Wednesday, May 31, 2017

Wettest May on record? May 2017 could go down as the wettest,rainiest on record

As I have been tracking throughout this month,May 2017 looks to go down as not only the coldest May on record,but certainly one of the wettest/rainiest for the Northeastern US and the New York tri-state area in particular,as nearly every day this month has either had measurable rainfall or at least threats for rain,with this Memorial Day weekend being no exception. Here are the daily rainfall totals and totals for # of days with measurable precipitation/rainfall for the city of White Plains,NY,in suburban Westchester County for the month of May 2017,as of 1:45AM,EDT,June 1,2017 from accuweather.com













May 1: None (0.00 inches)
May 2: None
May 3: None
May 4: None
May 5: 2.21 inches
May 6: 0.13 inches
May 7: 0.03 inches
May 8: None
May 9: None
May 10: None
May 11: None
May 12: None
May 13: 1.6 inches
May 14: None
May 15: None
May 16: None
May 17: None
May 18: None
May 19: 0.1 inches
May 20: None
May 21: None
May 22: 0.48 inches
May 23: None
May 24: 0.02 inches
May 25: 0.72 inches
May 26: 0.74 inches
May 27: None
May 28: None
May 29: 0.15 inches
May 30: 0.04 inches
May 31: 0.28 inches




Total Rainfall: 6.5 inches
# of Days with Measurable Rainfall:       12 days (including 6 out of the last 8 days and 7 out of the last 10 days)
# of Days without Measurable Rainfall:  19 days

How to avoid drinking contaminated water after a hurricane

By Ashley Williams, AccuWeather staff writer

When a hurricane crashes onto shore with destructive winds and deadly storm surge, its threat to clean water supply is a major concern.
Consuming contaminated water can lead to serious health problems, including gastrointestinal illness and reproductive issues, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Contaminants can also cause diseases such as dysentery, cholera and hepatitis, according to FEMA.
The CDC states that children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems are particularly at risk.
Taking extra caution with water consumption is essential after heavy inland flooding, which could contaminate drinking water and impact wastewater utilities.
Drinking water
(Photo/Martin Barraud/Getty Images)

Pipes broken by washouts or uprooted trees can lead to sewage spills or low water pressure, which puts utilities at risk for contamination, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
“As long as the utility maintains good pressure, the water is less likely to be contaminated from soil and storm water,” said Ron Trygar, senior training specialist at the University of Florida Training, Research and Education for Environmental Occupations (UF TREEO).
Lack of pressure in the water system increases the likelihood of dirty storm water leaking into the lines, he said.
According to the EPA, more than 690 drinking water and wastewater utilities across 11 states and Washington, D.C., were impacted in the wake of Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
In the two months following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the EPA found no occurrences of waterborne illnesses or diseases resulting from contaminated drinking water in some states, including Mississippi.
Thousands of people in Haiti were not as fortunate after Hurricane Matthew devastated the country in 2016 as a Category 4 storm.
In the weeks after the hurricane, lack of clean drinking water led to a cholera outbreak, according to the Associated Press.
“The thing to remember is that after a hurricane, any water is potentially contaminated, especially from the faucet,” said Richard Lowe, author of "Real-World Survival."
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Water that appears dark and cloudy or has a smell is likely tainted.
Lowe recommended steering clear of unsafe water, even for personal hygiene.
“[The water] might have chemical contaminants that could hurt your skin or cause problems with allergies or even worse,” he said.
FEMA considers melted ice cubes, liquid from canned fruit and vegetables and water drained from pipes or a water heater to be safe sources.
Utilities will often issue boil water advisories before a storm makes landfall or when the water is possibly contaminated.
Boiling water will kill most types of disease-causing organisms that could be present, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Treating water after a hurricane

“If people do actually have water pressure out of their sinks, they’re told to make sure to boil that water before consuming it,” Trygar said.
It is recommended that water be boiled for one minute and left to cool inside clean containers.
Liquid chlorine bleach or water purification tablets can also be used to disinfect water.
Consumers should avoid all contact with the water supply if a Do Not Use notice is issued, as boiling will not destroy all contaminants, according to the Water Quality Research Foundation.
Hurricane Katrina flooding
After Hurricane Katrina, workers attempt to change a valve on a drinking water line which had burst, causing a flood in Gulfport, Miss., on Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2005. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

“There’s the potential for other things to be in there that could be more concentrated if you boil the water,” Trygar said.
Bottled water that hasn’t been exposed to floodwaters is recommended, in this case.
For drinking and personal hygiene, FEMA recommends storing at least three days' worth of water per person in a cool, dark place.
People living in warmer climates may need to double their bottled water supply, according to FEMA.
Well water could also be contaminated due to flooding.
Flooded wells should be tested and disinfected after the water levels go down, according to the FDA.

For more safety and preparedness tips, visit AccuWeather.com/Ready.
AccuWeather ready logo

Northeastern US to face renewed threat of strong storms into Wednesday evening


By Kristina Pydynowski, AccuWeather senior meteorologist
May 31,2017, 6:25:23PM,EDT
 
 Locally strong thunderstorms will put outdoor plans in jeopardy with a few communities facing more severe impacts across the northeastern United States into Wednesday evening.
Thunderstorms with blinding downpours, hail and damaging winds slammed areas from central New York to northern Virginia on Tuesday.
Hail reached the size of golf balls near Reynoldsville, Pennsylvania, located north of Punxsutawney.
The same storm responsible for Tuesday’s thunderstorms will spark more locally violent thunderstorms into the early evening hours of Wednesday.
“Another round of powerful thunderstorms will track across areas from Pennsylvania to New England,” AccuWeather Meteorologist Bill Deger said. The risk will be greatest west of Interstate 95.
NE severe Wed PM May 31

This includes Scranton, Pennsylvania; Binghamton and Albany, New York; Rutland and Brattleboro, Vermont; Lebanon and Concord, New Hampshire; Pittsfield and Springfield, Massachusetts; Hartford, Connecticut; and Burlington, Vermont.
“Outside of the typical threats of blinding downpours and deadly lightning, a few of the thunderstorms could contain pelting hail and wind gusts strong enough to bring down tree limbs and power lines,” Deger said.
While the above areas are at greatest risk, it is not out of the question for an isolated strong thunderstorm to rattle other parts of the Northeast and mid-Atlantic into Wednesday evening.
One violent thunderstorm downed multiple large tree limbs in Montgomery, West Virginia, according to a National Weather Service spotter, earlier on Wednesday.
Another storm brought small hail to the Washington, D.C. area late on Wednesday afternoon.
More of the thunderstorms will disrupt outdoor plans and create slower travel. Remember that as soon as thunder is heard, the risk of being struck by lightning is present.
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Umpires may be forced to halt the Major League Baseball games in Baltimore and New York City for a time. Flight delays and reduced visibility could plague a part of the evening commute in these cities, as well as Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.
The severity of the thunderstorms should lessen prior to reaching Boston. However, wet weather is still expected and could force those with outdoor activities to wear rain gear or to move indoors.
The risk of strong thunderstorms will finally wane on Thursday as drier and less humid air filters in.
While a spotty shower or thunderstorm can still bubble up over western New England and New York state, residents across the mid-Atlantic will be able to leave umbrellas at home as a sunny to partly cloudy sky prevails.
NE Thursday May 31

Thursday’s drying will not be the theme into the weekend.
Showers and thunderstorms will return to more of the Northeast with a soaking end to the weekend to follow.

Thunderstorms to return to Germany this weekend


By Eric Leister, AccuWeather meteorologist
May 31,2017, 11:38:37AM,EDT
 
 
Thunderstorms will return to Germany this weekend after severe storms rattled the country on Tuesday.
Hail, flooding and damaging winds were all reported across Germany on Tuesday. However, quieter weather will prevail into Friday.
The intense heat that helped to set the stage for these storms has also been swept away, and more comfortable air will settle over Germany into Thursday.
Germany 5/31

High temperatures will range from near 21 C (70 F) in the north to 27 C (80 F) in south on Thursday afternoon.
Partly to mostly sunny skies will prevail throughout the country.
Temperatures will again turn unseasonably warm on Friday and Saturday ahead of the next threat for thunderstorms.
Thunderstorms will erupt across southern and southwestern Germany on Friday afternoon before spreading across the entire country Friday night into Saturday.
RELATED:
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Interactive Germany weather radar

While the storms are not expected to be as intense as those that impacted parts of the county on Tuesday, there can still be locally damaging winds and flooding downpours.
A second round of rain and thunderstorms will move across the southern half of Germany on Sunday.
Locally heavy rainfall will be the greatest concern with widespread travel impacts possible from Frankfurt to Munich and Nuremberg.
An unsettled weather pattern will linger across Germany into next week leading to several more rounds of showers and thunderstorms.

Blinding downpours to soak south-central US into Thursday

By Renee Duff, AccuWeather meteorologist
May 31,2017, 10:33:18AM,EDT
 
 Thunderstorms will gather across part of the south-central United States and elevate the risk of blinding downpours and isolated flooding through Thursday.
Parts of Texas that were inundated with heavy rainfall and even flooding over the holiday weekend will experience more rounds of showers and thunderstorms.
A surge of moisture from the Gulf of Mexico will aid in the development of widespread thunderstorms.
“A persistent, moisture-rich flow will increase the risk for soaking rain and thunderstorms across Texas into Thursday,” AccuWeather Meteorologist Kyle Brown said.
Isolated urban flooding and rises on small streams can also occur.
Texas downpours May 31

Rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches will be common, with localized higher amounts. Some of the rain could fall in a matter of hours.
Much of Texas is not in dire need of rainfall, with only isolated patches of abnormally dry to severe drought conditions across the state, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
Motorists will need to use extra care on the roadways as parts of interstates 10, 20, 27, 35 and 40 will be lashed by torrential downpours during one or both days.
“Those traveling should turn on their headlights, disable cruise control and reduce speed when they encounter a downpour,” Brown said. “Drivers should also be alert for any standing water on roadways.”
RELATED:
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How long will the wet weather persist in the eastern US?
Alaska’s Bogoslof Volcano erupts, prompts second-highest aviation alert due to ash

A few of the heavy thunderstorms could turn locally severe. Damaging winds and large hail will be the most likely occurrence in the strongest storms.
Midland, Abilene, San Angelo, San Antonio, Austin and Dallas, Texas, are all in line for a thorough soaking.
Some of the downpours could reach as far north as Oklahoma City late week.
Despite the widespread nature of the wet weather, some areas will still get missed by the soaking rain.
The stormy pattern is expected to continue right into the first weekend of June, as additional bouts of heavy rain and thunderstorms cross the southern and eastern United States.
"The next surge of tropical moisture is likely to be directed more at the central Gulf Coast and Southeast this weekend, putting these areas at greatest risk for numerous drenching thunderstorms and localized flooding," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Kristina Pydynowski said. "However, it is possible that the tropical moisture gets re-directed back into South Texas early next week."
 

Coldest,Wettest Spring on Record: Stagnant weather pattern makes Spring 2017 one of the coldest,wettest spring seasons on record

After one constant for the weather pattern for this past winter (a mild,dry weather pattern),the weather pattern for the 2017 spring season has been constantly changing, making it hard to pin down one characteristic for this spring,though only one constant seems to be the rainy,stormy weather pattern that has stuck around here in the Northeastern US almost constantly since early March 2017.Here's the high and low temperatures and departures from normal for White Plains,NY,in suburban Westchester County just north of NYC,for the 2017 spring season so far,as of 1:15AM,EDT,June 1,2017 from accuweather.com:









March 21:                57/39          45/29           +12/+10
March 22:                45/21          46/30              -1/-9
March 23:                39/19          46/30              -7/-11
March 24:                52/28          47/31              +5/-3
March 25:                57/41          47/31            +10/+10
March 26:                40/36          48/32               -8/+4
March 27:                48/36          48/32                0/+4
March 28:                44/40          49/33               -5/+7
March 29:                57/39          49/33              +8/+6
March 30:                50/30          50/34                 0/-4
March 31:                39/35          50/34             -11/+1
April 1:                    46/36          50/34               -4/+2
April 2:                    61/37          51/35             +10/+2
April 3:                    64/36          51/35             +13/+1
April 4:                    50/44          52/36               -2/+8
April 5:                    60/42          52/36               +8/+6
April 6:                    51/39          53/35                -2/+4
April 7:                    49/39          54/36                -5/+3
April 8:                    54/38          54/36                 0/+2
April 9:                    67/33          55/37              +12/-4
April 10:                  73/41          55/37              +18/+4
April 11:                  78/48          56/38              +22/+10
April 12:                  72/52          56/38              +16/+14
April 13:                  62/44          57/39                 +5/+5
April 14:                  63/41          57/39                 +6/+2
April 15:                  60/40          58/40                 +2/0
April 16:                  85/51          58/40              +27/+11
April 17:                  70/54          59/41              +11/+13
April 18:                  63/45          59/41                +4/+4
April 19:                  53/41          59/41                 -6/0
April 20:                  66/46          60/42                +6/+4
April 21:                  52/48          60/42                -8/+6
April 22:                  56/46          60/42                -4/+4
April 23:                  65/43          61/43                +4/0
April 24:                  62/40          61/43                +1/-3
April 25:                  56/50          61/43                -5/+7
April 26:                  63/53          62/44                +1/+9
April 27:                  67/57          62/44                +5/+13
April 28:                  83/57          62/44              +21/+13
April 29:                  84/62          63/45              +21/+17
April 30:                  64/48          63/45                 +1/+3
May 1:                     70/46          63/45                +7/+1
May 2:                     74/60          64/46              +10/+14
May 3:                     63/45          64/46                 -1/-1
May 4:                     61/39          64/46                 -3/-7
May 5:                     60/48          64/46                 -4/+2
May 6:                     64/52          65/47                 -1/+5
May 7:                     54/46          65/47                -11/-1
May 8:                     55/43          65/47                -10/-4
May 9:                     58/42          65/47                 - 7/-5
May 10:                   61/45          65/47                  -4/-2
May 11:                   60/42          65/47                  -5/-5
May 12:                   61/43          66/48                  -5/-5
May 13:                   54/44          66/48                -12/-4
May 14:                   64/50          66/48                 -2/+2
May 15:                   66/52          66/48                   0/+4
May 16:                   77/55          67/49               +10/+6
May 17:                   85/57          67/49               +18/+8
May 18:                   95/71          67/49               +28/+22       (Record High Set)
May 19:                   90/62          68/50               +22/+12
May 20:                   66/48          68/50                  -2/-2
May 21:                   67/47          68/50                  -1/-3
May 22:                   59/51          69/51                -10/0
May 23:                   70/54          69/51                 +1/+3
May 24:                   70/56          70/52                   0/+4
May 25:                   58/54          71/53               -13/+1
May 26:                   74/54          71/53                +3/+1
May 27:                   73/53          71/53                +2/0
May 28:                   70/56          72/54                -2/+2
May 29:                   57/53          72/54               -15/-1
May 30:                   60/54          72/54               -12/0
May 31:                   75/55          72/54               +3/+1





-Highest Temperature: 95 degrees on May 18
-Lowest Temperature: 19 degrees on March 23
-# of Highs above normal:  35 days
-# of Highs right at normal:  5 days
-# of Highs below normal:  32 days
-# of Highs at least 10 degrees above normal: 17 days
-# of Highs at least 10 degrees below normal:   8 days
-# of Highs at least 15 degrees above normal:   9 days
-# of Highs at least 15 degrees below normal:   1 day (May 29)
-# of Highs at least 20 degrees above normal:   4 days
-# of Highs at least 20 degrees below normal:   0 days

Over half a million displaced as Cyclone Mora causes destruction across Myanmar, Bangladesh


By Eric Leister, AccuWeather meteorologist
May 31,2017, 10:12:58AM,EDT
 
 More than 500,000 people have been displaced by the former Cyclone Mora which brought heavy rain and damaging winds to western Myanmar and Bangladesh on Monday and Tuesday.
At least six people have been killed by the cyclone in Bangladesh, according to the BBC.
India Today reported that six fishing boats were still missing off the coast of Bangladesh. The boats reportedly contained at least 71 people.
BangladeshAP 5/31
Bangladeshis carry their belongings and walk homewards after spending a night at a shelter in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, Tuesday, May 30,2017. A tropical storm lashed southern Bangladesh on Tuesday, killing at least six people and destroying thousands of poorly built homes in some remote islands in the Bay of Bengal, officials said. (AP Photo)

The cyclone toppled trees and destroyed homes along its path as it tracked from just west of Myanmar into eastern Bangladesh.
The storm then moved into northeastern India where the rugged terrain resulted in the dissipation of the cyclone.
Mora produced wind gusts over 70 mph from Cox’s Bazar to Chittagong on Tuesday morning, local time.
Despite weakening as it moved inland, Mora continued to produce heavy rainfall as it tracked into northeastern India.
Bangladesh 5/31

Widespread rainfall of 75-150 mm (3-6 inches) was reported from Myanmar into Bangladesh and northeastern India with local amounts over 300 mm (12 inches) in the higher terrain.
As some of the more than 500,000 displaced people return home, the full extent of the damage will become more clear.
Despite Mora dissipating, the threat of flooding and mudslides will continue across parts of Bangladesh and northeastern India into this weekend.
Lingering tropical moisture will fuel widespread showers and thunderstorms each day.
RELATED:
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Additional rainfall of 50-100 mm (2-4 inches) will be common through Sunday with locally higher amounts.
This rainfall on top of already saturated soil and high river levels will trigger additional flooding and continue the threat for mudslides.
Bangladesh and Myanmar are particularly prone to devastating storm surges due to the highly populated coastal plain which also contains several rivers. This topography along with a high population density has resulted in eight of the top 10 deadliest cyclones in recorded history originating in the Bay of Bengal.

Are you more prone to sunburn? Dermatologists explain key risk factors


By Chaffin Mitchell, AccuWeather staff writer 
 
 A sunburn may seem like a temporary annoyance, but it can cause long-lasting damage to your skin, regardless of skin complexion.
Several factors are involved when looking at who is most prone to sunburn, because people react differently to the sun. Some people feel the sun's effects very rapidly, and others have relatively little effect even with hours of outdoor time.
It all relates back to your skin, which in turn, depends on genetics.
Happy on the beach
(ArtMarie/Getty Images)

"Light-skinned people burn more easily than people with darker skin; consequently, they have a higher risk of developing skin cancer. They are especially more likely to develop melanoma, since they are so much more vulnerable to sunburn," said Ali Hendi, MD, spokesperson for The Skin Cancer Foundation and a dermatologist.
However, everyone is at some risk for skin cancer, regardless of skin color or propensity to burn, according to Hendi.
"Don’t assume you’re safe just because you have a darker skin tone or you don’t burn. If you tan, you’ve sustained skin cell damage," Hendi said.
Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, and Hendi said people who suffer more than five sunburns double their risk for melanoma.
However, there are multiple factors that contribute to your risk of skin cancer, including family and personal history of the disease, having many moles and a history of extensive sun exposure and tanning bed use.
"Individuals with dark skin and hair, who never burn, are less likely to get skin cancer, but studies show that when they do get skin cancer it's often diagnosed at a later stage and more likely to be fatal in the case of melanoma," Hendi said.
So why do people with lighter skin burn more frequently?
"Light-skinned people have less melanin in their skin cells than people with darker skin. Melanin in most people is a dark pigment that provides some sun protection," Hendi said.
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Skin cells respond to damage from the sun's UV rays by producing more melanin to protect themselves from further injury.
"That’s what a tan is: the skin’s attempt to repair sun damage and prevent further injury by increasing skin pigment," Hendi said.
Many people think that getting a base tan provides protection from further sun damage, but that is not true. Any sun exposure that leads to a tan or sunburn is damaging to your skin’s DNA.
According to Hendi, some people, especially redheads, have a type of melanin that offers no protection from the sun, which is why they may burn and not tan. People with darker skin types have a form of melanin called eumelanin that darkens after sun damage, providing some extra sun protection.
"There is a skin type classification system, the Fitzpatrick Skin Type, that classifies six skin phototypes. They range from Type I – people with fair skin, light eyes and hair, who always burn without sun protection – to Type VI, people with dark skin and hair, who never burn," Hendi said.
However, people with all skin types should protect themselves from the sun by wearing sunscreen and protective clothing, including hats.
"Even if people with fair skin ever get enough exposure over time to become less sensitive to sunburn, they’ve done unbelievable damage to their skin to reach that point— they’ve vastly accelerated their skin aging and increased their lifetime chances of every kind of skin cancer by doing all that damage along the way," Hendi said.
skin examination of moles
(miriam-doerr/iStockphoto/Getty Images)

It does go farther than just skin tone. There are many other factors that make people more prone to sunburn, such as where you get your exposure. There are some locations where sun exposure makes people more prone to sunburn than others.
"Depending on altitude and environmental conditions, some geographical locations are worse for sun exposure," Dr. Ranella Hirsh, dermatologist with the Academy of Dermatology, said.
Higher altitudes, for example some places in Colorado, put people at a greater risk for sunburn. Areas where the ozone layer is compromised, such as Australia, and areas near the equator put people at a higher risk.
Dr. Marian McEnvoy, dermatologist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, said it is important to be aware if any medications you're taking increase the risk of sunburn.
When it comes to sunscreen use, it is best to look for a sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher, Hendi said.
Hendi recommends a broad spectrum sunscreen, which means it provides effective protection against both UVA and UVB radiation.

For more safety and preparedness tips, visit AccuWeather.com/Ready.
AccuWeather ready logo
 

Showers, thunderstorms to threaten play at French Open later this week


By Eric Leister, AccuWeather meteorologist
May 31,2017, 7:50:04AM,EDT
 
 
After a warm and largely dry start to the 2017 French Open earlier this week, a storm system will bring an increased risk for showers and thunderstorms Friday and Saturday.
The French Open is the only tournament in the Grand Slam system that plays on a clay court, and various weather conditions can have a huge impact. Any amount of rain or moisture can drastically change how the court plays.
These showers and thunderstorms could result in the first delays of the tournament this year.
France 5/31

The 2016 French Open was hindered by multiple delays as well as the first complete cancellation since 2000.
Prior to the threat for showers and thunderstorms Friday and Saturday, unseasonable warmth will prevail Thursday.
The high temperature will be near 27 C (80 F) during the afternoon hours. The normal high temperature is 21 C (70 F).
Temperatures will remain unseasonably warm Friday with highs reaching 27-28 C (80-82 F).
The day is expected to start off dry, however, there will be an increasing risk for showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon as a cold front approaches the area.
RELATED:
France Weather Center
Detailed French Open Forecast
Interactive France Radar

The speed of this front will determine if showers and thunderstorms continue to threaten play throughout the day Saturday, or if the rainfall shifts to the south and east sparing the tournament from any potential delays.
Regardless of rainfall, Saturday will be a cooler day with a high temperature near 22 C (72 F).
Dry and seasonable weather is expected Sunday before the threat for rainfall increases again early next week.
The potential exists for above-normal warmth to build back into the area during the second half of next week.
 

Wildfires to threaten southwestern US despite stormy winter season

By Brett Rathbun, AccuWeather meteorologist
May 31,2017, 8:30:10AM,EDT
 
 Wildfires will pose a threat to the southwestern United States this summer despite significant rain and snow this past winter.
“After a much needed very wet winter season, the summer months mark the beginning of the main fire season,” AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist and Western U.S. Expert Ken Clark said.
Numerous storms during the winter season put a significant dent in the drought across the Southwest, especially across California. This, in turn has led to substantial growth of vegetation this spring.
2017 Wildfire Season Feature

All areas of extreme and exceptional drought were erased in California, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. As of May 23, more than 75 percent of the state is no longer in a drought.
While the drought has lessened across the region, this does not necessarily correlate to a quiet wildfire season.
RELATED:
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“With plentiful vegetation already drying out, some early season wildfires have already ignited,” Clark said.
Recent wildfires have stretched from parts of the Central Valley to Southern California. Most of these early season fires have burned less than 100 acres each, according to Cal Fire.
A small brush fire sparked due to a weed whacker outside of Los Angeles on May 28, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Brentwood Wildfire
Firefighters, lower right, work to contain a wildfire that broke out in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles, Sunday, May 28,2017. (AP Photo/Brian Melley)

How busy this wildfire season becomes will be determined by two factors, according to Clark.
“Two of the main variables to how active a fire season will be include lightning and the actions of man,” Clark said.
Keeping cars parked away from dry vegetation and properly throwing away cigarette butts are just some of the ways humans can help prevent the start of a fire.
“If you live in a fire prone area, now is the time to make sure there is ample clearance of brush and trees from around your house,” Clark said.
The AccuWeather Long Range team expect temperatures to rise significantly in July, increasing the chances for wildfires.

Coldest May on Record? Looks pretty likely despite mid-month heat.

With the return of the soggy,stormy weather and below normal temperatures that have plagued this region of the country since the beginning of March 2017,this May could very well go down as the coldest as well as the wettest,stormiest on record,not only for the water-logged,storm-battered,rain-forest-like Northeastern US,but also for the soaked,soggy,water-logged,rain-weary New York City tristate area,as well.Here's the High and Low Temperatures compared to normal for each day this May of 2017 so far,for the city of White Plains,NY, in suburban Westchester,NY,as of 1AM,EDT, June 1,2017 from accuweather.com:






May 1:                70/46           63/45          +7/+1
May 2:                74/60           64/46        +10/+14
May 3:                63/45           64/46           -1/-1
May 4:                61/39           64/46           -3/-7
May 5:                60/48           64/46           -4/+2
May 6:                64/52           65/47           -1/+5
May 7:                54/46           65/47          -11/-1
May 8:                55/43           65/47          -10/-4
May 9:                58/42           65/47           - 7/-5
May 10:              61/45           65/47            -4/-2
May 11:              60/42           65/47            -5/-5
May 12:              61/43           66/48            -5/-5
May 13:              54/44           66/48          -12/-4
May 14:              64/50           66/48            -2/+2
May 15:              66/52           67/49            -1/+3
May 16:              80/58           67/49          +13/+9
May 17:              85/57           68/50          +17/+7
May 18:              94/72           68/50          +26/+22   (Record High Set)
May 19:              90/62           68/50          +22/+12
May 20:              65/49           69/51             -4/-2
May 21:              68/48           69/51             -1/-3
May 22:              59/51           70/52           -11/-1
May 23:              69/55           70/52            -1/+3
May 24:              70/56           70/52             0/+4
May 25:              58/54           71/53          -13/+1
May 26:              74/54           71/53           +3/+1
May 27:              73/53           71/53           +2/0
May 28:              70/56           72/54            -2/+2
May 29:              58/54           72/54          -14/0
May 30:              61/53           72/54          -11/-1
May 31:              75/55           72/54           +3/+1





-Highest Temperature: 94 degrees on May 18
-Lowest Temperature: 39 degrees on May 4
-Lowest High Temperature: 54 degrees on May 7 and 13
-Highest Low Temperature: 72 degrees on May 18
-# of High Temperatures above normal:     9 days
-# of High Temperatures right at normal:   1 day (May 24)
-# of High Temperatures below normal:   21 days
-# of Highs at least 10 degrees above normal: 5 days
-# of Highs at least 10 degrees below normal: 7 days
-# of Highs at least 15 degrees above normal: 3 days
-# of Highs at least 15 degrees below normal: 0 days
-# of Highs at least 20 degrees above normal: 2 days
-# of Highs at least 20 degrees below normal: 0 days
-# of Highs 90 degrees or above:        2 days
-# of Highs between 80-89 degrees:   2 days
-# of Highs between 70-79 degrees:   7 days
-# of Highs between 60-69 degrees: 13 days
-# of Highs below 60 degrees: 7 days

This Date in Weather History for May 31,2017 from weatherforyou.com

Weather History
For Wednesday,May 31,2017
 
 
 
 
1889 - The Johnstown disaster occurred, the worst flood tragedy in U.S. history. Heavy rains collapsed the South Fork Dam sending a thirty foot wall of water rushing down the already flooded Conemaugh Valley. The wall of water, traveling as fast as twenty-two feet per second, swept away all structures, objects and people. 2100 persons perished in the flood. (David Ludlum)
1941 - Thunderstorms deluged Burlington KS with 12.59 inches of rain to establish a 24 hour rainfall record for the state. (The Weather Channel)
1985 - Severe thuunderstorms spawned forty-one tornadoes across the Lower Great Lakes Region and southeastern Ontario which killed 74 persons. (Storm Data)
1987 - Thunderstorms in New England produced wind gusts up to 90 mph at Worcester, MA, and Northboro, MA, and hail an inch and a half in diameter at Williston, VT. Unseasonably hot weather prevailed in the northeastern U.S. The afternoon high of 94 degrees at Portland, ME, was a record for the month of May. (Storm Data) (The National Weather Summary)
1988 - Hot and humid weather prevailed in the eastern U.S. Thirteen cities reported record high temperatures for the date. Cape Hatteras, NC, reported their first ninety degree day in May in 115 years of records. "Dust buster" thunderstorms in northwest Texas drenched Amarillo with more than three inches of rain. (The National Weather Summary)
1989 - Thunderstorms produced severe weather and torrential rains in northern Indiana, northern Ohio and southern Lower Michigan. Saint John IND was drenched with four inches of rain in two hours, and Woodland MI was deluged with two inches in twenty minutes. Pittsburgh PA reported a record 6.55 inches of rain for the month of May, with measurable rain reported on twenty-five days during the month. (The National Weather Summary)
1990 - Afternoon and evening thunderstorms developing along a warm front produced severe weather from northwest Texas to southeastern Louisiana. The thunderstorms spawned sixteen tornadoes, including thirteen in northwest Texas. One tornado hit the town of Spearman, TX, causing more than a million dollars damage, and seven other tornadoes were reported within twenty-five miles of Spearman. Thunderstorms over northwest Texas also produced baseball size hail at Monahans, and wind gusts to 80 mph at Paducah. (The National Weather Summary) (Storm Data)

Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Coldest Spring on Record? After mild,snowless winter of 2016-17,this spring 2017 could go down as one of the coldest on record,certainly in recent memory

After one constant for the weather pattern for this past winter (a mild,dry weather pattern),the weather pattern for the 2017 spring season has been constantly changing, making it hard to pin down one characteristic for this spring,though only one constant seems to be the rainy,stormy weather pattern that has stuck around here in the Northeastern US almost constantly since early March 2017.Here's the high and low temperatures and departures from normal for White Plains,NY,in suburban Westchester County just north of NYC,for the 2017 spring season so far,as of 12:30AM,EDT,May 31,2017 from accuweather.com:









March 21:                57/39          45/29           +12/+10
March 22:                45/21          46/30              -1/-9
March 23:                39/19          46/30              -7/-11
March 24:                52/28          47/31              +5/-3
March 25:                57/41          47/31            +10/+10
March 26:                40/36          48/32               -8/+4
March 27:                48/36          48/32                0/+4
March 28:                44/40          49/33               -5/+7
March 29:                57/39          49/33              +8/+6
March 30:                50/30          50/34                 0/-4
March 31:                39/35          50/34             -11/+1
April 1:                    46/36          50/34               -4/+2
April 2:                    61/37          51/35             +10/+2
April 3:                    64/36          51/35             +13/+1
April 4:                    50/44          52/36               -2/+8
April 5:                    60/42          52/36               +8/+6
April 6:                    51/39          53/35                -2/+4
April 7:                    49/39          54/36                -5/+3
April 8:                    54/38          54/36                 0/+2
April 9:                    67/33          55/37              +12/-4
April 10:                  73/41          55/37              +18/+4
April 11:                  78/48          56/38              +22/+10
April 12:                  72/52          56/38              +16/+14
April 13:                  62/44          57/39                 +5/+5
April 14:                  63/41          57/39                 +6/+2
April 15:                  60/40          58/40                 +2/0
April 16:                  85/51          58/40              +27/+11
April 17:                  70/54          59/41              +11/+13
April 18:                  63/45          59/41                +4/+4
April 19:                  53/41          59/41                 -6/0
April 20:                  66/46          60/42                +6/+4
April 21:                  52/48          60/42                -8/+6
April 22:                  56/46          60/42                -4/+4
April 23:                  65/43          61/43                +4/0
April 24:                  62/40          61/43                +1/-3
April 25:                  56/50          61/43                -5/+7
April 26:                  63/53          62/44                +1/+9
April 27:                  67/57          62/44                +5/+13
April 28:                  83/57          62/44              +21/+13
April 29:                  84/62          63/45              +21/+17
April 30:                  64/48          63/45                 +1/+3
May 1:                     70/46          63/45                +7/+1
May 2:                     74/60          64/46              +10/+14
May 3:                     63/45          64/46                 -1/-1
May 4:                     61/39          64/46                 -3/-7
May 5:                     60/48          64/46                 -4/+2
May 6:                     64/52          65/47                 -1/+5
May 7:                     54/46          65/47                -11/-1
May 8:                     55/43          65/47                -10/-4
May 9:                     58/42          65/47                 - 7/-5
May 10:                   61/45          65/47                  -4/-2
May 11:                   60/42          65/47                  -5/-5
May 12:                   61/43          66/48                  -5/-5
May 13:                   54/44          66/48                -12/-4
May 14:                   64/50          66/48                 -2/+2
May 15:                   66/52          66/48                   0/+4
May 16:                   77/55          67/49               +10/+6
May 17:                   85/57          67/49               +18/+8
May 18:                   95/71          67/49               +28/+22       (Record High Set)
May 19:                   90/62          68/50               +22/+12
May 20:                   66/48          68/50                  -2/-2
May 21:                   67/47          68/50                  -1/-3
May 22:                   59/51          69/51                -10/0
May 23:                   70/54          69/51                 +1/+3
May 24:                   70/56          70/52                   0/+4
May 25:                   58/54          71/53               -13/+1
May 26:                   74/54          71/53                +3/+1
May 27:                   73/53          71/53                +2/0
May 28:                   70/56          72/54                -2/+2
May 29:                   57/53          72/54               -15/-1
May 30:                   60/54          72/54               -12/0





-Highest Temperature: 95 degrees on May 18
-Lowest Temperature: 19 degrees on March 23
-# of Highs above normal:  34 days
-# of Highs right at normal:  5 days
-# of Highs below normal:  32 days
-# of Highs at least 10 degrees above normal: 17 days
-# of Highs at least 10 degrees below normal:   8 days
-# of Highs at least 15 degrees above normal:   9 days
-# of Highs at least 15 degrees below normal:   1 day (May 29)
-# of Highs at least 20 degrees above normal:   4 days
-# of Highs at least 20 degrees below normal:   0 days

Wettest May on record? Rainfall totals and amount of cloudy days and days with measureable rainfall could make May 2017 the rainiest May on record

As I have been tracking throughout this month,May 2017 looks to go down as not only the coldest May on record,but certainly one of the wettest/rainiest for the Northeastern US and the New York tri-state area in particular,as nearly every day this month has either had measurable rainfall or at least threats for rain,with this Memorial Day weekend being no exception. Here are the daily rainfall totals and totals for # of days with measurable precipitation/rainfall for the city of White Plains,NY,in suburban Westchester County for the month of May 2017,as of 12:15AM,EDT,May 31,2017 from accuweather.com





May 1: None (0.00 inches)
May 2: None
May 3: None
May 4: None
May 5: 2.21 inches
May 6: 0.13 inches
May 7: 0.03 inches
May 8: None
May 9: None
May 10: None
May 11: None
May 12: None
May 13: 1.6 inches
May 14: None
May 15: None
May 16: None
May 17: None
May 18: None
May 19: 0.1 inches
May 20: None
May 21: None
May 22: 0.48 inches
May 23: None
May 24: 0.02 inches
May 25: 0.72 inches
May 26: 0.74 inches
May 27: None
May 28: None
May 29: 0.15 inches
May 30: 0.05 inches




Total Rainfall: 6.23 inches
# of Days with Measurable Rainfall:       11 days (including 5 out of the last 7 days and 6 out of the last 9 days)
# of Days without Measurable Rainfall:  19 days

Coldest May on Record? Looks pretty likely despite mid-month heat.

With the return of the soggy,stormy weather and below normal temperatures that have plagued this region of the country since the beginning of March 2017,this May could very well go down as the coldest as well as the wettest,stormiest on record,not only for the water-logged,storm-battered,rain-forest-like Northeastern US,but also for the soaked,soggy,water-logged,rain-weary New York City tristate area,as well.Here's the High and Low Temperatures compared to normal for each day this May of 2017 so far,for the city of White Plains,NY, in suburban Westchester,NY,as of 12:15AM,EDT, May 31,2017 from accuweather.com:






May 1:                70/46           63/45          +7/+1
May 2:                74/60           64/46        +10/+14
May 3:                63/45           64/46           -1/-1
May 4:                61/39           64/46           -3/-7
May 5:                60/48           64/46           -4/+2
May 6:                64/52           65/47           -1/+5
May 7:                54/46           65/47          -11/-1
May 8:                55/43           65/47          -10/-4
May 9:                58/42           65/47           - 7/-5
May 10:              61/45           65/47            -4/-2
May 11:              60/42           65/47            -5/-5
May 12:              61/43           66/48            -5/-5
May 13:              54/44           66/48          -12/-4
May 14:              64/50           66/48            -2/+2
May 15:              66/52           67/49            -1/+3
May 16:              80/58           67/49          +13/+9
May 17:              85/57           68/50          +17/+7
May 18:              94/72           68/50          +26/+22   (Record High Set)
May 19:              90/62           68/50          +22/+12
May 20:              65/49           69/51             -4/-2
May 21:              68/48           69/51             -1/-3
May 22:              59/51           70/52           -11/-1
May 23:              69/55           70/52            -1/+3
May 24:              70/56           70/52             0/+4
May 25:              58/54           71/53          -13/+1
May 26:              74/54           71/53           +3/+1
May 27:              73/53           71/53           +2/0
May 28:              70/56           72/54            -2/+2
May 29:              58/54           72/54          -14/0
May 30:              61/53           72/54          -11/-1





-Highest Temperature: 94 degrees on May 18
-Lowest Temperature: 39 degrees on May 4
-Lowest High Temperature: 54 degrees on May 7 and 13
-Highest Low Temperature: 72 degrees on May 18
-# of High Temperatures above normal:     8 days
-# of High Temperatures right at normal:   1 day (May 24)
-# of High Temperatures below normal:   21 days
-# of Highs at least 10 degrees above normal: 5 days
-# of Highs at least 10 degrees below normal: 7 days
-# of Highs at least 15 degrees above normal: 3 days
-# of Highs at least 15 degrees below normal: 0 days
-# of Highs at least 20 degrees above normal: 2 days
-# of Highs at least 20 degrees below normal: 0 days
-# of Highs 90 degrees or above:        2 days
-# of Highs between 80-89 degrees:   2 days
-# of Highs between 70-79 degrees:   6 days
-# of Highs between 60-69 degrees: 13 days
-# of Highs below 60 degrees: 7 days