Will Rain Help Out McCain?

According to an extensive study of fourteen presidential elections (here is the link to the abstract), weather can have an impact on voter turnout. In general, people are less likely to vote when either rain or snow is falling from the sky (cold air has a minimal effect). In addition, Democrats are less likely to vote in inclement weather than Republicans.

Looking at the latest data, rain still looks possible tomorrow, especially in the afternoon. So you have to wonder: will it have an impact on the outcome in Virginia?

Other states that will see some rain or snow: North Carolina, South Carolina, California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Idaho, Utah, western Colorado, Wyoming and Montana.

Here is the latest satellite/radar composite as of 1 PM.

End of the Growing Season

A freeze is expected across the entire state of Virginia tonight, bringing the 2008 growing season to an end. The growing season has already ended across central and western Virginia, and eastern sections should see a killing freeze tonight. The official low temperature recorded at RIC has yet to reach 32 degrees, hitting a season-low of 35 Thursday morning. The low of 32 by Friday morning will be just about right on target for our average first freeze in Richmond. Temperatures will rebound nicely Friday afternoon, warming well into the mid and upper 60s.

Zach

Pictures Of Fall Foliage

Here are a few photos emailed to me of foliage across the area. This photo was taken near St. Mary's Hospital by Tammy Hinkle


Here is a photo from Lexington, VA taken by Melissa Cox

These last two were taken near Blue Ridge Parkway (the first is Crabtree Falls) - both taken by Paul Duffy.