight EDT obs the temp was 66.8°. Clear. Winds Calm, barometer 30.23" and rising, humidity 62% with a dew point of 53°.

Currently at 0506 EDT we have a temp of 56.0°, Clear, winds Calm, barometer 30.21" and steady, humidity 88% with a dew point of 53°.

Current radar is showing a line (running NNE-SSW) of showers and storms running through most of western MI, most of IL, NW Indiana, and into Missouri at this time. Flooding rains earlier in sections of IL, mostly around the southern parts of Chicago area.

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

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!

[Kevin Shaw]

Gaithersburg Maryland VP2 Father's Day report for Sunday, June 17, 2012

Father's Day Sunday was mostly sunny and seasonably cool for most of the day, with high temps only in the mid 70s, but clouds built up in the afternoon and evening, signifying the first changes to come this week. There is a 40 POP for showers and storms overnight and through most of Monday. One more moderate day on Monday, temperature-wise, with highs in the mid 70s, mostly due to the clouds. Lows Monday night into the mid 60s with any showers around ending. Tuesday will find temps rising up into the upper 80s, lows around 70 under partly cloudy skies. Sunny and hot on both Wednesday and Thursday, with highs in the mid 90s on Wednesday and upper 90s on Thursday, with lows in the low-mid 70s. Dew points will be rising through the 60s to around 70. Friday finds us still in the low 90s with more clouds than sun, and a 40 POP for showers and storms head of an approaching weak cold front, more of a dew pt front, as high temps under sunny skies on Saturday should be in the mid 80s, with Sunday highs in the upper 80s. Lows will mostly be in the 60s. Hope all the Fathers out there had a great day for themselves on Sunday!

Sunday's precipitation: 0

June's total precipitation: 1.85"

2012 annual YTD precipitation total: 16.20"

VP2 data for Sunday as follows:

High temp 75.3° (1606)

Low temp 54.7° (0614)

Obs temp tonight 65.7°

Relative humidity ranged from a max of 92% (0706) to a low of 54% (1449)

Dew point ranged from 60° to 52°.

Peak Wind Gust 13 MPH from the NE (1608)

Pressures ranged from 30.24"(0858) to 30.07"(1926).

At midnight EDT obs the temp was 65.7°. Cloudy. Winds Calm, barometer 30.09" and steady, humidity 75% with a dew point of 58°.

Currently at 0207 EDT we have a temp of 64.8°, Cloudy, winds 1 MPH from the E, barometer 30.09" and steady, humidity 81% with a dew point of 59°.

Current radar is showing a line of scattered showers and storms (running N-S) running through most of western PA, extreme western VA, much of WV, and western MD at this time. They may or may not hold together enough to give us some rain showers here, probably not much before sunrise, but more possible again later in the day.

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

[Kevin Shaw]

Gaithersburg Maryland VP2 backyard report for Monday, June 18, 2012

Monday was mostly cloudy with slowly increasing dew points and a few light morning showers as the change in our pattern has begun. With the clouds it did still stay cool, with temps all day in the 60s. But tonight and overnight we should remain in the 60s, giving us a warmer launching pad for Tuesday when the sun will return and the warm winds from the southwest will bring temps up into the upper 80s with just a 20 POP for showers/storms. Lows Tuesday night only in the upper 60s with dew points continuing to creep up through the 60s. Wednesday and Thursday the heat will be on full, with sunny skies and high temps in the mid-upper 90s and lows in the low-mid 70s. I think our minor relief we were expecting to be ushered in on Friday with showers and storms has weakened, moisture-wise, with now just sunny skies and highs on Friday around 90 and highs over the weekend in the mid-upper 80s under sunny, dry skies with slightly lower dew point temps.

Monday's precipitation: 0.11" (LR) 0.04" (VP2) 0.13" Max rain rate @ 0643

June's total precipitation: 1.96"

2012 annual YTD precipitation total: 16.31"

VP2 data for Monday as follows:

High temp 67.5° (1639)

Low temp 61.4° (0708)

Obs temp tonight 67.1°

Relative humidity ranged from a max of 95% (0731) to a low of 75% (0000)

Dew point ranged from 64° to 57°.

Peak Wind Gust 7 MPH from the E (0148)

Pressures ranged from 30.13"(1227) to 30.07"(1806).

At midnight EDT obs the temp was 67.1°. Cloudy. Winds Calm, barometer 30.13" and rising, humidity 88% with a dew point of 64°.

Currently at 0152 EDT we have a temp of 67.1°, Cloudy, winds 2 MPH from the E, barometer 30.13" and steady, humidity 88% with a dew point of 64°.

Current radar is showing light, widely scattered showers through parts of lower Michigan, upstate NY and the area in between (i.e. southern Ontario) at this time. Not much, pretty dry throughout most of the Eastern United States.

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

[Kevin Shaw]

Gaithersburg Maryland VP2 backyard report for Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Tuesday started to turn the heat up in our relatively short spell of hot and humid weather for this week. Dew points went through the 60s into the low 70s, and the discomfort levels climbed significantly. Tonight we have a dew pt of 72 and temps in the mid 70s- we should only bottom out in the low 70s overnight, giving us a warm launch pad for the sun to work early to get us up into the mid-upper 90s on Wednesday. A repeat of this action will come Thursday, with lows Wednesday night once again in the 70s and highs on Thursday in the upper 90s. A 30 POP for showers and storms on Friday with partly cloudy skies and a high temp around 90, then over the weekend a gradual, slight "cool" down with highs in the upper 80s on Saturday and mid 80s on Sunday under sunny to partly cloudy skies. Lows should drop down in the mid 60s. Continuance of the "cool down" should persist into the new week, with high temps in the 80-85 range on Monday and Tuesday under sunny skies.

Tuesday's precipitation: 0

June's total precipitation: 1.96"

2012 annual YTD precipitation total: 16.31"

VP2 data for Tuesday as follows:

High temp 89.0° (1819)

Low temp 67.0° (0508)

Obs temp tonight 76.2°

Peak Wind Gust 7 MPH from the W (0754)

Relative Humidity ranged from a max of 90% (0624) to a low of 54% (1812)

Dew point temperatures ranged from 74° to 63°.

Pressures ranged from 30.17"(0820) to 30.08"(0600).

At midnight EDT obs the temp was 76.2°. Clear. Winds Calm, barometer 30.12" and rising, humidity 86% with a dew point of 72°.

Currently at 0209 EDT we have a temp of 75.0°, Clear, winds Calm, barometer 30.10" and falling, humidity 89% with a dew point of 72°.

Current radar is showing showers and storms in northern MN, over western Lake Superior and sections of the Upper Peninsula (UP) of Michigan.

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

[Kevin Shaw]

Gaithersburg Maryland VP2 backyard report for Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Wednesday was sunny, hot and humid as advertised. June had been running nicely with only one 90 or greater max temp day (on the 10th) so now we have two, with a definite 3rd one coming tomorrow. Not a record high today- 95 back in 2001 is still the record high temp for June 20. Tomorrow the record high is also 95, and that may be in jeopardy as we will have a return of the same heat and humidity full-force with high temps expected to be in the mid-upper 90s and dew points remaining at or above 70. Lows tonight will remain in the 70s as it did last night and will do so also Thursday night. Friday we will have more clouds than sun, but high temps will still make it into the low 90s but a 60 POP for showers and storms during the afternoon extending into the evening. Over the weekend sun will return, but the dew points should be dropping through the 60s and maybe into the 50s, with high temps in the upper 80s. By Monday a 30 POP for showers/storms with cooler temps in the upper 70s. Continued temps in the upper 70s or lower 80s into the midweek expected with sunny to partly cloudy skies.

Wednesday's precipitation: 0

June's total precipitation: 1.96"

2012 annual YTD precipitation total: 16.31"

VP2 data for Wednesday as follows:

High temp 93.5° (1815)

Low temp 70.7° (0628)

Obs temp tonight 76.6°

Peak Wind Gust 7 MPH from the NW (1050)

Relative Humidity ranged from a max of 96% (0714) to a low of 49% (1606)

Dew point temperatures ranged from 74° to 69°.

Pressures ranged from 30.16"(0812) to 30.02"(2346).

At midnight EDT obs the temp was 76.6°. Clear. Winds Calm, barometer 30.02" and steady, humidity 83% with a dew point of 71°.

Currently at 0211 EDT we have a temp of 73.8°, Clear, winds Calm, barometer 30.01" and steady, humidity 88% with a dew point of 70°.

Current radar is showing a few stray showers in parts of Maine, and a good line of showers and storms through Wisconsin and the central sections of the Upper Peninsula (UP) of Michigan that should get here sometime on Friday in some form or fashion.

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

[Kevin Shaw]

Gaithersburg Maryland VP2 backyard report for Thursday, June 21, 2012

Thursday was a repeat of Wednesday - sunny, hot and humid as once again advertised. We tied a record high today- 95 - originally set back in 1988. Tomorrow the record high is 99, but we should not make that mark, as clouds and showers/storms (70 POP) should be moving in during the hot part of the day and put a lid on the high temps as they should only reach the low 90s. Cloudy overnight with lows in the mid 70s- some scattered light showers around right now that might give us a sprinkle overnight. Friday night should see clouds and the 50% chance for showers/storms. Sunny and drier over the weekend, a bit cooler and drier, with highs in the upper 80s. A 40 POP for showers/storms and cloudy on Monday with highs in the mid 80s, then sunny and cooler on Tuesday and Wednesday with highs in the upper 70s. Lows over the weekend in the mid-upper 60s, then lower 60s on Monday and around 60 to the upper 50s on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Thursday's precipitation: 0

June's total precipitation: 1.96"

2012 annual YTD precipitation total: 16.31"

VP2 data for Thursday as follows:

High temp 94.8° (1815)

Low temp 71.1° (0605)

Obs temp tonight 81.6°

Peak Wind Gust 7 MPH from the N (1130)

Relative Humidity ranged from a max of 95% (0654) to a low of 46% (1658)

Dew point temperatures ranged from 75° to 69°.

Pressures ranged from 30.02"(0613) to 29.85"(2037).

At midnight EDT obs the temp was 81.6°. PCldy. Winds Calm, barometer 29.87" and steady, humidity 75% with a dew point of 73°.

Currently at 0202 EDT we have a temp of 80.0°, Cloudy, winds Calm, barometer 29.85" and steady, humidity 78% with a dew point of 73°.

Current radar is showing a few scattered showers in the area, might give me a sprinkle overnight. A few light showers to the NW over OH and WV and NW PA, slowly moving this way.

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

[Kevin Shaw]

Gaithersburg Maryland VP2 backyard report for Friday, June 22, 2012

Friday started out quite warm and humid- but clouds mid-afternoon put a cap on the temp rise just at the 90 mark (when rounding off my readings in tenths of a degree) around 1530. Storms formed out to my west with the approaching front, and I was watching them from the office in the late afternoon, and a severe thunderstorm watch at first was posted mid-afternoon followed up by a severe thunderstorm warning in the early evening. I got to drive through some brief, intense rainfall on the way home, and observed several impressive cloud to ground lightning strokes ahead of me (looking NW) towards home. However, the storm hit much harder elsewhere, as we just had a few minutes of heavy rain around 1930 and a few rumbles of thunder. There were numerous reports of damaging winds, hail, power outages and flooding in other areas of the region. Luckily I did not lose power at all. The evening and early morning hours remained mostly cloudy and damp but cooled off nicely after the storm into the low 70s and upper 60s. I eclipsed my morning min easily just before midnight (all noted below). The weekend looks sunny and drier, with highs in the upper 80s and lows in the 60s. Rain showers/storms possible on Monday (40 POP) with highs in the mid 80s and mostly cloudy skies, then sunny and cooler Tuesday and Wednesday with highs in the upper 70s to lower 80s and lows in the upper 50s. Warming up again to 90 by the end of the week, unfortunately.

Friday's precipitation: 0.15" (LR) 0.14" (VP2) 1.23"/hr max rain rate @ 1930

June's total precipitation: 2.11"

2012 annual YTD precipitation total: 16.46"

VP2 data for Friday as follows:

High temp 89.8° (1526)

Low temp 69.5° (2348) Morning min temp 75.2° (0650)

Obs temp tonight 69.5°

Peak Wind Gust 12 MPH from the NW (1822)

Relative Humidity ranged from a max of 95% (2212) to a low of 46% (1501)

Dew point temperatures ranged from 75° to 66°.

Pressures ranged from 29.87"(2353) to 29.75"(1757).

At midnight EDT obs the temp was 69.5°. Mostly Cloudy. Winds Calm, barometer 29.87" and rising, humidity 95% with a dew point of 68°.

Currently at 0521 EDT we have a temp of 68.1°, Mostly Cloudy, winds Calm, barometer 29.89" and rising, humidity 96% with a dew point of 67°.

Current radar is showing a few remaining showers offshore and over parts of New England, moving south and east into the Atlantic.

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