Some rain, but not enough...

We finally got some measurable rain in the Metro Richmond area today, but it wasn't much...averaging only about 0.10". The drought is classified as "severe" to "extreme" from north to south across our area. We are now just above 6 inches below average precipitation for the year officially at RIC, but the more important stat is that we are more than 5 inches below average since September 1st!

The coming week...

The dry conditions will be back with us throughout the next several days, as high pressure builds over the Mid-Atlantic. The next rain chances will come by mid-next week, as a potent area of low pressure aloft develops over the Central U.S. Based on the latest computer model data, it appears this will keep any significant rain well to our west, but the general flow will import more moisture, so clouds and at least a few showers should be over the state, especially Wednesday and Thursday. As this system lifts northward, a front will likely cross the Mid-Atlantic before next weekend.


More dryness to finish the month?

Behind that front, the upper flow flattens on all of our longer range data, and it appears that a rather zonal (west to east) flow or developing Eastern ridge will be the rule heading into early November. This means our temperatures should remain above average until further notice.