Updraft: August 4, 2008 Archive

August Opens Cold and Wet for Some

Posted at 9:53 AM on August 4, 2008 by Mark Seeley

Overnight lows fell off into the 40s F for many northern and central Minnesota communities during the first two days of the month. Though not record-setting Embarrass reported just 41 degrees F on the 2nd. Campers in northern Minnesota state parks surely had to appreciate their warm sleeping bags over the weekend.

In addition thunderstorms rumbled across some of the drier central Minnesota counties on the 3rd and 4th bringing much needed rains. St Cloud reported 2.36 inches while Milaca received 1.51 inches. Fortunately there were only a few reports of hail and strong winds.

I couldn't help but remember how traumatic last August was across Minnesota. The I-35W bridge collapse on the 1st, followed by a severe derecho (straightline wind storm) the second weekend, followed by an extreme flash flood event in SE Minnesota the third weekend, and mixed in with tornadoes in Marshall and Washington Counties to boot.

We'll hope for a nice quiet and mild month of August this time.

Expecting Edouard

Posted at 3:55 PM on August 4, 2008 by Paul Huttner

Tropical stroms are often dangerous, and this one may be, but it could also bring benefits.

This may be one of those occasions where a tropical storm could be more good news than bad. Though Edouard may come close to or achieve category 1 hurricane status before making landfall on the Texas coast tomorrow, it may be a net plus if it does not strengthen significantly.

-News that Edouard is not expected to become a major hurricane, and that damage to oil facilities may not be extensive sent crude oil process tumbling $4 a barrel at one point today.

-Edouard is expected to bring some 6 inch rain totals to parts of central Texas over the next 72 hours. This is in an area that has been in extreme drought, and may ease drought conditions in parts of Texas this week.

-While atmospheric conditions (less shear aloft) and ocean water temperatures (84 to 87 degrees Fahrenheit) are favorable for Edouard to strengthen, it appears Edouard will run out of water and make landfall before it can become a major hurricane.

One trend to watch is if Edouard continues to slow down, it may have more time to strengthen. Hurricane intensity is notorius for changing rapidly if storms have enough time over open warm water to rev up. We will have to keep an eye on Edouard to see if it goes through a rapid intensification before reaching the coast.

Southern regions of the U.S. depend on rainfall from tropical storms during the late summer months. Let's hope Edouard makes minimal headlines, and brings maximum benefit to Texas this week.

NHC Edouard Data

Tracking Edouard

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