Monday, January 07, 2008
CapitalWeather.com moving to WashingtonPost.com
Jason Samenow @ 4:00 PM
Marc Fisher at washingtonpost.com on the partnership: The Weather Outside Comes Inside
After nearly four years operating as an independent Web site, we are thrilled to announce that we will join washingtonpost.com tomorrow, January 8. CapitalWeather.com will officially become washingtonpost.com's "Capital Weather Gang" blog.
As soon as our area on washingtonpost.com launches, CapitalWeather.com will automatically re-direct to the new Capital Weather Gang blog, hosted on the washingtonpost.com Web site. Expect the same useful, interactive and entertaining weather content from the same team of meteorologists, writers and photographers. The look and feel of the site will change, but you should notice improvements, such as a sharper look and a more reliable commenting system.
The move to washingtonpost.com will give our content greater reach and align us with one of the Internet's top destinations for news and information. In time, our access to washingtonpost.com's information technology resources will enable the roll-out of new innovative tools and multimedia.
We'd like to thank all of our visitors, who have helped build the CapitalWeather.com community. Please join us (and tell your friends and family) as we relocate at a new home, a home where the sky is truly the limit for useful, interactive and entertaining local weather content...
Jason Samenow, Chief Meteorologist
After nearly four years operating as an independent Web site, we are thrilled to announce that we will join washingtonpost.com tomorrow, January 8. CapitalWeather.com will officially become washingtonpost.com's "Capital Weather Gang" blog.
As soon as our area on washingtonpost.com launches, CapitalWeather.com will automatically re-direct to the new Capital Weather Gang blog, hosted on the washingtonpost.com Web site. Expect the same useful, interactive and entertaining weather content from the same team of meteorologists, writers and photographers. The look and feel of the site will change, but you should notice improvements, such as a sharper look and a more reliable commenting system.
The move to washingtonpost.com will give our content greater reach and align us with one of the Internet's top destinations for news and information. In time, our access to washingtonpost.com's information technology resources will enable the roll-out of new innovative tools and multimedia.
We'd like to thank all of our visitors, who have helped build the CapitalWeather.com community. Please join us (and tell your friends and family) as we relocate at a new home, a home where the sky is truly the limit for useful, interactive and entertaining local weather content...
Jason Samenow, Chief Meteorologist
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Wonderful and Warm in Winter
Jason Samenow @ 3:00 AM
Enjoy unseasonably warm weather for the next two days, with temperatures rising well into the 60s. Thereafter, a gradual cooling trend will commence and more characteristic winter weather will return.
Partly sunny, mid 60s. Warm southwesterly breezes will help boost temperatures about 20 degrees above average. Most spots should reach 63-66 degrees with a mix of clouds and sun. Partly cloudy skies overnight, with lows 40-45 (suburbs-city)
Pictured: The moon and Venus close together over Stafford, VA Saturday morning. Contributed by CapitalWeather.com visitor David Abbou.
Continued warm, mid to upper 60s. Conditions will be very similar to today. The airmass will be a bit warmer, but increasing afternoon clouds may hold high temperatures just below the record of 69 degrees. Overnight, it will remain quite mild with rain showers likely towards morning. Lows will range from 50-55.
After some morning showers Wednesday, a cold front will pass through the region, with temperatures holding in the 50s during the afternoon as skies clear. Rain is likely Thursday afternoon thanks to an area of low pressure developing to the west. Highs should be near 50. The low will move to our north Friday, dragging a cold front through the region. After some morning showers, skies should gradually clear with highs again near 50. Right now, dry and cooler conditions should arrive for the weekend (at least the first half), with highs in the 40s. We will need to keep an eye on the possible development of a storm to our south on Sunday, which could produce some precipitation here by Sunday afternoon or night.
Today
Partly sunny, mid 60s. Warm southwesterly breezes will help boost temperatures about 20 degrees above average. Most spots should reach 63-66 degrees with a mix of clouds and sun. Partly cloudy skies overnight, with lows 40-45 (suburbs-city)Pictured: The moon and Venus close together over Stafford, VA Saturday morning. Contributed by CapitalWeather.com visitor David Abbou.
Tuesday
Continued warm, mid to upper 60s. Conditions will be very similar to today. The airmass will be a bit warmer, but increasing afternoon clouds may hold high temperatures just below the record of 69 degrees. Overnight, it will remain quite mild with rain showers likely towards morning. Lows will range from 50-55.A Look Ahead: Cooling Down
After some morning showers Wednesday, a cold front will pass through the region, with temperatures holding in the 50s during the afternoon as skies clear. Rain is likely Thursday afternoon thanks to an area of low pressure developing to the west. Highs should be near 50. The low will move to our north Friday, dragging a cold front through the region. After some morning showers, skies should gradually clear with highs again near 50. Right now, dry and cooler conditions should arrive for the weekend (at least the first half), with highs in the 40s. We will need to keep an eye on the possible development of a storm to our south on Sunday, which could produce some precipitation here by Sunday afternoon or night.
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Sunday, January 06, 2008
CapitalWeather.com's Greatest Hits
Jason Samenow @ 2:04 AM
Andrew Freedman's Column will return next week....
As we approach our 4 year anniversary as a blog-style site (in early February 2008), I thought it would be fun to highlight some of the most memorable weather, commentary and coverage since we got it all started...
Today: Areas of morning rain, then cloudy. High near 50.
Tonight: Partly cloudy, lows near 40.
Monday: Partly sunny and mild. Highs 60-65.
Greatest Drought: October, 2007. No precipitation fell for a record 34-straight days at Reagan National, ending October 19 this past year. The drought was accompanied by much above average temperatures and the month of October ended as the warmest on record. Throughout the dry spell, CapitalWeather.com featured a drought tracker which documented the rainfall deficit and number of days without rain.
Greatest Ice Storm: February 13-14, 2007. Three to four inches of sleet fell in a storm that was very tricky to forecast. The storm brought record traffic to CapitalWeather.com with more than 30,000 page views on 2/14. A couple thousand comments came in, including about 500 between midnight and 6am on 2/14. CapitalWeather.com forecasters were interviewed on Washington Post Radio and CapitalWeather.com's Lead Meteorologist Dan Stillman hosted a Washingtonpost.com online chat. You can look back at all the coverage and comments using this archive link.
Greatest Controversy: CapitalWeather.com's Andrew Freedman's column on climate change and TV meteorologists, December 2006. When Sunday "Undercast" columnist Andrew Freedman argued TV weather broadcasters should be required to read the American Meteorological Society's (AMS) position paper on climate change (that argued much of it is likely human-caused), he had no idea he was about to ignite a national controversy. The Weather Channel's Climate Expert Heidi Cullen quoted his column and took his argument a step further in a weather.com blog post. She wrote:
Greatest Flood: June 24-27, 2006. Reagan National received its second highest daily rainfall total in history on 6/25 when more than 7 inches fell. The airport received over 13 inches rain in the 4-day period and the month ended as the wettest June on record. Mudslides closed parts of the beltway, some metro stations were flooded, and a State of Emergency was declared in Washington, DC. See the archive for the week of 6/25 for CapitalWeather.com's coverage.
Greatest Snowstorm: February 11 and 12, 2006. For snow lovers, the winters since CapitalWeather.com launched in February, 2004 have been pretty lame. Every single winter has received less than average snowfall. The snowiest winter occurred in 05-06, when 13.6" accumulated at Reagan National, still about 2" below the long-term average. But we did get one "big one" that winter, when 6-16" fell across the metro area February 11 and 12. The storm started slow with a mix of light rain and light snow during the day on February 11, but ended with a blast as heavy snow was accompanied by thunder and lightning overnight. The impact of the storm was minimized since it occurred mostly late on a Saturday night, giving road crews all-day Sunday to clean-up in time for the work week and back to school. Relive the storm by visiting our archives for the week of 2/12/06 (scroll to the bottom ) and 2/5/06 (at the top).
Worst National Tragedy (or Greatest Government Failure): Katrina, late August 2005. CapitalWeather.com was one of the early blogs to sound the alarm about Hurricane Katrina when the storm first emerged as a threat to hit New Orleans. Two days before Katrina hit, I wrote "if New Orleans gets a direct hit from a Category 4 or higher storm (and Katrina may reach these levels), the potential is there for one of the worst weather catastrophes or catastrophes of any sort on U.S. soil in decades." CapitalWeather.com's continuing coverage of Katrina included in-depth discussions of its impacts (including perspectives from guest experts), the response effort and policy implications.
Greatest Photo: Washington Monument Struck By Lightning, July 1, 2005.
Read about how CapitalWeather.com photographer Kevin Ambrose captured this incredible image here.
Greatest Forecast Disappointment: February 28, 2005. CapitalWeather.com called for 6-10" of snow, and about half that much actually fell. In areas downtown, most of the snow that did fall didn't stick. When it became clear the storm was going to be a dud, snow lovers started to vent their frustration in the comment area. Some of the comments got so nasty that it triggered an editorial from yours truly: "Emotions run high during storm...my editorial response" One commenter (alias "Rocker") went so far over the line that his posting privileges were suspended. Just one of his comments: "What I read here was the most alarmist/wishful-thinking b.s. anywhere..." Ouch.
Longest Post: This one. But seriously, I'd couldn't end this post without taking a moment to thank all of our readers and importantly, our regular commenters (Mike from the Blue Ridge, JTF, GV, gfp, Greg, Nadir, Havoc, ~sg, Jim from Blacksburg, Sara in Oakton, and yes "El Bombo" and even chemtrail Ken -- to name just a few off the top of my head), who have truly turned this site into a special community. Most of all, huge thanks are in order to the entire CapitalWeather.com team who have helped make this site what is today for zero pay -- all as dedicated, enthusiastic and exceptionally talented volunteer contributors. When we launched in 2004, I would have had no idea that we'd be where we are now or where we're about to go...
As we approach our 4 year anniversary as a blog-style site (in early February 2008), I thought it would be fun to highlight some of the most memorable weather, commentary and coverage since we got it all started...
The Forecast
Today: Areas of morning rain, then cloudy. High near 50.Tonight: Partly cloudy, lows near 40.
Monday: Partly sunny and mild. Highs 60-65.
Greatest Drought: October, 2007. No precipitation fell for a record 34-straight days at Reagan National, ending October 19 this past year. The drought was accompanied by much above average temperatures and the month of October ended as the warmest on record. Throughout the dry spell, CapitalWeather.com featured a drought tracker which documented the rainfall deficit and number of days without rain.
Greatest Ice Storm: February 13-14, 2007. Three to four inches of sleet fell in a storm that was very tricky to forecast. The storm brought record traffic to CapitalWeather.com with more than 30,000 page views on 2/14. A couple thousand comments came in, including about 500 between midnight and 6am on 2/14. CapitalWeather.com forecasters were interviewed on Washington Post Radio and CapitalWeather.com's Lead Meteorologist Dan Stillman hosted a Washingtonpost.com online chat. You can look back at all the coverage and comments using this archive link.
Greatest Controversy: CapitalWeather.com's Andrew Freedman's column on climate change and TV meteorologists, December 2006. When Sunday "Undercast" columnist Andrew Freedman argued TV weather broadcasters should be required to read the American Meteorological Society's (AMS) position paper on climate change (that argued much of it is likely human-caused), he had no idea he was about to ignite a national controversy. The Weather Channel's Climate Expert Heidi Cullen quoted his column and took his argument a step further in a weather.com blog post. She wrote:
If a meteorologist can't speak to the fundamental science of climate change, then maybe the AMS shouldn't give them a Seal of Approval.This statement provoked the ire of some broadcast meteorologists, climate change skeptics, right-leaning web sites and even some politicians who argued Cullen was attempting to muzzle alternative climate change perspectives and stymie freedom of speech. She responded by saying she welcomed discussion of different ideas about climate change and was simply encouraging greater understanding and awareness.
Greatest Flood: June 24-27, 2006. Reagan National received its second highest daily rainfall total in history on 6/25 when more than 7 inches fell. The airport received over 13 inches rain in the 4-day period and the month ended as the wettest June on record. Mudslides closed parts of the beltway, some metro stations were flooded, and a State of Emergency was declared in Washington, DC. See the archive for the week of 6/25 for CapitalWeather.com's coverage.
Greatest Snowstorm: February 11 and 12, 2006. For snow lovers, the winters since CapitalWeather.com launched in February, 2004 have been pretty lame. Every single winter has received less than average snowfall. The snowiest winter occurred in 05-06, when 13.6" accumulated at Reagan National, still about 2" below the long-term average. But we did get one "big one" that winter, when 6-16" fell across the metro area February 11 and 12. The storm started slow with a mix of light rain and light snow during the day on February 11, but ended with a blast as heavy snow was accompanied by thunder and lightning overnight. The impact of the storm was minimized since it occurred mostly late on a Saturday night, giving road crews all-day Sunday to clean-up in time for the work week and back to school. Relive the storm by visiting our archives for the week of 2/12/06 (scroll to the bottom ) and 2/5/06 (at the top).
Worst National Tragedy (or Greatest Government Failure): Katrina, late August 2005. CapitalWeather.com was one of the early blogs to sound the alarm about Hurricane Katrina when the storm first emerged as a threat to hit New Orleans. Two days before Katrina hit, I wrote "if New Orleans gets a direct hit from a Category 4 or higher storm (and Katrina may reach these levels), the potential is there for one of the worst weather catastrophes or catastrophes of any sort on U.S. soil in decades." CapitalWeather.com's continuing coverage of Katrina included in-depth discussions of its impacts (including perspectives from guest experts), the response effort and policy implications.
Greatest Photo: Washington Monument Struck By Lightning, July 1, 2005.
Read about how CapitalWeather.com photographer Kevin Ambrose captured this incredible image here.
Greatest Forecast Disappointment: February 28, 2005. CapitalWeather.com called for 6-10" of snow, and about half that much actually fell. In areas downtown, most of the snow that did fall didn't stick. When it became clear the storm was going to be a dud, snow lovers started to vent their frustration in the comment area. Some of the comments got so nasty that it triggered an editorial from yours truly: "Emotions run high during storm...my editorial response" One commenter (alias "Rocker") went so far over the line that his posting privileges were suspended. Just one of his comments: "What I read here was the most alarmist/wishful-thinking b.s. anywhere..." Ouch.
Longest Post: This one. But seriously, I'd couldn't end this post without taking a moment to thank all of our readers and importantly, our regular commenters (Mike from the Blue Ridge, JTF, GV, gfp, Greg, Nadir, Havoc, ~sg, Jim from Blacksburg, Sara in Oakton, and yes "El Bombo" and even chemtrail Ken -- to name just a few off the top of my head), who have truly turned this site into a special community. Most of all, huge thanks are in order to the entire CapitalWeather.com team who have helped make this site what is today for zero pay -- all as dedicated, enthusiastic and exceptionally talented volunteer contributors. When we launched in 2004, I would have had no idea that we'd be where we are now or where we're about to go...
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Saturday, January 05, 2008
Wild West Coast: Will Seahawks Sock and Soak Skins?
Jason Samenow @ 10:15 AM
For the forecast for the next several days, scroll down one post...
A massive storm is blasting the West Coast. The good news is that worst of the storm will have passed Seattle by today's playoff game at Qwest Field when the Skins battle the Seahawks at 4:30pm ET. Nonetheless, some scattered light rain is possible and it will be windy, with southerly breezes generally around 20mph, but with higher gusts. The wind and the rain should benefit the Redskins, given their ground-oriented attack and Seattle's emphasis on the pass. Temperatures will be in the mid 40s.
Further to the southwest, a dangerous, full-fledged blizzard is impacting the Sierra mountain range. Here's an excerpt from a special weather statement issued by the Reno, NV National Weather Service Forecast Office yesterday advising folks about the risks of leaving home:
AccuWeather's Jesse Ferrell is compiling some of the impressive statistics from this storm. Several California mountain passes have recorded wind gusts in excess of 100mph (with an undocumented 152mph report), rainfall amounts have reached 5-10 inches in spots, offshore ocean waves have surpassed 35 feet and snow totals are already being measured in feet.
A massive storm is blasting the West Coast. The good news is that worst of the storm will have passed Seattle by today's playoff game at Qwest Field when the Skins battle the Seahawks at 4:30pm ET. Nonetheless, some scattered light rain is possible and it will be windy, with southerly breezes generally around 20mph, but with higher gusts. The wind and the rain should benefit the Redskins, given their ground-oriented attack and Seattle's emphasis on the pass. Temperatures will be in the mid 40s.
Further to the southwest, a dangerous, full-fledged blizzard is impacting the Sierra mountain range. Here's an excerpt from a special weather statement issued by the Reno, NV National Weather Service Forecast Office yesterday advising folks about the risks of leaving home:
IF YOU DO ATTEMPT TRAVEL IN THE SIERRA YOUR CHANCES OF BEING STRANDED FOR MORE THAN A FEW HOURS IS VERY HIGH. REMAIN INDOORS DURING THIS BLIZZARD...EVEN A SHORT WALK OUTDOORS COULD BE DEADLY AS YOU WILL BECOME DISORIENTED IN THE WHITEOUT CONDITIONS.That office is calling for snowfall rates as high as 6 inches an hour and wind gusts up to 110mph at mountain ridge tops. Snowfall totals in spots will reach 3 to 5 feet. To put that in perspective, we've only received 3 feet of snow in DC in the last three winters combined (not including this winter).
AccuWeather's Jesse Ferrell is compiling some of the impressive statistics from this storm. Several California mountain passes have recorded wind gusts in excess of 100mph (with an undocumented 152mph report), rainfall amounts have reached 5-10 inches in spots, offshore ocean waves have surpassed 35 feet and snow totals are already being measured in feet.
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Welcome Washington Warming
Jason Samenow @ 10:06 AM
While the well-advertised warm-up commenced yesterday as temperatures got out of the 30s, it will become palpable today as temperatures edge closer to 50 degrees. Of course, today will feel chilly in comparison to Monday and Tuesday, when temperatures are likely to get well into the 60s...
Partly sunny, upper 40s. Sunny skies will prevail in the morning hours, before some high clouds roll-in late in the afternoon. After a cold start in the 20s in most spots, temperatures will warm to the upper 40s by mid afternoon. Overnight, clouds build and some rain is possible, particularly after midnight up until dawn. Lows will be in the upper 30s.
Arlington Peace Officer Memorial at Sunset on Thursday. By CapitalWeather.com photographer Kevin Ambrose.
AM rain, afternoon drying, low 50s. Some light rain is possible during the morning (especially before 10am), then clouds will slowly decrease during the afternoon, with some sunshine possible. High should be a touch above 50 degrees.
Warm weather fans will love the start to the work week. On both Monday and Tuesday, temperatures should warm into at least the low 60s, with 65-70 degree highs not out of the question. The warm spell will end Wednesday, as high temperatures drop into the 50s with a chance of rain.
Today
Partly sunny, upper 40s. Sunny skies will prevail in the morning hours, before some high clouds roll-in late in the afternoon. After a cold start in the 20s in most spots, temperatures will warm to the upper 40s by mid afternoon. Overnight, clouds build and some rain is possible, particularly after midnight up until dawn. Lows will be in the upper 30s.Arlington Peace Officer Memorial at Sunset on Thursday. By CapitalWeather.com photographer Kevin Ambrose.
Sunday
AM rain, afternoon drying, low 50s. Some light rain is possible during the morning (especially before 10am), then clouds will slowly decrease during the afternoon, with some sunshine possible. High should be a touch above 50 degrees.A Look Ahead: An Unseasonably Mild Early Week
Warm weather fans will love the start to the work week. On both Monday and Tuesday, temperatures should warm into at least the low 60s, with 65-70 degree highs not out of the question. The warm spell will end Wednesday, as high temperatures drop into the 50s with a chance of rain.
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