November Rainfall Update

We already know that Richmond International Airport has recorded the wettest November on record (see previous blog entry), but we've continued to add to that rainfall tally yesterday and early Wednesday morning. As of 7 a.m., November 2009 at RIC has 8.11" of rainfall. We've surpassed the old record-holder of 1959 by about half an inch! That's pretty significant for breaking a record. And, there's still that persistent drizzle this morning, which will keep adding to that monthly total.

So where do we stand for the year?

Year-to-date precip: 38.67" (through 7 a.m. Wednesday)
That's -1.52" departure from normal for year-to-date precipitation.

Wettest November On Record!

A light rain shower passed right over Richmond International Airport overnight between 3-4 a.m., pushing our November rain tally over the #1 spot to become the wettest November on record! Through 6 a.m., our November 2009 tally stands at 7.96", and as of this blog posting, we still have drizzle falling in the Metro. Here is the new November list:

2009: 7.96" (through 6 a.m. Tuesday)
1959: 7.64"
1947: 7.03"
1985: 6.99"
1962: 6.73"
1963: 6.70"

Strong But Seasonable Cold Front Coming

Just in time for the holiday season, a strong, but seasonable, cold front is expected to sweep through much of the eastern U.S. Thanksgiving Day. The front will pass through Central Virginia before sunrise Friday as the low pressure system tracks toward New England. Here is the surface temperature, pressure, and wind map for Friday morning:

Behind that front on Friday, highs will only climb into the upper 40's to near 50 degrees in Central Virginia, and it will feel a bit more chilly as a result of the blustery winds. If you're planning to shop on Black Friday, be sure to take that light coat with you.

Thanksgiving Travel Highlights:

Wednesday: Cloudy, drizzle possible, High: 60 in Richmond.

*Rain & Snow showers in Midwest.

*Drizzle & Showers possible from North Carolina to D.C.-Baltimore area.

*Rain in Florida.

Thursday: A few showers possible late. Otherwise cloudy, High: 59 in Richmond.

*Showers possible in Mid-Atlantic.

*Few snow showers possible in Midwest.

Friday: Turning colder, High: 50 in Richmond.

*Rain & Snow showers in New England & Midwest.

*Rain & Snow showers possible in West Virginia, eastern Kentucky & Tennessee.

Saturday: Cold morning around freezing, seasonably cool afternoon in the low 50's in Richmond.
*Rain & snow showers possible in New England.

Have safe travels this holiday!