Cincinnati 5NW #13 (Hamilton County) Ronald E. Rothhaas Jr. - March 2003 was a reminder of the past 2 winters and a significant departure from the cold, snowy winter that had been characteristic to date.  Temperatures were over 2 degrees above normal and rainfall was about one third below normal.  Snowfall was nearly non-existent, only 0.3 compared to a normal of 4.2 inches.  8 days saw temperatures of 70 or higher.
 

    Cleves 3NW #55 (Hamilton County) James F Davis - March ended up very warm after a cold start,Temps ended up a little above mormal with precip below normal.

    Kent 2W #53 (Portage County) Eric E. Wertz - March 2003 saw a moderating temperature trend and a less active weather pattern than the previous month.  The first week was unseasonably cold with a record low temperature of - 1F set on the 3rd.  Temperatures during the latter half of the month were much warmer  with highs reaching above 70 F on the 16th, 17th, and 28th.  Measurable snowfall occurred on 4 days with the most notable amount being 2.3 inches on the 6th.  Liquid equivalent precipitation was observed on 14 days.  Gusty winds swept across the Buckeye State on the 2nd in conjunction with an arctic cold front and reached 37 mph at Kent 2W.  A thunderstorm occurred on the 8th with a light glaze on the 13th. 
                             

    Newcomerstown 1S #106 (Tuscarawas County) Don Keating - There were two thunder days. Average wind speed for the month was 3.6 mph. Average High Wind Gust was 19.5 mph. Heating Degree Days totaled 737.7 and Cooling Degree Days totaled 1.6.
               

    Ottawa 4E #15 (Putnam County) Phil & Bonnie Higley - The month started out a VERY cold note. With 4.0" of snow already on the ground.   It was really trying to get warm, but it had to melt all of that snow away first.  It didn't really get warm till they later part of the month.  When we hit 70 degree's.  First time this year.   It just seem like it stay warm, till the end of the month, when we had .1" of snowfall on the last day of the month.

    Perrysville 4W #79 (Richland County) Katie Gerwig - Temperatures were slightly above normal for most of March and precipitation was slightly below normal.  Some snow remained on ground for the first thirteen days of the month. 

    Springfield 2N #1 (Clark County) Dick Groeber  - March 2003 came in and went out like a cool lamb with warm temperatures and scattered rain and thunderstroms between.  This was also the month that saw the end of winter and the beginning of spring. 

    The coldest temperatures were recorded at both the beginning and the end of the month.  The lowest reading of 7 degrees was on the 3rd and was on of the coldest of this past winter.  The temperatures then began an immediate warming which lasted throughout most of the rest of the month until colder readings returned during the last few days.  The warmest tempeature of 74 degrees was recorded on the 28th.  Overall, the readings were above the station averages. 

    Three dates of measurable snowfall were recorded.  The first was 0.5 inch on the 6th and the last two were at the end of the month on the 29th and 31st both with 0.3 inch readings for a month total of 1.1 inches.  Snow depth was recorded until the 8th hanging over from February.  The remainder of the precipitation dates were scattered rain and three dates of thunderstorms.  Overall, the total was below the station average. 

    Thompson 5SW #98 (Geauga County) Vance Lunn - The first half of the month was cold with temperatures frequently dipping to the single digits and even below zero.  There were frequent light snowfalls.  The second half was mild.  After the 13th, the only snow that occurred was 1.0 inch which trickled down from the 29th-31st.  Maximum snowdepth was 15 inches (2nd-3rd).  The 20th was the last day of a nearly 4 month long period of continuous snowcover.  A trace or more of snowdepth was recorded from Nov. 22, 2002 to March 20, 2003 a period of 119 days.  There were also 2 days of light freezing rain (5th, 13th); 1 day with sleet; 4 days with thunder and 6 days with fog.

    Wooster 7N #16 (Wayne County) Jack Sisler - March started out where this Winter left off except for the temperatures. The mean temperature was almost three degrees above normal which is the first above normal temperature month this year. I had no zero or below temperatures in March. Precipitation was about .6" below normal making 2003 almost two inches below normal already. Seasonal snowfall stood at 55.9" thru March. Consecutive days with measurable snow on the ground ended with 56 consecutive days from January 13 thru March 9.
 

Date:  Sat Mar 1, 2003  4:08 pm
Subject:  February Summary - Munroe Falls, Ohio
February 2003
Munroe Falls, Ohio Weather Summary
Records began July 8, 1992 Elevation: 1,060 feet, Latitude 41 07 53N, Longitude 81 26 58W
Wind, temperature and snow highlighted the month of February 2003
A storm that moved through the area in the early morning hours of the 12th brought thunder, lightning and a high wind gust of 51 mph. This nearly broke our all-time high wind gust of 52 mph which was set last March 9th.
Snowfall for the month totaled 21.4 inches, the most accumulation for a February in the last 11 years. Our seasonal snow total at the end of February totaled 67.5 inches which is only about 9 inches from breaking the highest amount received in a season. The current record for the past 11 years is 76.2 inches recorded in 1995-1996.
Average temperatures during February 2003 were lower than normal. Our mean temperature of 22.2 degrees (F) set a record. The previous February mean average record was 25.8 degrees in 1995.

February 2003 Data

Temperature
High temperature 49 degrees
Low temperature 03 degrees
Mean high temperature 31.1 degrees
Mean low temperature 13.3 degrees
Monhly mean temperature 22.2 degrees

Precipitation
Total precipitation 2.79 inches
Greatest 24 hour precipitation 0.93 inch
Total snowfall 21.4 inches
Greatest 24 hour snowfall 5.7 inches
Greatest snowcover at observation 11 inches

Wind
Highest maximum wind gust 51 mph
Average high wind gust 21.6

Fog days 1
Ice pellet days 0
Glaze days 2
Thunder days 1
Hail days 0

Larry Huff
Munroe Falls 1SW, Ohio
Summit County
 
Date:  Sat Mar 1, 2003  5:35 pm
Subject:  weather data for Feb. 03

Feb. 2003
4-E (OWON # 15)
Putnam, Co.
Ave. Max.; 31.1F          Highest tempeature was 52F on the 4th
Ave. Minn.; 16.0F         Lowest temperature was -3F on the 25th
Ave. Mean Temp.; 24F
Precip.; 2.28"               Max. 24 hour precip. 1.13" on the
22nd
Snowfall; 15.5"            Max. 24 hour snowfall 5.5" on the 17th
Greatest amount of snow on the ground for the month 11.0"
Highest wind gust 53 M.P.H. on the 16th.
Highest Baro. 30.44 on the 25th
Lowest Baro. 28.92 on the 22nd
Ave. High wind gust 28.0 M.P.H.
We had 3 day's with thunder
There was 17 day's out of 28 day's we had rain or snow
These reading was taken @ 9:30 p.m.
Lat. 41-01-18N
Long. 33' 50-00W
Elevation of 740'
Date:  Sat Mar 1, 2003  8:10 pm
Subject:  Feb.2003 Climate Data-Macedonia 2ESE
AVG.MAX TEMP = 31.8 DEG.
AVG.MIN. TEMP = 16.1 DEG.
MEAN TEMP = 23.9 DEG.
SNOWFALL = 28.9"
LIQUID = 2.51"
Dan
Date:  Sat Mar 1, 2003  9:58 pm
Subject:  New Link Added
Group,
See the links section.Current WX Analysis is the name.Click the link to DuPage college.This is a great site for current data.Profilers,Atmospheric cross -sections, and isentropic surfaces are made available here!Give it a try.Have fun.
Dan
Date:  Sun Mar 2, 2003  10:59 am
Subject:  February's Weather Statistics for Centerville 1W
Weather statistics for the month of February for Centerville 1W.
High Temp (Date) ... 54o / 3rd
Low Temp (Date) ... 3o / 25th
Mean High ... 35.1o
Mean Low ... 18.3o
Monthly Mean ... 26.7o
Total Precipitation ... 3.70"
Max 24 hr Precipitation (Date) ... 0.96" / 22nd
Number of Precipitation Days... 16
Total Snowfall...  22.4"
Max 24 hr Snowfall (Date) ... 7.0" / 15th
Max Snow Depth at time of observation ... 15"
High Wind Gust (Date) ... 43 MPH / 12th
Thunderstorm Days ... 0
Highest Barometer (Date) ... 30.52" / 25th
Lowest Barometer (Date) ... 29.14" / 22nd
Average High Wind Gust... 20.8 MPH
Robert Flory - KA5RUC
Centerville 1W
Southeast Montgomery County
Ohio Weather Observer Network #82
Wilmington NWS Skywarn ID OMT405
 
Date: Sun Mar 2, 2003 1:24 pm
Subject: February summary for Thompson 5 SW
Below are the stats for February, 2003 for Thompson 5 SW:OWON Number
98
Station Name
Thompson 5 SW
Month
02/03
Mean Max Temp 29.8 F
Mean Minimum Temp 12.5 F
Mean Temp 21.4 F
Highest Temp 48 F
Date1 4
Lowest Temp -1 F
Date2 11, 14
Total Prec 2.75 in.
Max 24hr Precip 0.73 in.
Date3 22
Number of Precip Days 18
Total Snowfall 41.8 in.
Max 24hr Snow 6.5 in
Date4 17
Number of 1+ Snow Days 11
Wind Gust N/A
Date5
comment
February was colder than what is probably normal for this area. Several snowstorms occured, along with some lake-effect. The lake is frozen over so the lake-effect was reduced somewhat. A violent storm moved through late on the 11th, causing brief blizzard conditions along with thunder and spectacular lighting flashes. Several inches of lake-effect snow fell in the next two days for a total of 10.6" for the 11th-13th. The storms of the 16th-17th left 7.3", and two storms combined for a 9.6" event on the 23rd-24th. A significant rain to freezing rain event dropped 0.73" rain on the 22nd. The snowpack was continuous for a third month in a row with a minimum Feb. snow depth of 9 inches (4th) and a maximum depth of 20 inches (24th).
Vance Lunn
Thompson 5 SW
OWON #98
Date:  Sun Mar 2, 2003  9:07 pm
Subject:  Record Report

Toledo Ohio, 5 NE, Lucas co. Point Place
-----------------------------------------------------
The temperature here @ toledo 5 ne,
has dropped to 11.4 degrees @ 8:46 pm
breaking the old record of 12 set in 1989...
The record for tomorrow march 3 rd. is 4 set in 1996 and the alltime record low for march here is 3 set on march 8 th 1996....it appears that all these records will be broken overnight...will update tomorrow morning...snowcover here is 6 inches............

mike bielski
toledo 5 ne
lucas co.
point place
 
Date:  Sun Mar 2, 2003  10:45 pm
Subject:  Re: Record Report
It is getting cold here also. At 10:30pm, the temp. is 5.0 F. I can see some stars even though there is still light snow falling, so I expect that the temp. will drop farther. There are no records here yet as I just moved here last Oct. Currently there is snow and blowing snow with 1.5" new snow today so far and 15" on the ground.
Vance Lunn
Thompson 5 SW
OWON # 98
 
Date:  Mon Mar 3, 2003  8:00 am
Subject:  Record Lows & Alltime Low

Toledo 5 ne, Lucas co. Point Place
----------------------------------------------------
record for 3/2/03*
The temperature dropped to 4 degrees
@ 11:46 pm breaking the previous low of
12 set in 1989...
==================================
record for 3/3/03*
The temperature dropped to -4 degrees @
6:25 am breaking the previous record of
+ 4 degrees set in 1996....
==================================
Alltime Record Low For March*
The temperature dropped to -4 degrees
@ 6:25 am breaking the alltime record
low for march of + 3 degrees set on
march 8 th in 1996.....
==================================
Mike Bielski
Toledo 5 NE
Lucas Co.
Point Place
 
Date: Mon Mar 3, 2003 8:36 am
Subject: Message from a 2way device
Group, From Springfield 2.
A repeat performance of last winter! One of the lowest readings of this winter was recorded this morning at 7 degrees above zero here. The station low for the date since 1969 was 4 degrees above in 1980. The season low was -4
degrees on January 27th. Dick Groeber.
O.W.O.N. 1.

Date:  Mon Mar 3, 2003  8:51 am
Subject:  February Snowfall Record
Group:
I recorded a February snowfall record of 17.3" (the past 12 years at this location). Seasonal snowfall for 2002-2003 is now 52.9" which is three times the snowfall received for the entire 2001-2002 season.
Jack Sisler
Wooster 7N
Wayne County

Date:  Mon Mar 3, 2003  2:20 pm
Subject:  cold and snow
Here at Thompson 5 SW I recorded a low of -4 F this morning. Yesterday's low was 4 above.
I haven't looked into the snow situation yet for Tuesday but the NWS seems to be sure that something will happen. How often do you see them issue a 100 percent chance of precip. for a time two days into the future?
Vance

Date:  Mon Mar 3, 2003  3:14 pm
Subject:  data from putnam, co.
We may not have broken no low temperature this morning, but we had a low temperautre of +1F @ 7:12 a.m. Right now it's 17F(3:11 p.m.) with a baro. reading of 29.94F .02" Mtly. clear with lt. winds out of the S-8 M.P.H., NO precip. let....... Somebody will be getting some SNOW this even into Tuesday a.m.!
4-E
Putnam, Co.
 
Date: Tue Mar 4, 2003 9:49 am
Subject: Re: [OhioWx] Re: It's coming!!!!!!!
Hello;
I haven't looked at any maps for the weekend. All I know is what the NWS forecasts are calling for. One thing I do know, as the sun makes it further up in the sky on a daily basis, the colder air up north has got to moderate. So we may be "siginificantly" below normal, but let's hope it isn't bone chilling cold. Afterall, virtually all of Ohio has average highs in the 40's now. As far as the extended outlook into next week.... let's remember, this is only Tuesday. What happened to the talk of a significant snowfall for NW Ohio tonight and tomorrow?
Don Keating
Date:  Tue Mar 4, 2003  4:32 pm
Subject:  Re: It's coming!!!!!!!

<Enough is enough already>
I'm afraid enough isn't nearly enough! I think our first real taste of spring this year may hold off until April the way it's going. I don't like the look of the upper-air configuration setting up across North America over the next 14 days. It screams COLD, and in some ways, BRUTALLY COLD! Even though it is March, we might not be done with the sub-zero minimum temperatures yet. Heck, just yesterday morning (March 3rd) I dropped to -1F at Lodi 2S. If I remember correctly, the lastest date Cleveland has officially recorded a below zero temperature was on March 23rd. I've personally observed single digit low temperatures as late as April 8th (April 8, 1982 to be exact)!!
Winter is not over yet & won't be for awhile. The snowflakes will continue to fly from time to time through April this year & possibly into early May I'm afraid....
Matt Higgins
Lodi 2S

Date:  Wed Mar 5, 2003  6:45 pm
Subject:  storm???
Well that BIG storm they were talking about yesterday took a trip to the North of us.  We only get some freezen rain down here & very little bit of snow.  Nothing to really write home about. The road's around here are CLEAR but wet.
Cldy. Now (6:44 p.m.)
Present temperature is 25F
Hi today was 42F
Low so far 23F
Precip. 0.18"
Snowfall Tr.
Winds N-2 G-19
Baro. 29.77R 0.04"
4-E
Putnam, Co.

Date:  Wed Mar 5, 2003  8:05 pm
Subject:  Re: It's coming!!!!!!!
Another perspective form the SW corner of the state. I haven't been on the computer for a couple of days and I realize the post I am responding to is a day old, but this post just doesn't match what I'm seeing. After reading this and before responding I jumped to the NWS 8-14 day outlook which is cranking out quite a warm spell over most of the country. Although I am currently at 28F with freezing drizzle, it was 52F here this AM and 57F yesterday. Except for a few plowed up piles, the snow is long gone. The difference between snowcover and none in the March sun is pronounced. Monday it made it to 35F here while it stayed in the teens and 20's in snowy parts of Ohio. Warm air generated by the bare ground down here should help to eat away at the snow cover up north although there is a lot to eat away. I see W. Massachusetts has 40" amounts so it could be worse! You are likely correct to speculate that it could be a cold spring, but have faith. I just bought tickets to the Reds-Cleveland exhibition game here in just over 3 weeks!
Ron Rothhaas
Cincinnati

Date:  Wed Mar 5, 2003  10:08 pm
Subject:  Message from a 2way device
Group, With the advent of March comes warmer temperatures. The ground here in Springfield is only 2/3rds snowcovered. The forecasts for the next 2 weeks is for normal temperatures and precipitation. High temperatures in the 5Os with sunny skies on some days. Is winter finally on the wane and spring not far behind? Dick Groeber.
 
Date:  Thu Mar 6, 2003  7:57 am Subject:  hanging in there!!!!
Got up this morning & I notice there was 1"-2" of new snow fallen with blowing snow.  @ 6:00 a.m. I couldn't see U.S. 224, which is about 1/4 mile away from my reporting station.  The snow seem to let up a little bit, but within a hour or so, it increased again.  Like it was before.  But the winds are NOT as strong..  Thing's are trying to brake. Baro. is on the raise 29.80 .04 Winds N-17 M.P.H. Present Temperature is 16F(Which is our low for the day so far.) Will Spring ever get here?????? 4-E
Putnam, Co.

Date:  Thu Mar 6, 2003  11:05 am
Subject:  round 1 is over At around 10:30 a.m. the snow seem to come to a end.  And the winds seem to dieing down. And the Baro. is pretty well standly @ 29.84. The sun is trying to come out and the temperature is raising.  It's now 20F with winds N-12 M.P.H. Well it look like we had our low temperature for the day @ 6:31 a.m. with 16F. Our next snow look's like it won't be in here till Saturday or Sunday.  Warming temperature's are on it's way in. 4-E
Putnam, Co.

Date:  Thu Mar 6, 2003  11:58 am
Subject:  Re: hanging in there!!!!
<Will Spring ever get here??????>
Phil (and Group):
Yes, spring will eventually make it in here, but not over the next 10- 14 days. I see from this morning's GFS run that the PNA configuration is setting up again next week! PNA stands for "positive/negative anomaly". This type of upper air configuration consists of a ridge in the western U.S. and a TROF in the eastern U.S. It it the type of upper-air arrangement we have seen through the Winter of 2002-2003 & it just won't quit. Granted, the GFS panels are showing the ridge to be progressive and eventually move towards the Mississippi Valley late in the period (by days 9-10) but I'm not really buying that at this time. We'll need to wait & see what future runs show. Also keep in mind that this opinion is based on an assessment of only one model and does not take into account other solutions. It is a dangerous thing to base a forecast on only one opinion. However, I am quickly learning from my work in operational meteorology that time isn't on your side when preparing a forecast so sometime you just have to jump on the horse, hang on for the ride and hope for the best!
Have a good one!
Matt Higgins
P.S. Picked up 0.8 inch of new snow this morning as of 7 AM.

Date:  Thu Mar 6, 2003  12:11 pm Subject:  Re: [OhioWx] Re: hanging in there!!!!
List;
    I picked up 2.5" of snowfall last night and this morning.
Don Keating
 
Date:  Thu Mar 6, 2003  6:36 pm
Subject:  Re: hanging in there!!!!
Don and Group:
I had a storm total of 3.0" with pretty much half of it occuring after 7am this morning. This brings the seasonal total to 55.9". By the way, during our "non-snowy" Winter last year I did have 7.1" total snowfall for March 2002 which was the snowiest month of the 2001-2002 season. Whooopeee!!
Jack

Date: Fri Mar 7, 2003 6:34 pm
Subject: Weather Magazine

Several months ago, I began putting together ideas for a new weather publication. But first let me say that this publication is in NO way a duplication of the Ohio Weather Journal now published by my good friend Ron Hahn. Instead, articles highlight various weather stations around the world, both professional and amateur. Articles also cover various weather instruments, instrument research, observing methods and techniques and so forth. Many color photos are used in each issue. Readers are also encouraged to submit articles. It is a 20-page magazine and measures 5.5" x 8.5". It is by NON-Subscription, therefore, each issue is purchased individually. Each issue is produced at NON-scheduled times. Therefore, when each new issue is ready for mailing, notification will be made to those who have indicated interest. At that time, each reader can decide if he or she wants to secure that issue. If that issue is desired, that person will mail a request accompanied by the designated cost.
Having no subscription and no regular publishing date settles a problem encountered by me in past publications and that is I am not under deadline pressure to get it out. At this time, I do not expect to publish any more than 4 issues per year.
I have the first issue almost ready to send out. If you would like to be notified by e-mail when each issue is available, go to The Weather Observer web site and sign up at:
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/theweatherobserver/>
Larry Huff

Date:  Fri Mar 7, 2003  11:46 pm Subject:
Here at my weather station in northwest Hocking County, I have been recording the water content of the snow and thought some of you would be interested in the results. Saturday, March 1 - Snow Depth was 9 inches, water content was 2.60 inches.
Tuesday, March 4 - Snow Depth was 6 inches, water content was 2.06 inches.
Friday, March 7 - Snow Depth was 4 inches, water content was 1.45 inches.
Jim Fry
Rockbridge 4W
OWON #33
 
Date: Sat Mar 8, 2003 9:36 pm
Subject: tonight's weather
Thompson 5 SW 9:20pm 03/08/03
My summary of this current weather event as it has passed over my station: The temp. rose from a low of 28.6 F at 7:10am to hover in the mid to upper 40's during the afternoon. It then spiked from 46.3 F at 7:15pm up to 51.1 at 7:45pm (the day's high), and quickly dropped to 39.6 F by 8:15pm. Gusts of wind were heard as the front passed. A thunderstorm began after that with some rain and thunder. The temp. leveled of and is hovering at the 40-41 degree level since with light rain. But don't worry, for those not yet entirely sick of winter, the skiing is still quite good as there is still 11 inches of snowpack on the ground!
Vance Lunn
Thompson 5 SW
OWON # 98

Date: Sun Mar 9, 2003 6:49 am
Subject: Last Nights Thunderstorms
Group:
Sure was strange to see lightning and hear thunder last night with all the snow and cold weather we've experienced the last few months. Thunderstorms moved through here between 8 and 9 pm. Highest wind gust I recorded was 40 mph @ 8:09 p.m. (Wayne County Airport about four miles east of me had a peak gust of 33 mph). Rainfall was only .25". The biggest thing I noticed was a temperature drop of 27 degrees going from 53 degrees @ 8 p.m. to 26 degrees by midnight/
Highest wind gust around the state I could find was 50 mph in Trumbull County. The SPC as of 6 am this morning didn't have any damage reports listed for Ohio. (1.75" hail in Indianapolis, Indiana was the closest thing I saw.)
Any other reports?

Jack Sisler
Wooster 7N
Wayne County
Date: Sun Mar 9, 2003 8:35 am
Subject: Thunderstorm
Hello Group, yesterday i heard thunder to my west, nw @ 4:03 PM that storm moved into michigan... i had a thunderstorm here @ 7:20 pm.. Total rainfall yesterday was .27...... i recorded a high of 44 @ 4:30 pm with the temperature dropping to 21 @ 11:55 pm..... the low this morning dropped to 9.4 degrees @ 6:53 am this sunday morning. lots of flooded yards and fields with the rain and snow melt last
night...
Mike Bielski
Toledo 5 NE
Lucas Co.
Point Place

Date: Mon Mar 10, 2003 9:17 am
Subject: Snow over lake
My normal work schedule doesn't have me driving the Shoreway in the morning, but as we're on spring break this morning I got a beautiful view of snow clouds dumping their contents on Lake Erie this morning.
As far as I could tell there was nothing falling over land, but there were gauzy clouds with obvious falling snow beneath them, and one cloud even seemed to have a downdraft "foot" to it, oh probably ten miles north of the East 72nd Street exit.
The clouds looked fairly isolated from each other and were lit from the side by the sun. Just beautiful.
Regards,
Liz

Date: Tue Mar 11, 2003 7:12 am
Subject: Message from a 2way device
Vance and group, From Springfield.
It appears the temperatures are finally bottoming out for the month. A push, on the backside of this ridge is for much warmer temperatures to set in over the area. The 8 to 14 day outlook along with current forecasts show above normal temperatures and near normal precipitation over the next two weeks. This means I've seen the last of the snowfall here with scattered periods of rain.
Spring is springing! Dick
Groeber. O.W.O.N. 1.

Date:  Tue Mar 11, 2003  8:22 pm
Subject:  warming? Well it's looking like we are saying good by to old man winter.  But not until we get one more hurrah......
What I understand & seen on the map's, warming weather is coming.  So is ice & snow.  But that's for lower part of Mich. & North part of Ohio.  For tonight & into Wednesday morning.
Today number's
Hi-38F
Low-18F
@ 8:20 p.m. it's 37F
Baro. 29.76S
WInds SW-S-8
Precip. 0.00
Still snow on the ground, but turning to ice & standing water. Seeing the ground is still frozen. 4-E
Putnam, Co.

Date: Tue Mar 11, 2003 9:58 pm
Subject: Winter's Over?!
Dick, Phil & Group:
I agree with you guys. I think winter is definitely on it's last legs. As Phil stated there may be a little ice or snow over extreme northern Ohio later tonight, but all in all warming is going to be the rule going into the weekend. It looks like that strong PNA style ridging is finally breaking down for good & it's being replaced with a strong TROF. 500 mb charts are showing weak ridging setting up aloft over the MS & OH valleys this weekend. That spells warm temperatures for us. I wouldn't be surprised to see the mercury climb past 60 degrees over all of OH this weekend & perhaps nudge towards 70 degrees over the southern counties. You know spring is REALLY on its way when you start hearing the "spring peepers" (frogs) do their chorus during the night. Wouldn't be surprised if we start hearing them here in the northern part of the State this weekend if the temperatures warm as predicted.
Keep up the great dialogue!
Matt Higgins
Lodi 2S
Medina/Wayne county border

Date: Wed Mar 12, 2003 10:04 am
Subject: A fly in the ointment..
G'Morning, Group:
No sooner do I boast about warming temperatures then a fly in the ointment appears! Yes, I still think we'll warm nicely this weekend but in the meantime we have a frontal wave that can cause us fits tonight and early Thursday. A weak cold front is expected to drop south across the lower Great Lakes and Ohio Valley over the next 12-18 hours. At the same time, a weak LOW forming in the central Plains is going to move rapidly east along the front across the OH Valley late tonight. Right now, the forecast is very tricky. There may be just enough cold air in place over extreme northern Ohio late tonight and early Thursday to give a moderate snow event (say 2-4 inches). Right now, it looks like the bulk of accumulating snow would stay north of U.S. Route 224, but it's definitely going to be a close call. I've fairly confident that central and southern OH will see only rain from this feature. I do have some concerns about a light freezing rain event in a band from about Findlay through Mansfield/Ashland into the Akron/Canton area late tonight.
Stay tuned to future forecasts!
Any other thoughts?
Matt Higgins

Date: Wed Mar 12, 2003 10:29 am
Subject: Re: Winter's Over?!
Matt, Phil and Group:
I guess I'm more of a pessimist, especially with the way this Winter has been. Even with the mild Winter last year, my last day for measurable snowfall was April 6 last year.
On the upside I have seen a few migrations of Canada geese (heading south at the time). Many times they land in the cornfield across the road to take a break and "bulk up" before continuing on. Also, in the front yard there are two three-foot areas of snow/ice that are remnants of snowforts built by one of my grandsons and youngest son back on February 1st.
I don't think I've heard so many people before say how glad they will be to see Spring get here as much as this year.
Jack

Date:  Wed Mar 12, 2003  12:13 pm
Subject:  Re: Winter's Over?!
 
Matt and all,
Matt, I still have almost a foot of snow on the ground and you're over there talking about bugs and frogs and stuff! Are we a little anxious for that nice, warm, and most importantly, turbulent Spring weather, hmmm?
Vance
 
Date:  Wed Mar 12, 2003  12:28 pm
Subject:  Re: A fly in the ointment..
I don't know, Matt. The NWS says "little or no snow accumulation". Which of you will be right? I guess we'll just have to see. Worthy of note: I've gotten 5 inches out of a "little or no accumulation" forecast before, but that was in Lake-effect times. These synoptic systems just aren't as dependable!
They are forcasting that, after this blurb, the temps will warm up and basically stay there for at least several days. This is rather unusual for mid-March, where temps are usually quickly up and down. Thus I remain cautious about such an optumistic forecast. Of course, that's not a very scientific analysis of that forcast.
Vance
 
Date: Wed Mar 12, 2003 2:30 pm
Subject: Re: [OhioWx] A fly in the ointment..


That has been my thought also 2-4 inches.
models are ranging from .35 to .75 in QPT.
mike
Date: Wed Mar 12, 2003 2:37 pm
Subject: Re: A fly in the ointment..

Vance and group:
The forecast for tonight is very tricky. It could go either way. personally hope we do NOT get 2-4 inches of snow or any freezing rain. I, like Jack, have had my fill of this winter. While I will admit, the landscape out here in the country was truly breathtaking at times this winter with the fresh snowfalls and the rime icing coating from freezing fogs I'm just sick of driving on snow and ice.
You're right that prolonged warm weather is unusual for March, but the warm spell coming this weekend is not going to be extraordinary by any means. I've seen high temperatures reach the low 80's in early to mid March around here!!! And I've seen 4-5 day warm spells where high temperatures reached well into the 70's in March as well. As far as your foot of snow, it'll be gone next week. If high temperatures do climb well into the 50's and 60's that snow will melt very quickly. The huge snow piles that were created by the plows will remain awhile longer, but your base snow cover will disappear very fast.
Yes, Vance, even you will be able to hear those "spring peepers" before you know it!
Out with winter and in with spring!!
Matt

Date: Wed Mar 12, 2003 5:41 pm
Subject: Re: [OhioWx] Re: Winter's Over?!
Hi List;
No, I do not think Old Man Winter has had his last breath on Ohio. I think sometime later this month or early April there'll be another shot of "below normal" temperatures. This does not necessarily mean I think there'll be a snow event. I just don't think this winter has ended yet, no matter how much I'd like to see it end myself!! Don Keating

Date: Wed Mar 12, 2003 6:54 pm
Subject: Three Great Lakes Freeze Over
Group:
Came across an article on my ISP homepage (MSN)about three of the Great Lakes freezing over, something that hasn't occurred in nearly the last ten years. For the complete story go to : http://www.msnbc.com/news/884202.asp
Jack
 

Date: Thu Mar 13, 2003 12:19 am
Subject: dew/frost occurrence
Ohio Weather Group,
Hello from Ohio University. The Civil Engineering Dept. at OU has a branch called the Ohio Research Institute for Transportation and the Environment (ORITE). I received an e-mail from an ORITE staff person asking about dew/frost occurrence in Ohio. ORITE is studying the formation of dew/frost on road signs and how it reduces their reflectivity to motorists at night.
The ORITE person asked if there are parts of Ohio where dew/frost formation has a high frequency. I know that the air temperature and dew point have to be equal for dew or frost to form on a surface. And from experience, certain surfaces seem to be more susceptible for dew/frost formation (e.g., grass and windows versus asphalt and concrete).
As far as locations in Ohio, I would say that in large citis (with large surface coverage of concrete and asphalt) there would be less dew/frost formation than in open countryside (with significant grassy areas).
Can anyone offer any other ideas?
Shawn Trueman
Scalia Laboratory for Atmospheric Analysis

Date:  Thu Mar 13, 2003  2:22 am
Subject:  Re: dew/frost occurrence
This is my first winter season at my Thompson 5 SW station in northern Geauga Co. so I don't no how typical this is,but one thing I noted this winter is the lack of frost ( we'll see about dew in a little while when it gets warm enough for it) due to frequent cloud cover. First, the lake effect is most effective here and produces snowfall on the high majority of nights until Lake Erie freezes over. Even when it doesn't snow, there still had been cloud cover. Then, this year, regular synoptic events came quite frequently to maintain a high percentage of clouds. Only in the last couple of weeks has there been numeruous clear nights. Even then the frost has been fairly light. I don't know if that means that in a normal winter season we get less frost here or if this year has just been unusual in that regard. In the past, in my other areas of residence (North Canton, Streetsboro both in NE Ohio), I have seen frost coat pavement. On a rare occassion it can play the role of a very thin coat of snow and show tire tracks and be quite slippery. More often, although still not very frequently, One can see frost around the rounded edges of a thick blacktop surface around cracks, grates, etc. I don't ever remember frost covering a road sign. The first places I notice frost forming is on asphault shingled roof tops over the eaves. It can completely cover certain shingles while the shingles right next to it aren't covered at all. The warmest temperature at which I've ever noticed traces of frost was 44 degrees F. I've also seen slow day to day net accumulations of frost in areas never reached by the sun during extended cold, dry periods where there was no snow on the ground.
Just some of my personal observations.

Vance
 
Date: Thu Mar 13, 2003 7:01 am
Subject: ICE
Toledo, 5 NE, Lucas co.
===================
5 am... freezing rain & sleet 27 degrees
6 am... freezing rain & sleet 26 degrees
6:45 am... Lt. freezing rain & moderate
sleet , 26 degrees
7 am... freezing rain & sleet, 25 degrees
mike bielski
toledo 5 ne
lucas co.
point place

Date: Thu Mar 13, 2003 3:55 pm
Subject: Morning Event
Group:
It was pretty much an all-rain event here this morning; .58". Nothing like the ice they had to the north of me. Only ice I had was a little that stuck to the trees but not enough to make for any hazardous walking or driving. I did have constant thunderstorms with periods of heavy rain from about 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. with the temperature hovering around 40 degrees before dropping late in the morning.
At 4 p.m. it was 28 degrees with all the precip appearing to have ended. Still looking for 60 degrees here Saturday. Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah!!!
Jack
Wooster 7N

Date: Thu Mar 13, 2003 9:01 pm
Subject: Winter return's
Well old man winter just won't let go......... This morning when I wroke up I heard Thunder & seen ice & snow on the ground.
We ended up with about 1/4" of ice & 0.32" We had our Hi temperature of 37F, just after 9:30 p.m. on the 12th
Our low was 25F
Baro. @ 8:58 p.m. was at 30.17S
Winds NNE-3-5 M.P.H.
Skys are clear.....
Will Spring ever get here??????
4-E
Putnam, Co.

Date: Thu Mar 13, 2003 9:22 pm
Subject: Rain & Ice Total
Had .48" of liquid for the day.Freezing rain occurred all morning.1/8" to 1/4" ice accumulations on all surfaces.

Dan Macedonia 2ESE

Date: Fri Mar 14, 2003 1:56 am
Subject: snow and ice
Thompson 5 SW 1:45am 03/14/03
I had freezing rain with about 1/8" ice with a topping of 2.3" snow. Matt, congrats. It looks like you bested the NWS on this one, at least for here. You said you thought there might be 2-4" and that is what happenned. The NWS at the same time predicted little or no snow for the event. How did you do it!? Currently it is mostly clear with a few scattered high clouds with 11" snow on the ground. Temp. is 12.0 degrees F. Spring Thaw is in a couple of days, but for the moment, winter sports are the outdoor activities of choice.
Vance Lunn
Thompson 5 SW
OWON #98

Date: Fri Mar 14, 2003 11:21 am
Subject: Re: Winter return's
Phil and Group:
Don't worry! A major taste of spring will be with us in about 24 hours! Expect your temperatures to rise to 60 or higher starting tomorrow and continue through at least the early part of next week. Are we done with the cold and snow for the season? No! But that is still characteristic of early spring weather in these parts. Spring is NOT defined as the time when it gets warm and stays warms (that's summer), but when the cold snaps are of shorter duration. I think based on this outlook, winter is over this year. Sure, we'll still see some winter-like days, but I really believe that we are done with the long stretches of sub-freezing daily maximum temperatures and long duration of snow cover that many of us have contented with this official winter season.
Matt Higgins
Date: Fri Mar 14, 2003 8:04 pm
Subject: Re: dew/frost occurrence

Shawn:
I would think most any area in Ohio away from Lake Erie supportive of growing dense vegatation would be considered the highest areas for dew/frost formation. Many areas next Lake Erie would not be condusive to dew/frost due to the greater risk of wind and/or cloud cover. Other factors such as time of year and length of the night would make late spring or early autumn the ideal time for dew and frost to occur. I think soils able to hold abundant water would be more supportive of the formation of dew or frost.
Any areas able to support the formation of dew/frost is also going to last longer if the area is encompassed by a large enough area of greenery to be uneffected by such areas as asphalt or concrete.
Perhaps others will have some other input on this including anything that provides areas in the state more susceptible to dew/frost formation. I guess topography is always going to play a role no matter where you are so I don't know of any source of information showing this information in certain parts of the state. I have noticed frost on road signs when driving at night when it seems to cut down on some of the refectivity but I don't think to a point of not being able to read the sign.
Jack Sisler
Wooster 7N

Date:  Sat Mar 15, 2003  6:16 pm
Subject:  Re: [OhioWx] Re: Spring is here...
Mat;
Keep them steaks for a little bit longer. Old man winter isn't done with us yet. There is a BIG storm heading in our way. It be in our area by Tuesday night & into Wednesday as it look's now. Then onces this system is out of the area, cold air be in the area for a little bit. I like steaks took, but I like to have them in a little bit warmer day, like the 4th of July or Labor day......
Hi-59F
Low-30F
Present-56F(@6:15 p.m.)
Winds SW-1
Baro. 29.79S
4-E
Putnam, Co.
 
Date:  Sat Mar 15, 2003  9:25 pm
Subject:  Message from a 2way device
Group, From Springfield.
I've been watching carefully what's happening with the weather this month. It may be because the conditions are different here in central Ohio than up there in the snowbelt. But, from what I see on the map, that cold front in the rockies does have a lot of rain with it but I don't see a sharp temperature drop. The 8 to 14 day outlook is for near normal temps and precip. That is only 10 degrees lower. It does not look like a return to winter to me. Dick Groeber.
Date: Sat Mar 15, 2003 10:35 pm
Subject: Re: Spring is here...

This disagrees with the current NWS forcast. Each time they update it seems to get warmer, and for a longer time. Although such a forecast is dependent on the exact track of that system. It would be much warmer if it tracked north of us. Going to the south of us would bring cooler temps than what we had today.
Vance
Date: Sun Mar 16, 2003 1:03 pm
Subject: Severe Wx Next Week?

Group:
Looking at last night's GFS and this mornings ETA models, temperatures appear to be staying normal to above normal until next weekend when things begin to cool off again. It does appear that the Hudson Bay vortex that's contributed to much of our cold weather over the last several weeks shows signs of moving east.
I would be somewhat concerned with severe weather come late Wednesday into Thursday. Both models show a stacked Low over Missouri with a frontal boundary extending east through Ohio. (Possible triple point in western Ohio?). Models are showing a 40-50 knot low-level jet from the south at 850mb, 25 knot southwesterly winds @ 500mb, and surface temperatures and dewpoints in the 50's and 60's.
Anyone else care to speculate?

Jack
Date: Sun Mar 16, 2003 1:20 pm
Subject: Re: [OhioWx] Severe Wx Next Week?
Hi Jack, List;
I was at a TV station in Youngstown yesterday visiting with my long time friend Mark Koontz and we were talking about this coming Wednesday and Thursday then. I too feel those two days hold potential for severe weather in Ohio. I also feel that once the short term cold spell maves into Ohio after the storm moves through, someone is in line for some more snowfall. What do I mean by more? Over an inch or two. But for now, let's enjoy the spring preview!! Currently sitting at a record setting temperature of 73 degrees!! Enjoy!!!
Don Keating
Date: Sun Mar 16, 2003 1:42 pm
Subject: Re: Severe Wx Next Week?

Jack (and Group):
The key to your discussion is the term "stacked LOW". Stacked LOW's typically do not produce profilic displays of severe weather (reduced shear & convergence in the warm sector). I see the same parameters you do in the GFS for late Wednesday & Thursday. I'm thinking more along the lines of possibly a cold core event Thursday for the Ohio Valley. We'll have to see how it pans out.
Matt Higgins

Date: Sun Mar 16, 2003 3:18 pm
Subject: Re: Severe Wx Next Week?


Matt, what is a "cold core" event. Evedently this is not conducive to severe weather?

Vance
Date: Sun Mar 16, 2003 3:41 pm
Subject: where to put wx station?
This spring I want to put my weather station in a permenant location (it is only in a temporary setup now). The place I had been planning to put the intruments is sunny, with trees about 30 feet behind it. I noticed , though that the snow seems to be melting from this area first so I am concerned that the trees are reflecting the sunlight back onto the lawn. My temperature sensor would be in a radiation sheild but I,m still concerned that the reflected sunlight from the trees might heat the air in that spot and cuase higher temperature readings to be a degree or two higher than what would be measured in other areas. There is another area on the other side of this group of trees which would nearly perfectly match the preferred location criteria of a weather station, but it would require 200 feet of wiring back to the house. Do you guys think there would be a measurable "heat sink" effect by putting the station on the sunny side of the tree group?
Vance
Date: Sun Mar 16, 2003 3:45 pm
Subject: Re: [OhioWx] ah, spring

Last Sunday, it was frigid. Yesterday and today, temps in the low 70's. Windows can finally be opened - installed shutters yesterday to prevent Cat from attacking screen. Birds chirping, dogs barking, etc. Next door neighbor definitely has spring fever - he had his leaf blower up and running at 8:30 a.m. - AAGH! Me, I was in spring cleaning mode - finally tackled the closet from hell.
Barb LaPierre
Middletown OH
72 degrees, partly cloudy

Date: Sun Mar 16, 2003 3:58 pm
Subject: Cold Core Events

Vance,
Good question. A cold core situation IS conductive to severe weather and here's why..
Often times in the early spring a deep LOW will develop in the Plains (much like we are expected to see this week). As the LOW deepens its structure begins to develop vertically through the atmosphere. As the rising air column associated with the deepening LOW increases and expands, a dome of cold air aloft forms around the core of the LOW. At the time of maximum intensity and some time thereafter, the center of the surface LOW and upper-level LOW become stacked on top of each other through the depth of the troposphere. This is what Jack means by "stacked LOW". When this happens the forward speed of the LOW decreases (decelerates). Also, as this happens the associated cold front pushes far to the east of the main LOW and begins to occlude (catches up & overtakes the associated warm front). What happens is that you get a surface cold frontal passage while the surface & upper-level LOW remain to your west (and even southwest). The air behind this initial cold front (or occluded front) modifies stongly near the surface due to the strong early spring sunshine and the air mass behind the initial cold front loses much of it's cPk or mPk character at the surface. As the upper-level LOW begins to swing towards the area, cold air aloft begins to move over the strongly modified cPk, mPk surface air mass in place. This creates very steep lapse rates in the atmosphere & great instability. To add insult to injury, often times a lobe of upper-level energy (vorticity) swings around the base of the upper- level LOW and creates the impedious for uplift of the instable air. Thunderstorms begin to develop and often produce large hail in the cold air environment aloft mainly near and to the east of the surface and upper-level LOW. Depending on the intensity of the cyclonic curvature around the surface & upper-level LOW and the strength of the initiating VORT, a few tornadoes may form as well. Cold core events typically don't produce major tornado outbreaks. Large hail and damaging downburst winds are the most common byproducts from the severe thunderstorms produced by such an event. An exception to this occurred in February 1992 in Van Wert, Ohio where an F4 occurred during a cold core event, but again this is the exception rather than the rule. There are a couple of excellent articles I read about this type of occurrence and I'll dig them up for you & the group to read. Also, some of the severe weather events we get in OH during the early spring are the result of cold core events. Maybe Thursday will be one of them?
I hope this answers your question..
Matt Higgins
P.S. I need to start explaining this stuff on the list so we can all (including myself) learn something!

Date:  Sun Mar 16, 2003  4:31 pm
Subject:  Message from a 2way device

Group and list, From Springfield. The temperature here this afternoon peaked at a balmy 73 degrees! About that proposed cold weather after the colds fronts coming in from the west. There is definately much colder air over the eastern pavific. However, it should moderate by the time it reaches us. Dick Groeber.
Date: Sun Mar 16, 2003 4:46 pm
Subject: Re: where to put wx station?

Vance (and Group):

It is my recommendation and opinion that you should place your radiation shield in the open as far from trees and building as possible. It should be installed ideally over short grass in the open away from anything that can obstruct air flow around it. The shield is designed to protect your temperature sensor from direct and indirect sunlight so I wouldn't worry about that. Do what you're able to do given your site. We're all amateur observers with our backyard stations so no one is going to hit you over the head if your temperatures are off by a degree or two.
Have fun!

Matt

Date: Sun Mar 16, 2003 6:29 pm
Subject: Re: [OhioWx] Cold Core Events

Matt,
That was an excellent answer to Vance's question, it also answered mine, thanks buddy. If you can, when you use abbreviations such as, cPk or mPk, could you please explain those abbreviations? I think that would help allot of people out, including myself. Today I had a 77 under sunny skies, but maybe my temp. sensor isn't working right, but I was hot working outside along with my first sweeting of the year.
Take care and thanks for the answer.
Rich
Date:  Sun Mar 16, 2003  6:55 pm
Subject:  Re: where to put wx station?

Vance:
I don't see any problem with where you were wanting to put it to begin with. I think as long as you have that radiation shield with good ventilation and aren't near any hard surfaces to reflect heat (aluminum siding, concrete/asphalt, etc.) onto anything you'll be alright. Remember, your sun angle is always changing so I wouldn't be too concerned about what the sun is hitting first.
If you want more info click on the Links section on the left to where it says "NWS Cooperative Station Observing Handbook No. 2". On that site you'll see where it says you can open or download the file "NWS Observing Handbook No. 2 Cooperative Station Observations" in WordPerfect or PDF format.

Jack

Date: Sun Mar 16, 2003 7:39 pm
Subject: Re: [OhioWx] Re: where to put wx station?

List;
I agree with Jack on this. I have my radiation shield mounted 5' (+ or - ) off the ground above a grassy area and 12' from the side of the house. I am 100% comfortable with where I have it positioned. You'll see in the photo below how the rain guage and radiation shield is attached on the 4x4" pole. Besides, how do you think the NWS gets accurate readings with their equipment in the wide open with sunlight on it all the time? I think if it's in a radiation shield, in an open area where the air can circulate and it's NOT in close proximity of pavement or cement, you'll be OK. Just my 2 cents worth.
Don Keating

Date: Sun Mar 16, 2003 7:49 pm
Subject: spring fearer

Everyone is talking about HOW nice the weather is & how nice it is to get back into the upper 60's. But they are foregetting one thing. We are in what they are calling the EYE'S of March. With the EYE'S of March we can have all type of weather. Nice one day & they very Cold the following day's.
We got up to 68F today
with a morning low of 34F
With Fog.......
The local news people are calling for more FOG in the morning for us again.
The baro. is at 29.62S
Winds are out of the E-0
Ptly. Cldy. to Cldy. Skies, 92% Rel. Hum.
4-E
Putnam, Co.
Date:  Sun Mar 16, 2003  8:36 pm
Subject:  Re: where to put wx station?

Don (and Group):
Glad to see we are all in agreement on this. One thing to note too is that it is also important not to place your shield or shelter too close to a grove of trees. Trees can (and do) create "microclimates" that cause daily minimum temperatures to be too high and your daily maximum temperatures to be too low especially in the summertime when evapotranspiration occurs. Evapotranspiration causes an addition of water vapor into the atmosphere that can be trapped under and around a grove of trees. This has a tendency to artifically moisten the atmosphere in the vicinity of your thermometers hence act as a absorber of outgoing radiation during the night (absorption increases energy & temperature) thus resulting in higher overnight low temperatures than what the real environmental temperature actually is. The converse happens during the daytime hours, the extra water vapor in the environment around the trees does not absorb incoming
solar infrared radiation all that well, thus the "microclimate" around the trees yields cooler daytime temperature readings. The reason why outgoing radiation is more easily absorbed at night verses incoming infrared radiation during the day is because the outgoing radiation at night is emitted at a different wavelength.
In summary, if you're in a position to measure temperature correctly it's best to avoid buildings, concrete, and TREES to the best of your ability. This is contrary to the belief of many weather observers out there and I thought it would be a good topic to add to the discussion.
Matt
 
Date: Sun Mar 16, 2003 9:34 pm
Subject: Message from a 2way device

Group, From Springfield. The date of March 15th is known as the ides of March. Not the eyes of March. This referes to the Shakesperian play about Roman emperer Ceasar that was killed by a knife by one of his senators on that date. His friends warned him of the plot by saying, 'Beware of the ides of March'. Dick Groeber.
Date:  Sun Mar 16, 2003  9:58 pm
Subject:  Re: [OhioWx] Cold Core Events

Matt:
Thanks for the great explanation. I have never heard of a cold core event either until you used that term. I did not see a mention in your explanation of a second surface cold front behind the occluded front - does one form typically? It would seem that under the conditions you described would be conducive to supercell formation rather than a squall line (when you mentioned Van Wert my first reaction was that you were talking about this past fall - I did not realize that Van Wert had been hit by an F4 back in 1992). Without a second cold front, it would seem that the scenario you described would create a rather unusual situation of spawning severe weather behind what most folks would believe to be the "cold front" that would appear on the surface map. Very interesting - I would love to see the articles that you are trying to find to post to the group.
Gary L
Ravenna
Date: Sun Mar 16, 2003 11:19 pm
Subject: Additional Questions Answered
Gary, Rich, & Group:

Rich, to answer your earlier question, cPk stands for a modified continental polar air mass. The cP stands for continental polar while the k designation states that it is modified (moving over a surface other than that of its origin). Likewise, mPk stands for a modified maritime polar air mass. This is basically what Dick Goddard refers to as "Pacific" air. It is an air mass that originates over the Pacific ocean and is modified strongly by the Rocky Mountains & decends on the Plains states in mild/warm & dry form.
Gary, to answer your questions about secondary cold fronts there really isn't a right or wrong answer to that. Meteorologists from different schools debate the issue of secondary fronts. I, personally, do believe in the concept. For purposes of the discussion of the cold core event let's say that a "post-frontal" TROF often forms to the south & southwest of the depression in question often in the vicinity of the upper-level vorticity maximum. It is important to note, though, that it is the upper- level VORT and not necessarily the "surface TROF" that is responsible for the mechanism to force the unstable air upward forming the thunderstorms.
Your question concerning the type of storm structure that forms under these events can be answered by saying both types of structures are present in cold core events. Typically, when the situation first starts to unfold, supercellular structure is predominant. However, due to the extreme instability & mesoscale forcing associated with the linear nature of the VORT associated with cold core events the thunderstorms typically quickly evolve into multicelluar type structures in short order (clusters, squall lines). As I mentioned in the earlier post, major tornado outbreaks are not common with this type of event. Long-lived supercells are the expection rather than the rule. If I remember correctly (I could be wrong) from the article I read, I believe the Van Wert twister of February 1992 was associated with a "bookend vorticy" within a line echo wave pattern along a squall line moving through western Ohio (I need to refresh this). I'll do a little research for the group & send over the links to what I'm talking about for further information.
Also, depiction of the development of cold core severe weather events can be revealed clearly by observing visible satellite imagery. The thunderstorms typically form in a dry slot behind the primary cold front or occlusion. An aid to help identify the potential problem area on the surface map (if you have limited resources) is look for moisture pooling (elevated dew point field) to the east and southeast of the surface & upper-level LOW. This is an aid in targeting the themodynamically most unstable region where the thunderstorms may develop. This is useful if you can't access the upper-level maps (like if you're stuck watching the Weather or should I say..Disney Channel).
Matt

Date: Mon Mar 17, 2003 2:16 am
Subject: Re: where to put wx station?


I think in most aspects, the location I originally chose is fairly close to perfect-100' from the house, over grass, and about 30' from trees. wind readings may be affected, but there's no hope of getting the anemometer over ther trees. I saw that the snow was melting more rapidly over this spot and wondered if that spot is warmer. This is a new house, newly cleared from the woods, and this is the first season here so I don't know the heating patterns too well. One would think that the spot would not get over-heated, so I'll probably go ahead and put it there. I also plan on mounting everything on a 4x4 post so there is only one obstacle to mow around. Thanks for everyone's input!
Vance


Date: Mon Mar 17, 2003 2:32 am
Subject: todays temps

I didn't get as impressive a high temp. that some of you are reporting, but it did get to 64 degrees F today with a low of 36. Still it was very warm. Baby steps, you know, baby steps. We'll be swimming before you know it.
Vance Lunn
Thompson 5 SW
OWON #98

Date: Mon Mar 17, 2003 10:30 am
Subject: Forecasting Tips

Group:

I've added a new folder to the Links section of the group this morning. It is called "Severe Weather Forecasting Tips". This is elementary information to help you in the upcoming severe weather season & relates somewhat to the cold core discussion of yesterday. I posted a link to an article from Johns & Doswell (1992). If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask on OhioWx.
Enjoy!
Matt Higgins

Date: Mon Mar 17, 2003 4:40 pm
Subject: Re: Forecasting Tips

This has been a great discussion! My experiences show that you have to find the juxtaposition of a surface moisture"tongue" under the dry slot(BEHIND the occluded front) where the max.daytime heating will occur, just east of the surface lifting mechanism(secondary trough).If this scenario comes together you usually end up with a decent severe wx day for that particular region.Matt- job well done!!
Dan
Macedonia 2ESE

Date: Mon Mar 17, 2003 6:32 pm
Subject: Message from a 2way device

Group, From Springfield.
The high temperature here today was 72 degrees recorded at 11:30 a.m. eclipsing my station high for the date (3-17-03) of 71 degrees recorded in 1999. Dick Groeber.
Date: Tue Mar 18, 2003 4:14 pm
Subject: Message from a 2way device

From Springfield. The high temperature recorded here today (3-18-03) was 72 degrees at 1:20 p.m. eclpsing my station 35 year record high of 71 degrees set in 1969. Dick Groeber
Date: Wed Mar 19, 2003 1:41 am
Subject: Re: Message from a 2way device

The temperatures in the last three days here at Thompson 5 SW are 16th high: 64 low: 36, 17th high: 66 low: 37, and the 18th high: 54 low: 38.
Currently: mostly cloudy, T=37.2F, wind=1mph E G3(handheld sensor)

Vance
Date: Wed Mar 19, 2003 8:52 pm
Subject: Message from a 2way device

Group, From Springfield.
Rainfall total today (3-19-03) from 4 to 7:30 p.m. totaled .30 inch. At 8:50 p.m. the temperature is 56 degrees with a southeast wind at 10 G 17 m.p.h. and a barometer reading of 29.77 inches steady with overcast and fog. Dick Groeber.
Date: Fri Mar 21, 2003 10:37 am
Subject: first zero snow depth in a long time

The interesting thing about the weather here at Thompson 5 SW today is what isn't there. I recorded zero snow depth in this morning's "snow report" this morning for the first time in FOUR MONTHS. There was at least a trace of snow on the ground from November 22, 2002 to March 20, 2003, a stretch of 119 days. There was snow on the ground here for a full THIRD of this past year! Even though all naturally accumulated snow is gone, piles of snow still exist from where it was plowed and shoveled. There may even still be some remnants of giant drifts, but not within sight of my Station. It will be hard to top this winter for longevity.
Vance Lunn
Thompson 5 SW
OWON # 98

Date: Sat Mar 22, 2003 9:58 pm
Subject: Message from a 2way device

Group and list, Today (3-22-03) I was judging at our west-central Ohio district science fair with air force people associated with the Wight-Memorial chapter of A.M.S. Next stop will be the state science fair at Ohio State University on May 03rd. Is anyone planning on being there also? Dick Groeber.
Springfield 2.
Date: Sun Mar 23, 2003 9:29 pm
Subject: Combat Weather Teams


In case you are not familiar, I invite you to view the web site for "Combat Weather Teams", especially in light of the Iraq War: <http://www.specwarnet.com/americas/sowt.htm>

Larry Huff

Date: Wed Mar 26, 2003 7:41 pm
Subject: Severe Wx Friday?



Group:

Models appear to be putting together the ingrediants for some possible severe thunderstorms late Friday. This mornings ETA model shows a 992mb Low over southern Wisconsin by Friday evening with a strong cold front south of it with a possible prefrontal squall line. Looks like conditions at the surface will have tempratures in the 60's with dewpoints in the 50's and 60's and southeasterly winds around at only 20 knots. Wind and speed shear really pick up from 850mb and up. Models show southerly winds at 30-40 knots at 850mb and southwesterly winds at 40-50 knots at 500 mb over extreme western Ohio and Indiana.
LI and CAPE don't appear to be real impressive; 0 and 500 J/KG maximum respectively. My thinking at the moment would be for some pretty strong straight-line winds accompanying the squall line along with some possible strong thunderstorms. I wouldn't rule out the possibility of some supercells ahead of the squall line especially over western Ohio because of the wind/speed shear at the mid-higher levels. Could be some pretty strong winds following the cold front with such a strong pressure gradiant to the north. If there is enough of a dry slot between the warm front and cold front to allow sufficient heating during the day Friday it could be interesting.
Other thoughts on possible severe weather or the possible cold snap this weekend?

Jack
Wooster 7N

Date: Wed Mar 26, 2003 10:09 pm
Subject: The Weather Observer magazine

Hello Everyone;
I just wanted to comment on Larry Huff's new publication The Weather Observer. I received my first copy a couple of days ago and must say I am pleasantly surprised!! I'm thrilled to see the large number of color photos in the magazine, as well as the size of it (24 pages) and the wide variety of articles in it. I think that if any of you out there do NOT have issue number 1, you should get it. I think my only problem with it will be it won't be issued often enough!! Great job Larry!! Don Keating

Date:  Thu Mar 27, 2003  9:53 am
Subject:  Re: Severe Wx Friday?

Jack,
Very nice discussion! I have nothing to add. I concur with your forecast for possible severe as you indicate tomorrow evening. We'll need to watch to CAPE very carefully tomorrow afternoon & evening. If it goes above 500-750 J/Kg we may be looking at a little more significant severe wx situation. My concern is with that shortwave moving through the eastern Gulf of Mexico & FL. That may rob this system from tapping into the rich, mT air thus limit low-level moisture and instability to a point.
The cold snap this weekend may bring a little bit of snow Sunday to the area. I do see another nice warm-up in the cards (according the the MRF at least) towards the middle & end of next week.
Matt Higgins
Date: Sat Mar 29, 2003 9:33 am
Subject: Temperature Shock

Group:

Couldn't have been nicer Saturday for this time of year with everyone outside working and/or playing outside. However, for those of us who haved lived in Ohio for any length of time, we all needed to take a reality check this morning. With a high temperature of 75 between 4 and 5 pm yesterday and a 36 degree reading at 9 am this morning, made for a temperature difference of 40 degrees! You knew it was too good to be true for this time of year but it was nice while it lasted.
Jack Sisler
Wooster 7N


Date: Sun Mar 30, 2003 11:35 pm
Subject: Newcomerstown, Ohio Weather Site Revised

Hello;
I've recently updated some material on my weather site. I have removed the graphics for the current weather due to me losing the information for my FTP. However, I've added some information for the sunrise and sunset as well as moonrise and set information. I've also added a new graphic for the 5 day forecast. Also, I've added the weather map for the mideast region of Iraq, Iran, Kuwait, etc. That map will remain on the site as long as the War in is progress and then maybe some afterwards. So, go check out the site, sign the guestbook and let me know if you have any suggestions for content. Take care. http://www.angelfire.com/oh3/nctohwx/intro.html
Don Keating
Newcomerstown, Ohio
 

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