Tragic Weather Down South

I know it's easy for those of us that live in more cooler climates to complain about it being too cold and wishing the weather would be more summer-like. This spring here in the U.P., we've had a few nice, warm days. But so far, the cooler, rainy (and even snowy) weather has been winning out. For example, the last three days were miserable and cold, with plentiful of precipitation falling from the sky. Now today, we have bright sunny skies with temperatures predicted to reach near 60. After a cold front moves through tomorrow, we'll be back into the 40's for Sunday and Monday but sunshine will be abundant, at least. Yes, it would be nice to have more consistent spring-like weather, but we'll take it over the destructive and violent weather that other parts of the country have been enduring.

I am sure many of you have seen the images from the deep south regarding the tornado damage. The death toll from the last couple of days of violent tornadoes is close to 300. In today's modern times, a death toll that high is unheard of. The last major tornado outbreak to kill so many in the United States was in the 1970's. And I am sure the majority of the individuals killed during these storms knew they were coming. It's just that the tornadoes were so menacing and destructive. Unless you were in an underground cellar, it was a situation hard to survive. Now, for those that survived, they are left without homes and are needing to start over.

The 2011 tornado season as a whole has been one for the record books already; and we're only finishing up the month of April. Who knows what the rest of the year will bring - hopefully a much calmer season! And they are already predicting an active hurricane season, so it remains to be seen how potentially destructive the hurricanes that form this season will be. So as you can see, 2011 is proving to be a wild weather year across the country. From wildfires, floods, hurricanes, and incredible snow storms, it's been a year unlike any other. And we can't forget to include the devastating earthquakes and resulting tsunamis that other parts of the world have had to deal with. So yes, the cold and snow at the end of April can make anyone's heads spin. But in comparison to the rest of the country, I can definitely deal with it.

Where's Summer?

We're eight days into June and we're still left to wonder when summer intends to make its arrival. Today is another one of those cloudy, damp days with temperatures hovering in the upper 40's. I asked my dad if he can remember a summer starting out so cool like 2009 has. He replied, "oh probably." Obviously he can't remember quite like he used to, but as long as I've been alive, I don't recall such a cool start to summer. I think I read a stat that said we've only made it to 70 degrees and above just six or seven days so far this warm season. That interpretation might not be totally right, but it's something along those lines. And yes, typically we're a cool location year round, but this is rediculous! Hey, at least the snow has stopped falling.

Speaking of snow, it's not unusual for us to see snow during the month of May. Back on May 19, 1990, a major snowstorm struck the Upper Peninsula, dumping as much as two feet of snow on much of the region. Imagine back then, the trees full of leaves and the spring flowers in full bloom. Obviously that freak snowstorm changed the landscape for a few days until the snow completely melted. From what I can recall, it only took a couple of days for everything to melt. But it just goes to show you that even in May, a snowstorm can occur. Fast-forward to this May, where the first two or three Saturdays of the month produced snow showers through much of North Central Upper Michigan. We didn't pick up any serious accumulations during those separate events, but it just goes to show you how cool this spring has turned out to be. I still don't think some of the trees are bearing their full coverage of leaves quite yet. The blossoms on the apple tree in the backyard are just starting to open up and the lilacs are finally starting to bloom. I honestly believe all of the trees and shrubs are later to bloom this year than they were last; and last year was a late start to everything. And what is the talk of global warming all about?

Ah, but there appears to be a light at the end of the tunnel. Looking at the long range forecasts, after we get beyond the next few days, 70 degrees for a day-time high looks to be in sight. How nice that will feel after days and weeks of temperatures struggling to hit 50 and 60 degrees. I wouldn't be complaining if we had temperatures in the 60's - at least you don't need to wear a coat. But the light jacket has come in handy quite frequently the last few weeks. I want to be able to experience not having to wear a jacket to and from work and finally to be able to wear shorts every day of the week. My pants are beginning to get rather worn out from wearing them so often - usually by this time of the year, I'm making the switch over to shorts for the summer. Oh well, the weather can stay like this forever. And like I said, the forecast shows promising signs in the days ahead. This is the U.P. afterall, as they say, wait five minutes, the weather will change (on good days).