Blue Skies And Blue Water

Walnut Street Bridge Pet Friendly Again

2010-09-02T14:05:00.002-04:00

The Walnut Street Bridge recently reopened as a pet-friendly bridge and I'm really glad. There's a marked pet lane and several doggie-doo stations with bags along the route. For some reason, Dudley seems a little bit afraid of bridges. He doesn't mind the Walnut Street Bridge which is broad and solid enough for his liking. But he doesn't like smaller bridges over creeks. He will scramble across a large log across a creek without any problems though. But you have to practically carry him across swinging bridges. The weather was particularly hot on the day this shot was taken. Even though it was a relatively short walk, with an ice cream break in the middle, (Yes, he got his own small bowl of ice cream. He is pretty spoiled.) I think he was glad to get back in the air-conditioned car.

Up and Down a Mountain

2009-09-28T22:21:00.002-04:00

Headed out Sunday afternoon for a rather ambitious bike ride - up and over Suck Creek Mountain. The weather was perfect. Sunny and comfortable with low humidity and virtually no wind. Two friends were "coaching" me up the mountain, the first one I had ever biked up. I'd say we managed to make it to the top in about 40 minutes, but that would really mean I made it up in that length of time. Steve and David are MUCH more experienced and stronger riders who could have easily left me in a cloud of dust. But they didn't. They hung back enough to keep encouraging me. Once at the top, the route down the backside is even longer than the front, but it's a lot more fun. Steve took off like a rocket, bombing down in the lead. David followed Steve and I followed David. Top speed was about 39 mph. It was AWESOME! The ride back was very scenic through parts of the Sequatchie Valley to Mullins Cove Road. Well before we hit Mullens Cove Road, I realized this was going to be a 50 mile ride. I have biked River Canyon Road on my mountain bike from the other direction about 12 miles towards Marion County before and knew that by car that distance was less than halfway. The road is bumpy, hilly and "doggy" at times. But the scenery makes up for it. I'd like to try this again sometime in early November if the weather is right. The first weekend in November is usually peak fall color. Here's a look at the map if anyone is actually reading this:

On a Roll

2009-08-26T21:29:00.002-04:00

Ever rediscover a hobby or activity you really loved? I recently got back into cycling and I sometimes wonder why I ever quit. In fact, I'm not sure I remember exactly when I moved away from pedaling. Maybe that's how it happens - you simply drift away from a sport you really enjoy.

I can remember wheeling around the campus of NIU on an old Schwinn Continental that weighed a ton. I got it second-hand as an upgrade to a Huffy 10-speed I rode into the ground during my high school years.

My hometown was small and quiet enough that every street felt safe for cycling. Most of the roads surrounding the town were wide enough that I never felt worried about riding with motorists. Perhaps there was less road rage back then, or maybe life in the Upper Midwest rolls along as tranquil as the gentle hills that separate the fields of corn and soybeans.

To some it might sound odd, but I really enjoyed pedaling along with farmland on either side of the road. Throughout the year the scenery changes dramatically. Early in the spring, when rows of corn begin emerging from the ground, pedaling or driving past a field gives you a sense of anticipation. Winters are often harsh there. So seeing the green popping out of the dark, rich soil always gave me a good feeling. "Yes! Spring is finally here." Later in the early summer, the rows of corn fill in and get so tall that you feel almost fenced in. I would sometimes look over from my moving perch and simply smile as I pedaled past mile after mile of green.

In the fall, when the air becomes crisp, it was always fun to ride along the rows of brown. On a breezy day, the rustling leaves would rub against one another. The dry, parchment scratching cannot be mistaken for any other autumn sound. The air has a different scent around harvest time, rich with the aroma of corn.

I think I rode about every stretch of country pavement within a 12 mile radius of my parent's house during my high school years.

In addition to an extra roomy handlebar bag, the Schwinn was equipped with a flashlight bracket. Simply snap in any household flashlight and the road ahead was illuminated for night riding. I should mention, the road way ahead. Which meant keeping a keen eye out for large rocks and other debris as well as potholes that might appear within the light's beam five or six seconds before an evasive maneuver had to be performed. Even at the "blazing" speeds I could achieve on that 1970's hunk of metal, there was plenty of time to weave to the right or swerve to the left. Night riding wasn't a problem for me.

Tree roots are another story.

One summer day while cruising around the campus of NIU, my buddy and I opted for the sidewalk to avoid a rather busy four-lane road. Still pedaling hard, we changed places as pedestrians and other bikers made their way toward us. This particular stretch of sidewalk was also the victim of time and natural processes. I imagine at one time, a crew of hard working men began surveying, digging and pouring concrete in the most precise manner of the day. I'd like to think that somewhere in DeKalb there's a photo of the crew, posing with shovels and trowels, on the day this lengthy project was completed. If such a photo exists, the maples and oaks behind the crew are probably shoulder high and perhaps rather anemic-looking. Not the stately shade trees that pushed up massive sections of the sidewalk like cement icebergs floating atop the soil below. So cycling became a game of dodge-ball that particular day. I had to get in a rhythm of bobbing and weaving between the slabs of concrete that were upthrust to my right and then on my left.

I could have slowed for the chunk of cement that was pushed upward across my entire path, but I didn't. A root growing at the pace of a glacier underneath a carefully poured sidewalk, finally raised the heavy barrier about three inches after a few decades. It only took the blink of an eye for the front tire of my Schwinn to come off as I jerked the handlebars up to avoid denting my front rim on the fault zone. That's how fast things moved in real time. To me, time slowed to the pace of the growing root. I watched as the tire appeared to drift away from the front fork and past my feet. I could clearly see the fork lowering toward the ground. As the fragments of sidewalk were chipping and fluttering into the air in slow motion, I could hear Kenny Rogers singing, "You picked a fine time to leave me loose wheel." When something like this happens, time expands for the first few seconds and then compresses upon collision. As I was falling face-first toward the sidewalk for example, I recall thinking, "Oh, boy. This is going to hurt. Golly." Or something like that. And then WHAM! Time and reality became reunited as I cartwheeled head over handlebars several times before coming to a stop on my back.

Traffic on the four-lane road stopped. It was that bad.

Helmets were not exactly standard riding equipment back then, so I ended up with a pretty nasty concussion.

That wasn't the end of my riding that old Schwinn, although it was the last time I hopped on it for a spin without checking the front tire.

That two-wheeled hunk of iron ended up hitching U-Haul rides to Atlanta, Southern Illinois and Texas. After each move, it grew more dust-covered and a bit more rusty.

I ditched the Schwinn somewhere along the line, although I can't recall where. Seems like it went with a lot of life's other flotsam on a yard sale. I'd like to think that someone else put a a lot more miles on that behemoth before it went to that great, spare parts garage in the sky.

Anyway, for the past year I have rediscovered cycling and reflecting upon how I got diverted away from the sport. It doesn't really matter. I am just glad to be an avid pedaler once again.

In fact, on a recent trip to the Midwest I had an awesome ride with my nephew that brought back fond cycling memories. We were spinning through the rolling farmland of central Indiana, corn on one side of the road, soybeans on the other.

If you're "in a groove" while riding, you push hard to keep up the pace. But occasionally, it's fun to look back and enjoy where you've been.

Icy Hike on Lookout Mountain

2009-01-20T22:36:00.003-05:00

Here are a couple of views of the falls on Lookout Mountain. You'll notice that the thicker ice at the bottom of the falls has a pale blue cast. This reminded me of another icy hike I once took on the Matanuska Glacier near Chickaloon, Alaska. If you'd like to see one of the pictures from that hike, check into this blog's archives and you'll see one wayyyy back. If you want to compare and contrast consider this- while on the Alaskan hike, the air temperature was 80 degrees off of the glacier. Probably between 50 and 60 at our most distant point on the ice. Warm days like that are unusual in that part of Alaska, but it was July. That glacier stretches back up the valley for miles even though it is, like other glaciers, receding at an alarming rate. On Lookout Mountain, it's uncommon to have mid-morning temperatures in the mid-teens, but it is January. I wouldn't want it to remain cold for months on end like the winters I remember from my younger days in northwestern Illinois. That was ridiculously cold. But I must admit, this recent cold snap has been refreshing. Perhaps that's because I'm comfortable knowing that like these icy scenes, the harsh temperatures are fleeting.

January Hike at Lula Lake

2009-01-20T21:57:00.003-05:00

Every once in awhile nature provides a great opportunity to see something special, but you have to be willing to accept the challenge. For instance, when the air temperature is 15 degrees most people don't want to lace up the hikers to stomp around in the woods. If you are willing to face the cold however, you might be pleasantly surprised by what you'll find. I phoned a like-minded friend about just such a hike last week. As it turns out, he was considering a similar adventure. This video is the scene we witnessed at Lula Lake this past Saturday. Keep in mind that all of the elements had to line up for this scene to play out. The falls were spectacular due recent heavy rain and the cold temperatures caused the spray to freeze and accumulate on the surrounding ledges, rocks and trees. Tremendously long icicles formed along the surrounding terrain, animated by trickles of water behind the translucent ice.

Hiking to the bottom of the falls isn't normally terribly challenging. But about the time the lead hiker was urging caution about the "black ice" coating the landscape timbers which help form the steps, my left foot was flying out from under me. Or at least I would have preferred that smooth of a foot motion. Actually, my boot had enough traction left to twist my ankle into an unnatural position just prior to my headfirst downhill slide. Luckily I landed on my back, but it's pretty difficult to fight gravity when you're staring skyward with all four limbs pointing out the cardinal directions of the compass. I'm lucky I didn't do any serious damage. That would have ruined the rest of the day's hike among some of the most gorgeous scenery that will soon disappear. There are many things that are fleeting. Fortunately, I have these clips to remind me to accept challenges.

Pefect Time For A Waterfall Hike

2008-03-16T20:27:00.003-04:00

Today's weather was perfect for hiking to area waterfalls. This time of year offers clear viewing of the cascading water while temperatures are comfortable, but have not warmed to levels that encourage a lot of insect activity. A couple of smaller falls were visited in Marion County before heading up to Foster Falls and a few other waterfalls in Grundy County. Hats off to everyone who has worked to improve the facilities at Foster Falls. The overlook boardwalk is outstanding and makes this impressive set of falls easily accessible to everyone. It has been a few years since my last visit to this fantastic area, so I was pleasantly surprised by the new additions. Many other people had the same idea to visit and we noted license plates from several other states in the lot. One couple commented about visiting Foster Falls this past summer and as I learned visiting Savage Gulf, the drought turned the falls completely OFF! Thanks to recent rainfall every waterfall was roaring today. Let's hope the rainfall is more steady the rest of spring and into summer.

Kayakers On Suck Creek

2008-03-09T17:59:00.005-04:00

These shots were taken on Saturday March 8th, 2008. At the time these guys were shooting the rapids on Suck Creek, light snow was falling. If you look closely, you'll see some whiteness to the ground in the pictures. I'm guessing the water temperature was in the 40s, but it may have been colder than than. When asked the kayakers merely said, "It's cold." I'm told they were attempting to set a record for the most vertical feet kayaked in a single day. The record is somewhere around one mile, they were going to the top of Suck Creek and paddling down to near the Tennessee River which is a drop of 900 feet. The trip down takes about 20 minutes to complete. Then they would load the kayaks in a small truck for the trip back to the top. They began their quest for the record shortly after sunrise. I don't know if they made it or not. Certainly it would be a challenging record to achieve under these weather conditions. The water looked very blue and I liked the bright kayak colors against the snowy background.

A few bumps in the road ahead.

2007-02-23T06:51:00.000-05:00

Thanks this morning to Shamane Barkes for sending this nice sky shot. I really appreciate it. We had a gorgeous day across the area yesterday, although it was windy. A lot of people were out and about yesterday afternoon in shorts just trying to soak it in. A lot of sunshine again today, but it won't be AS warm. But for this time of year highs near 60 is still doing pretty good. The models show a pretty good drop in temps later next week, but even that won't last long. This is afterall the time of year when we see some pretty dramatic ups and downs. There will be plenty of time for freezing temperatures in the morning hours, so even though gardeners may be a little itchy to start planting flowers the wise ones will hold off for awhile. Another big system will bring us some thunderstorms late Saturday night into early Sunday morning. Some may be strong to possibly severe. It's awfully dry across the Tennessee Valley right now as evidenced by the number of brush fires we had yesterday. Hopefully this storm will deliver average rainfall amounts between 1/2 and 3/4 of an inch.

Today: Mostly sunny, breezy. NE 10-15 High: 60

Tonight: Fair and cold. Low: 33

Saturday: Clouds thicken, warm. South 10-15. High: 65

Saturday night: Rain and storms move in. Some could be strong to severe. Low: 45

Sunday: Rain and storms early. High: 62 Low: 36

Monday: Mostly sunny, pleasant. High: 60 Low: 38

Tuesday: Partly cloudy. High: 60 Low: 37

Warming Trend On The Way...Storms Ahead?

2007-02-19T08:09:00.000-05:00

Thanks this morning to Bob Woodstock of Union County, Georgia for sending some nice shots of this weekend's snow. This year I'm going to make an effort to spend some quality time over near Blairsville and tooling around Northeast Georgia. It's a beautiful area, and after 11 years here I can't believe I can only count the number of times I've been over there on one hand. (With plenty of fingers left over.) I'm over due. Maybe sometime in the next few weeks as it looks like Spring makes a significant appearance in the Tennessee Valley. Sure there's time left for some cold shots and even potential for a bit of winter weather, but with each passing day now those odds get smaller and smaller. It usually takes something BIG for us to get significant winter weather after President's Day. And I'm ready for something warmer. Sunday morning as I was gazing over the fresh unbroken snow in the front yard, three runners jogged past in the cold. They were all bundled up and seemed to be enjoying themselves. But I'm sure in another month they'll enjoy it even more. Onto the forecast which bodes well for anyone looking for something warmer. Highs well into the 60s later this week. This weekend we could see a round of strong to severe storms.

Today: Mostly sunny and warmer. SW 10-15 mph. High: 54

Tonight: Partly cloudy, chilly. SW 5-10 Low: 37

Tuesday: Clouds increase, showers late. SW 10-20 mph and gusty. High: 57

Tuesday night: Occasional light showers. Low: 45

Wednesday: Early morning shower, clouds decrease. High: 63 Low: 40

Thursday: Mostly sunny, mild. High: 66 Low: 41

Friday: Partly cloudy, thunderstorms possible late. High: 65 Low: 47

Cold Into The Weekend, Then Temps Bounce Back

2007-02-15T07:21:00.000-05:00

Thanks this morning to the Schroeder family on Signal Mountain for sending this picture from yesterday's light snow. This was actually taken over the Sequatchie County line near Lone Oak. (There's something about that area that I really enjoy.) Brisk north winds again this morning making for another very cold morning. Tomorrow morning we'll have less wind but lower temperatures so it will feel just as cold. Chilly but quiet going into the weekend. Our clipper system looks drier today than it did yesterday, but it make still coat areas north of the city with amounts like what we saw yesterday and are pictured above. In other words, not a big deal. Big turn around temperature-wise next week. Upper 50s to near 60 will be possible, and right now it looks like the second half of the month will be stormy at times with Spring-like warmth.

Today: Partly cloudy, cold and breezy. North 10 to 15 mph and gusty. High: 39

Tonight: Partly cloudy, cold. North 5-10 Low: 19

Friday: Mostly sunny, but still chilly. NW 5-10 High: 40 Low: 24

Saturday: Clouds increase with snow showers late. High: 41 Low: 28

Sunday: Windy and cold with a 20% chance for a few flurries. High: 39 Low: 24

Monday: Mostly sunny, cool. High: 49 Low: 33

Cold And Windy Weather Ruffles Some Feathers

2007-02-14T07:12:00.000-05:00

Thanks this morning to Jack Leather who sent these beautiful close ups this morning of some of his feathered friends. I don't spend enough time birdwatching. I have spent some very pleasant mornings in the woods around sunrise watching the birds searching for anything edible, playing, preening and even fighting amongst themselves or an invading bird or squirrel. To me woodpeckers are the most fun to watch, especially pileated woodpeckers. If you see one there's usually another somewhere nearby. You may not see both of them but listen carefully and you'll hear them calling back and forth as they search the trees for some tasty bugs. These large birds can also scare the daylights out of you. One morning around sunrise I had picked out a comfy tree to lean against and enjoy the sunrise coming up over a distant ridge. I was lulled almost asleep by the soft sounds of of the wilderness waking up. Then the quiet was shattered by a pileated woodpecker hammering the tree I was leaning up against, a mere two feet above my head. I jumped out of my skin! I'm not sure who was frightened more, me or the woodpecker by my coming unglued. It's easy to miss the small things around us. But hang a bird feeder out and enjoy the show for a few minutes a day and I'm sure you'll agree there are often large rewards in the smaller things in life.
This weather is for the birds today. When I came into work this morning it was actually comfortable outside. At midnight the temperature at Lovell Field was 53. Now it's 24 here at Channel 3 and feels like the teens. Snow showers are actually covering some of the roads a bit in Red Bank and across the Plateau. This activity popped up rapidly this morning which is a testament to how efficient cold air can be a squeezing out moisture. So this weekend clipper has to be watched. I think there's potential for 2" to 3" on the mountains, and 1" to 2" in the valleys. But we still have a few days to eyeball the situation. Or in keeping with today's bird theme.......watch it like a hawk.

Today: Mostly cloudy, cold and windy. North 15-25 and gusty. Temps remaining in the 30s today.

Tonight: Partly cloudy, cold and breezy. North 10 Low: 25

Thursday: Partly cloudy, cold and breezy. North 10 High: 39

Thursday night: Fair and cold. Low: 19

Friday: Mostly sunny, but chilly. High: 41 Low: 28

Saturday: 30% chance for snow showers. High: 40 Low: 28

Sunday: 20% chance for snow showers. Windy. High: 40 Low: 24

A Rainy Day, Then Blustery Again

2007-02-13T08:47:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Kathy Davis for sending this snowy scene from Hixson to me. Looks like she has a great place to enjoy the river throughout the year. The next system pushing rain our way is a blockbuster storm. On the winter side 16 states are reporting some snow right now, and closer to the Gulf Coast severe storms and a few tornadoes have occured this morning. We'll get a much needed round of rain out of this, with most areas here seeing 3/4" to 1". Then colder air takes over again and make trigger a few flurries first thing in the morning. After that it's just cold. At least one of the models still likes the idea of a clipper diving into the area this weekend. This still looks like it has potential for some light accumulations by the time Sunday is over. We'll see if those chances dry up by the weekend.

Today: Rainy and mild with a few rumbles of thunder possible. South 5-10. High: 60

Tonight: Showery early, a few flurries late. Low: 34

Wednesday: Early AM Flurries, Windy and colder. North 15-25 mph and gusty. High: 41 Low: 22

Thursday: Partly cloudy and cold. High: 37 Low: 19

Friday: Partly cloudy, cold. High: 39 Low: 25

Saturday: Partly cloudy, 30% for a few snow showers. High: 40 Low: 26

Big Warm-up, Some Rain, Then COLD.

2007-02-12T08:24:00.000-05:00

This is Emma Langworthy and her snowman pal, thanks to her parents from Signal Mountain for sending this great picture. Up until this weekend there were still small patches of snow in the front yard at Casa Benson. That is no longer the case, and certainly any tiny snow patches still clinging to life will be erased the next couple of days. Warm air moves in make it feel like Spring today and tomorrow. Rain and a few storms on Tuesday with 1/2" to 3/4" of rainfall possible. Then a few flurries when you wake up Wednesday morning. Wednesday afternoon will be blustery, with cold and dry air taking over through Friday. A clipper system dives into the area from the northwest Saturday and may bring some snow showers and flurries to the area both days this weekend. If the models are on track this morning, we could see a couple of inches of snow over the weekend. As always we'll watch the models fluctuate the next few days and see whether this system is weather fact or weather fiction.

Today: Mostly cloudy, mild. SW 5 High: 57

Tonight: Cloudy early, rain moves in late. South 5-10 Low: 44

Tuesday: Rainy periods, a few storms possible. SW 10-20 and gusty. High: 59 Low: 34

Wednesday: A few flurries possible early, then windy and colder. NW 15 to 25 and gusty. High: 38 Low: 21

Thursday: Partly cloudy and cold. High: 37 Low: 18

Friday: Mostly sunny but chilly. High: 41 Low: 24

More Snow Ahead?

2007-02-09T09:41:00.000-05:00

Thanks this morning to Angela Beaver for sending this nice picture taken in front of her house in Farner, TN last week. As usual this time of year, the number one question is, "When will we see more snow?" Right now there's actually a very light mix on the radar that has been sliding across southern Middle Tennessee and northern Alabama. But it's not adding up to a hill of beans.....not that I've ever actually seen a hill of beans. Soybeans a few times in the Midwest, and popcorn (unpopped) in Ridgeway, Illinois which is the "Popcorn Capital" of the world. (Not that I ever wanted anyone to suffer any losses, but I always wondered what would happen if a silo full of popcorn ever caught fire. Would there be a mountain of popcorn left behind?) Anyway, after a cool and dry weekend we go into rain mode for Monday and Tuesday. The latest model information would leave some measureable snow behind Tuesday night in the I-40 corridor....but that's iffy. Don't put the mittens and sleds away yet.
Today: Light winter mix early this morning, then clouds decrease. North 5-10 High: 42

Tonight: Partly cloudy and cold. Light North Low: 24

Saturday: Partly cloudy, chilly. North 5-10 High: 45 Low: 26

Sunday: Clouds increase, mild. High: 50

Sunday night: Light rain showers possible. Low: 33

Monday: Showery periods. High: 51 Low: 42

Tuesday: Rainy periods. High: 49 Low: 32

Warm Start Won't Last Long

2007-02-07T08:13:00.000-05:00

Here's a nice picture from Signal Mountain featuring Hunter and James Adams and their very nice snowman. The snowfield in my front yard was decreasing in size overnight as the southwest winds brought up some warmer air. In fact Chattanooga started off in the low 50s this morning. Winds are turning around to the northwest throughout the rest of the day, so we should drop back into the 40s and stay there the rest of the day. Right now I think the rest of this 5 day forecast period will stay dry until Sunday. If the precip. can reach us before daybreak there's a chance for a winter mix, but right now it looks like mostly liquid. It still looks like there's potential to build more snowmen before the month is through so we'll just wait and see.

Today: Partly cloudy, mild. North 10-15 High: 53

Tonight: Partly cloudy, cold. Light North. Low: 29

Thursday: Partly cloudy, cool. North 5-10 High: 48 Low: 28

Friday: Partly cloudy, chilly. High: 44 Low: 27

Saturday: Partly cloudy. High: 45 Low: 28

Sunday: Mostly cloudy, 40% for showers. High: 46 Low: 30

Plenty Of Time For More Fun And Games.

2007-02-06T08:37:00.000-05:00

Thanks this morning to Anita Allen for sending this really fun shot from Blue Ridge, Georgia. That's Macy and Gracey Greene enjoying the snow last week. I love the rural landscape in this shot. It reminds me of the rolling farmland where I grew up. I would spend nearly the whole day tramping around in the snow with friends when I was little. Sometimes it was hiking through the snowy woods, and other times it was just around the neighbor hood where snow forts and tunnels could be created if the snow was deep enough, or the snow was fresh enough to pack. We always walked back and forth to school, and I would often go out of my way to test my boots by stomping through the snowbanks or slogging through the slush. There's something extra special about the way slush splatters when you stomp on a big pile of it. And I wouldn't rule out the chance for more snowy scenes this month. There's nothing more than systems showing up in the computer's mind right now. But several large systems could swing past us in the next few weeks. This pattern favors storm development, but where and when is what we'll watch and wait for.
Here's the short term outlook:
Today: Partly cloudy and cool. SW 5-10 High: 44

Tonight: Mostly cloudy with a 20% for a few sprinkles. Low: 35

Wednesday: AM sprinkles, mostly cloudy. NW 5-10 High: 50 Low: 34

Thursday: Partly cloudy. High: 46 Low: 28

Friday: 40% Winter Mix. High: 41 Low: 26

Saturday: Partly cloudy. High: 44 Low: 25

Cold Eases Somewhat This Week.

2007-02-05T08:40:00.000-05:00

Thanks this morning to Bob and Kim Fisher for sending this snowy scene from McDonald, TN. It features their granddaughter Haley Jones and her horse "Buck". I still have snow covering a majority of the front yard at Casa Benson this morning. Thanks to some tall pine trees across the street and the low sun angle this time of year, the front yard stays shaded most of the day and the snow tends to linger quite awhile. I just stepped outside this morning and this air feels like it's straight off an iceberg. Right now Chicago is -9 so in a way it is. The airmass modifys as we head through the next several days, but it still looks like temperatures will remain below normal.

Today: Partly cloudy, cold and breezy. North 10-15+ High: 38

Tonight: Partly cloudy, cold. North 5-10 Low: 19

Tuesday: Partly cloudy, chilly. SW 5-10 High: 44 Low: 32

Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, 20% for a shower. High: 49 Low: 32

Thursday: Partly cloudy. High: 45 Low: 29

Friday: Partly cloudy. High: 46 Low: 28

Phil sez "Early Spring", but cold may be bold.

2007-02-02T07:34:00.000-05:00

First some fun shots to share with you this morning. The first one is thanks to the Young family. Micah and Emily are second graders who were thankful for the cancelled classes and the chance to build this awesome snowman. Thanks to their mom Loraine for sending it. The second shot is Buddy the dog and his best friend Cody enjoying the snowy weather in Murphy, NC. Thanks to Donna Tepas for sending that shot in. A few places had a wet snowflake or two along with a small amount of sleet early this morning. But even in the mountains temperatures were above freezing, valleys were in the mid 30s.
Chilly but dry conditions ahead for this weekend. Then a weak system may sweep through on Monday with a few flurries. No accumulation is expected. But cold temperatures are likely to move in for the first part of next week. Sub-zero air is over the Dakotas, Minnesota and parts of Iowa this morning.

Today: Early AM Showers, Mountain flurries. Mostly cloudy this afternoon. West 5-10 High: 40

Tonight: Partly cloudy, cold. NW 10-15 High: 22

Saturday: Partly cloudy, cool and breezy. West 15-20+ High: 42 Low: 23

Sunday: Partly cloudy, chilly. High: 44 Low: 25

Monday: Cold with flurries possible. High: 37 Low: 18

Tuesday: Partly cloudy, COLD. High: 34 Low:23

Snowbird And Snow Birds

2007-02-01T08:16:00.000-05:00

Snowbird was busy this morning with area schools and businesses taking a day off due to the slick, slushy roads. I want to say thanks to Beki Campbell for sending this shot of her pink flamingo in the snow. Thanks also to Steve Raasch of Ooltewah for sending this beautiful picture of Bluebirds in this morning. These shots of snow birds are real smile generators. Most locations ended up with 1 1/2" to 2" of snow today. Our Storm Alert Skywatcher Floyd Franklin from Fort Mountain reported the most so far. He had 4" of snow at his house.

Once this system whips past us, the next one tonight and very early tomorrow morning will produce some rain and end as a few flurries but no travel problems tomorrow morning. It gets very cold this weekend with additional opportunites Sunday and Monday for at least some snow showers or snow flurries. This could turn into something more so we'll watch it. Until then enjoy this little taste of Winter and let's see what the groundhog says tomorrow. I'll give you a hint.........expect some more of this before the month is through.

Today: Mix to rain, chilly. South 5 High: 40

Tonight: Showers early, flurries late. SW 5-10 Low: 33

Friday: AM flurries, clouds decrease. West 5-10 High: 42 Low: 25

Saturday: Partly cloudy. High: 40 Low: 24

Sunday: 20% for flurries. High: 39 Low: 26

Monday: Cold with 30% for light snow. High: 34 Low: 21

Here Comes A Mess

2007-01-31T07:33:00.000-05:00

Things will remain quiet and chilly today with plenty of sunshine, but tonight clouds increase and thicken rapidly. It will take until after midnight before we see any precipitation. And this will likely start off as some snow before mixing with sleet and freezing rain. Slowly this will change to rain, but that's probably going to take until mid morning for valley locations. Late morning to early afternoon for mountains west of I-75, mid to late afternoon for mountains east of I-75. Amounts will depend on the timing of onset and obviously how long the cold air hangs on. It's safe to say Snowbird will be flying and the roads will be messy tomorrow morning.

Today: Mostly sunny, chilly. NE 5-10 High: 40

Tonight: Clouds thicken early, snow, sleet, freezing rain mixed moves in after midnight. Low: 29

Look for slick roads in the morning.

Thursday: Morning Mix slowly changes to rain in the valleys, mountains may take until early afternoon to change to rain. High: 38

Thursday night: Rain ending, a few flurries late. Low: 33

Friday: Decreasing clouds, cold. High: 41 Low: 25

Saturday: Partly cloudy. High: 40 Low: 20

Sunday: Partly cloudy. High: 39 Low: 24

Coldest morning of the year for many.

2007-01-29T06:51:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Hal Perry of Signal Mountain for sending this picture of his thermometer. It read 6 degrees around 5 am this morning, making Hal's place one of the coldest around. I don't know if we had any dogs sticking to fire plugs this morning, but it sure was cold. Check out some of these early morning temps:

WRCB-TV3 17
Dalton 18
Rome 17
Ft. Payne 18
Dayton 10
Athens 9
Blue Ridge 10
Lookout Mtn. 8
Bledsoe State Forest 8
Sale Creek Mtn. 8
Prentice Cooper 9
Murphy 9
Chatsworth 15
Pikeville 13

The list could go on and on. It's going to be a struggle for many areas to get back to 40 this afternoon in spite of nearly full sunshine today. The next two mornings look cold, just not AS cold as what we dealt with today. Look for clouds to increase tomorrow with another clipper zooming through tomorrow evening. That one goes through dry but keeps us rather cold. The next system to watch comes into play late Wednesday night into Thursday. I think from Midnight to 6 am Thursday morning we have a winter mix across the area. From Chattanooga southward this is likely a sleet / rain / freezing rain mix. Chattanooga north there's some potential for snow, especially for the mountains north of the city. This is obviously something we'll be watching very closely. But it probably goes back to rain during the day on Thursday as temps get back into the upper 30s to low 40s.

Today: Mostly sunny, cold and breezy. West 10-15+ High: 40

Tonight: Partly cloudy and cold. SW 5 Low: 24

Tuesday: Clouds increase, breezy and chilly. West 10-15+ High: 45

Tuesday night: Mostly cloudy cold. Low: 20

Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, chilly. High: 44

Wednesday: Mostly cloudy with a winter mix possible late. Low: 30

Thursday: Winter Mix early, changing back to rain. High: 43 Low: 32

Friday: AM Flurries, clouds decrease. High: 47 Low: 30

Thankfully Old Man Winter Is A Slo-Poke.

2007-01-15T06:36:00.000-05:00

Thanks this morning to David Wills for sending another nice picture. This is one of those you'll want to click on to see the full-sized image. And I'm glad it's a NICE picture rather than an ICE picture. Freezing rain and sleet has been pummeling the southern plains and Midwest since Friday. And this morning it's still a mess for many areas there, and probably real cold for some as power outages are fairly widespread. Back here we were within 4 degrees of a record high Saturday, and 3 degrees shy of a record Sunday.
Rain moves in today with a light winter mix possible first thing tomorrow morning for the mountains, but this should not be a problem. Then just dry and colder for the rest of the week.

Today: Rain moves in, mild. SW 10 High: 64

Tonight: Rainy early, chilly. NW 10 Low: 39

Tuesday: AM sprinkles. Breezy, colder. North 10-15+ High: 40 Low: 25

Wednesday: Mostly sunny. High: 46 Low: 28

Thursday: Partly cloudy, cool. High: 48 Low: 31

Friday: Partly cloudy, cool. High: 48 Low: 30

Rubber Ball Temperatures - Bouncing Up And Down.

2007-01-10T08:32:00.000-05:00

Here's a relaxing pastoral scene sent in by Regina Akins of Ringgold, GA. She took this near the Hiwassee River back in the Fall. Thanks Regina for sharing it with everyone. Mother Nature sure seems to have multiple personalities lately. Big time warming, a brief cold shot, then temps bounce back up to Spring-like levels. But cold air seems poised to drop in the Western U.S. , the debate is how far southeast this chill moves. Initially it looks like another glancing blow, but if the models are right this morning.....watch out for COLD here around the 25th and 26th. In between now and then a system that looks like a suspect for winter fun and games slides past us between the 19th and 20th. Enough to keep you watching? I will be.
For now here are the short-term details:

Today: Sunny, cool. North 5-10. High: 49

Tonight: Clear, cold. Calm Wind. Low: 25

Thursday: Mostly sunny, a bit warmer. South 5-10. High: 55 Low: 36

Friday: Partly cloudy, mild. High: 59 Low: 47

Saturday: Mostly cloudy, 40% chance for showers. High: 60 Low: 50

Sunday: Mostly cloudy, 30% chance for showers. High: 65 Low: 46

Quick Mix Zips Through

2007-01-09T08:39:00.000-05:00

Thanks this morning to Rebecca Ibach for sending this glorious picture of a sunrise taken in Lookout Valley. I really appreciate the beauty of this picture, and I'm glad she has shared it with us all.
A clipper system is zipping through early this morning and producing a rain / snow mix across the area. But this will be very brief this morning, and this afternoon will just be cold and windy. Warmer air makes a quick come back though. By this weekend highs will be back in the 60s.

Today: Partly cloudy, windy & colder. NW 15-20+. High: 46

Tonight: Fair skies, cold. North 5-10 Low: 27

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, chilly. North 5 High: 48 Low: 25

Thursday: Mostly sunny. High: 55 Low: 37

Friday: Partly cloudy, warmer. High: 59 Low: 47

Saturday: Rainy, mild. High: 62 Low: 49

Hats Off To Some "Gorge"ous Volunteers

2007-01-08T06:17:00.000-05:00

Some great volunteers helped out The Tennessee River Gorge Trust on Saturday. They were continuing the clean up process at the Richie Dump in Marion County. Over the years since the River Gorge Trust bought the property, 22,000 tires and tons of junk have been removed. And the rollaway dumpster you see in the second picture was filled to the brim with junk. All tires were set aside and were not included in that pile of trash. Unfortunately this effort will in all likelihood continue for years to come, but eventually this 16 acre place will be returned to it's formerly clean natural state. There will be more volunteer days in the future, so check out their website for more information. http://www.trgt.org If you don't have the time but you have money, consider giving them some cash to help keep "Tennessee's Grand Canyon" looking great in the future.
Weather-wise a clipper system will dive into the area tomorrow bringing with it gusty winds, clouds and colder air. And tomorrow afternoon we may see some sprinkles or light showers. East of I-75 the mountains along the Tennessee / North Carolina border could see a few flurries.
The rest of the week doesn't look too bad aside from some rather cold mornings.

Today: Mostly sunny, a bit cooler. NW 10-15 and gusty. High: 54

Tonight: Fair skies, chilly. West 5-10 Low: 35

Tuesday: Clouds increase, windy and colder. NW 15-20 and gusty. High: 48

Tuesday night: Sprinkles possible, a few flurries for the mountains east of I-75. Low: 26

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, cool. High: 47 Low: 29

Thursday: Mostly sunny. High: 54 Low: 39

Friday: Mostly cloudy with a 30% chance for showers. High: 58 Low: 46

Januarys Thawed.

2007-01-04T06:34:00.000-05:00

This picture was not taken recently, although I have heard of some forsythia beginning to bloom. And there have been reports from New York of cherry blossoms appearing, and some Spring bulbs popping through the ground in Chicago. It has been very mild so far this Winter in many areas east of the Rockies. In the last 7 years and 3 days consider this, only 36 days in Chattanooga have had highs below 40 degrees! Check it out:

Year Highs in the 20s Highs in the 30s
2006 0 2
2005 0 4
2004 0 6
2003 1 6
2002 0 4
2001 0 5
2000 0 8

Today: Clouds thicken, a few showers late. South 5-10. High: 61

Tonight: Rainy periods, mild. South 10-15. Low: 52

Friday: Rainy periods, a few rumbles of thunder also possible. SW 10-15 High: 63

Friday night: Drying out, cool. Low: 47

Saturday: Sun and clouds early. Showers late. High: 64 Low: 46

Sunday: Showery and cool. High: 56 Low: 43

Monday: Partly cloudy, cool. High: 51 Low: 32

This weather is the bee's knees.

2007-01-03T09:16:00.000-05:00

Thanks this morning to Hayden Poe of Mowbray Mountain for sending this picture of a hornets nest. The folklore holds that the lower the nest is to the ground the worse the winter will be. You might remember my post from last year when I had one in my yard that was literally on the ground, and I found it the hard way. We ended up with a couple of snows at Casa Benson last year, one that added up to 5 inches. So I'd say my hornets were right. (Although after getting stung multiple times, they were dead right.) Hayden's looks to "bee" about halfway up a tree. So are they saying this will be a halfway cold and snowy winter. Could be? I'm not going to invest too much in folklore, but with the first half of winter starting out very mild a sharp drop or two is probably to be expected. We'll see. Here's how it looks in the short term, and although it's an old saying, these temperatures are "the bees knees."

Today: Sunny & Pleasant. South 5 High: 59

Tonight: Partly cloudy, chilly. Calm wind. Low: 39

Thursday: Clouds Increase, rain moves in Thursday evening. SW 5-10 High: 60

Thursday Night: Rainy, cool. Low: 53

Friday: Rainy periods, a few rumbles of thunder possible. High: 63

Saturday: Clouds and sun, showers Saturday night. High: 67 Low: 45

Sunday: Showery and cooler. High: 56 Low: 41

Warmth Rolls On, But For How Long?

2007-01-02T05:24:00.000-05:00

A bit of a nip in the air today as brisk north winds are making it feel pretty cold this morning. Clouds will clear out this morning and our winds will settle down this afternoon. Over the next few days numbers rebound into the 60 to 64 degree range.
Another low developing in southern Arizona and New Mexico this morning will bring us another healthy slug of rainfall Thursday and Friday. During that time frame many areas could pick up 1 1/2" of rain.
I'm still waiting for the other shoe to drop. The models are still showing Arctic air spreading south from Montana beginning around January 15th. The details are still fuzzy, but we may see below normal temperatures around the 18th. Still monitoring these highly variable long range outlooks for any wintry weather.

Today: Becoming mostly sunny. NE winds 5-10. High: 55

Tonight: Clear and cold. Calm Wind. Low: 30

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, pleasant. South 5-10. High: 60 Low: 40

Thursday: Rainy periods, some thunder possible. High: 61 Low: 50

Friday: Morning showers, clouds decrease. High: 63 Low: 45

Saturday: Partly cloudy, mild. High: 64 Low: 43

Happy New Year! 2007 Starts Out Warm Here.

2007-01-01T05:27:00.000-05:00

This was a shot I took this Fall looking back up Lookout Mountain towards Rock City. Partly because of this shot and others I took I'll remember this particular October day in 2006. It was one of those stunning, clear blue warm days when you could say weather perfection was achieved.
Looking at the weather at hand, we'll have some chilly mornings the next few days but nothing too cold. In fact each day we should end up above normal, a trend that's likely to continue until the middle of the month. After that a big change may be shaping up around January 15th. Right now the models are showing not only a major shot of cold air then, but also the chance for a significant snow here. OBVIOUSLY this could fail to materialize, but when things are so far out of whack on the warm side an adjustment usually comes down the pipe to equalize things a bit later. We'll watch it and keep you updated.

Today: After some morning sunshine, some clouds return around mid-day today and it will be breezy. West wind 10-15 mph and gusty. High: 53

Tonight: Fair skies, chilly. North 5-10 Low: 33

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, pleasant. North 5-10 High: 56 Low: 29

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, nice. High: 60

Thursday: Clouds increase, showers late. High: 61 Low: 48

Friday: Rainy periods. High: 59 Low: 45

2006 Ends On A Warm Note.

2006-12-29T07:52:00.000-05:00

Average highs this time of year are only in the upper 40s, and today we're looking at topping out in the lower 60s. If I look back on the weather of 2006 here at home I'm glad to say there were not any major problems this year. Sure we had our usual bouts of thunderstorms from time to time, but overall we were fortunate weather-wise this year. And believe it or not I'd say our top weather story was awesome Fall Foliage we had this year, and the conditions to enjoy it all. Just yesterday I was speaking to someone from the Atlanta area who spent some time in New England this past Autumn. She said the color was much more spectacular here this year, and lasted much longer.
We'll wrap up the old year with warmer than normal temperatures and wet weather. No big drops in temperatures for the New Year though. In fact if you're looking for Winter fun and games nothing is imminent.......but stay tuned around the 11th of January. The models have been hinting (in a big way) that something may stir Snowbird out of his hibernation. That's way out there, but fun to keep an eye on.

Today: Partly cloudy and pleasant. South 5-10. High: 62

Tonight: Partly cloudy and chilly. Light SE Low: 42

Saturday: Clouds thicken, warm. SE 5-10 High: 62

Saturday Night: Rain moves in. Low: 51

Sunday: Rainy periods with a few storms. High: 64

Sunday Night: Rain diminishes. Low: 47

New Year's Day: Clouds Decrease High: 59

Monday Night: Fair, chilly. Low: 34

Tuesday: Mostly Sunny. High: 51 Low: 32

Nice Wrap Up To 2006

2006-12-28T09:14:00.000-05:00

Thanks this morning to Max Holland of Hixson for sending this picture of a sunrise at Parksville Lake. I love that area, but it seems like there are always little things that prevent me from getting over that way more often and enjoying the outdoors. I'm not big on resolutions, but that's mine for the New Year....get out and enjoy nature a lot more this year than in the past. This would be a great time to start. The weather is going to be ten to fifteen degrees warmer than average right through Sunday. With a sluggish storm system bringing us rain and storms Saturday night and into Sunday. But right now New Year's Day looks pleasant.

Today: Mostly sunny & pleasant. South 5-10. High: 58

Tonight: Fair skies, chilly. Low: 33

Friday: Partly cloudy, mild. SE 5-10. High: 61 Low: 43

Saturday: Clouds increase, mild. High: 63

Saturday night: Rain & Storms. Low: 51

Sunday: Showers Early. High: 60

New Year's Eve: Partly cloudy. Low: 41

New Year's Day: Partly Cloudy. High: 56

Another Jump Up In Temperatures, Then Stormy.

2006-12-27T06:34:00.000-05:00

Thanks this morning to Shamane Barkes of Coalmont, TN for sending this picture of a few flakes that flew and blew around parts of Grundy, County yesterday morning. That'll do it for any frozen precipitation for awhile.
There's another big storm crashing into the coast of California, Oregon, and Washington this morning. Already it's been responsible for some wind gusts south of Reno, NV clocked at over 100 mph. This system will likely hammer Denver again with some hefty snowfall. Severe storms will also move out into the plains states Friday afternoon and evening. These probably lose most of their punch by the time they move our way, but we'll see how this shapes up over the next couple of days. Right now it looks like most of the area could pick up 1 1/2" to 2" of rain late Saturday into early Sunday.

Today: Becoming mostly sunny. Light North wind. High: 51

Tonight: Fair and cold. Calm wind. Low: 30

Thursday: Mostly sunny, pleasant. South 5-10. High: 58 Low: 38

Friday: Partly cloudy, warm. High: 61 Low: 48

Saturday: Rain and Storms move in. High: 62 Low: 48

Sunday: Mostly cloudy, 20% chance for a shower. High: 50
Low: 36

New Year's Day: M. Cloudy, 20% chance for a shower. High: 48 Low: 32

A Good Soaking Still Coming, Chilly Christmas Day.

2006-12-21T08:23:00.000-05:00

I thought these vibrant red oak leaves looked like a poinsettia. So consider this a small way to say Merry Christmas a little early to family and friends. This December has been busier than many I can remember, so I'm looking forward to a few restful days ahead. I hope you get a chance to slow down a bit and enjoy the holiday weekend.

Today: Showery periods, mild. South 5-10. High: 58

Tonight: Rainy & cool. South 5. Low: 51

Friday: Rainy periods, a few rumbles of thunder possible. South 5-10. High: 60

Friday night: Showery, cool. Low: 47

Saturday: Early AM shower, then clouds decrease. High: 61

Saturday night: Partly cloudy, chilly. Low: 36

Sunday: Partly cloudy. High: 56

Sunday night: Showers late. Low: 38

Christmas Day: Rainy and chilly. High: 45

Monday night: Valley showers, mountain snow showers possible. Low: 37

Goodbye Warmth, Hello Winter?

2006-12-20T06:20:00.000-05:00

Winter officially begins tomorrow evening at 7:22pm EST, but it's still not going to feel very Winter-like just yet. After the last nine days at 64 or warmer, we should top out in the low 60s this afternoon. Rain arrives tonight and stays with us all the way through Saturday morning. A second system may develop in the Gulf of Mexico over the weekend bringing another round of rain Sunday evening into Sunday night and into Christmas Day. Things get complicated Monday night and into Tuesday, but right now it looks like at least the mountains around here could see some kind of winter mix. Obviously a lot can happen between now and then, but I thought it's good to let folks know there is some potential beginning to show up. We have plenty of time to evaluate and update this potential between now and then.

Today: Clouds thicken, mild. SE wind 5-10. High: 61

Tonight: Showers move in, cool. Low: 49

Thursday: Rainy & cool. South 5-10. High: 57

Thursday Night: Rainy & cool. Low: 51

Friday: Rainy periods. High: 60 Low: 49

Saturday: AM showers. High: 58 Low: 41

Sunday: Showers late. High: 54 Low: 39

Christmas Day: Showery and chilly. High: 45

Christmas Night: Showers, Mountain Snow Showers Possible. Low: 36

Fall Or Summer With Only Days Until Winter.

2006-12-19T05:34:00.000-05:00

I visited Daisy Elementary yesterday and had a great time with the students there. They were all ready for the holidays and hoping for something cold and white for Christmas. (That won't be the case.) I was asked to read a holiday story about a father and son hiking through the woods to cut down a Christmas tree. Along the way they saw a fox, some deer, an owl and a beaver lodge. They really chose the right book for the right guy. Over the past several years I have had an opportunity to spend a little time in the woods on Christmas Day. Two years ago there was a thick blanket of snow on the ground for this holiday hike. If you have had the pleasure of being in a forest after it snows a foot or more you know how wonderful that time can be. Everything is quiet, the snow muffles most of the sound you normally hear amidst the trees. And you can see every critter and every movement they make. And have made. It's fun following their tracks, and wondering how their routines are changed by the snow. As a youngster I spent as much time as I could hiking all over the place all four seasons. But the best hikes were winter ones, wandering through the snowpack until my toes went numb. Thanks to the teachers at Daisy Elementary for choosing one book that brought back so many pleasant memories. I'm now looking forward to Christmas even more and spending a little quiet time outside enjoying a walk in the woods. Snow or not.
Yesterday we hit a record high of 73 degrees. Temperatures should be stepping down as we head toward the weekend. And rainfall will move into the area tomorrow night through early Saturday possibly delivering 1.5" to 2" of much needed rainfall.

Today: Partly cloudy, mild. North 5-10. High: 64

Tonight: Partly cloudy, cool. North 5. Low: 42

Wednesday: Partly cloudy, mild. NE 5-10. High: 60

Wednesday night: Clouds increase, showers late. Low: 45

Thursday: Rainy periods. High: 57

Friday: Rainy periods. High: 59

Saturday: Showers end early. High: 56

Christmas Eve: M. Cloudy with scattered showers. High: 56

Christmas Day: Mostly cloudy, chilly. High: 47

Minor Earthquake Early This Morning.

2006-12-18T09:20:00.000-05:00

A few calls this morning from Dayton Mountain, Tellico Plains, Athens, and Turtletown reporting the early morning earthquake that "Sounded like a big truck" and "Lasted for about 30 to 40 seconds". In many cases a quake isn't audible unless it's magnitude is over 4, but I suppose underlying rock layers could make the difference in this case. Anyway here are the details:

3.3 (Minor)
Date-Time
Monday, December 18, 2006 at 08:34:27 (UTC)= Coordinated Universal Time
Monday, December 18, 2006 at 3:34:27 AM = local time at epicenter
Location
35.360°N, 84.350°W
Depth
17.4 km (10.8 miles)
Region
EASTERN TENNESSEE
Distances
5 km (3 miles) W (261°) from Tellico Plains, TN
14 km (9 miles) ESE (121°) from Englewood, TN
17 km (10 miles) ENE (78°) from Etowah, TN
52 km (32 miles) ENE (66°) from Cleveland, TN
77 km (48 miles) SSW (209°) from Knoxville, TN
178 km (111 miles) N (2°) from Atlanta, GA

The forecast gets cooler after another very warm day today. And by Thursday and Friday we should see some soaking rainfall.

Today: Mostly Sunny and Warm. Light south wind. High: 70

Tonight: Fair skies with patchy fog late. Calm wind. Low: 43

Tuesday: Partly cloudy and mild. SW wind 5 to 10 mph. High: 66 Low: 37

Wednesday: Partly cloudy. High: 59 Low: 40

Thursday: Rainy and cool. High: 56 Low: 43

Friday: Rainy and cool. High: 53 Low: 43

Enjoy This While It Lasts, Flip Ahead

2006-12-15T06:17:00.000-05:00

Another stellar day yesterday with highs once again in the mid and upper 60s. This weekend and into early next week highs will edge up into the upper 60s to around 70. That will put us within 4 or 5 degrees of record territory today through Monday. Check it out:

Today's forecast high: 67 record: 72 in 1971
Saturday's forecast high: 70 record: 74 in 1971
Sunday's forecast high: 70 record: 75 in 1924
Monday's forecast high: 68 record: 72 in 1924
Average highs: 52 today, falling to 51 by Monday

Next weekend we may find ourselves 20 degrees colder with highs next Saturday and Sunday only around 50.

Today: Mostly sunny and warm. West wind 5 - 10 mph. High: 67

Tonight: Fair and chilly. Low: 39

Saturday: Mostly sunny and warm. South 5 - 10 mph. High: 70 Low: 41

Sunday: Mostly sunny, warm again. High: 70 Low: 44

Monday: Partly cloudy High: 68 Low: 46

Tuesday: Partly cloudy High: 64 Low: 44

Sunroof Is Wide Open With Frank

2006-12-14T05:33:00.000-05:00

Quick post this morning with just enough time to say, "Let's have another one, just like the other one." Yesterday was fantastic. I drove around with the windows down and the sunroof open, Frank Sinatra's "I Believe" blaring on the cd player. I really don't have to have cold to put me in the mood for Christmas. I believe I could take weather like this all Winter long.

Today: A.M. Fog, then Mostly Sunny. SW wind 5-10 mph. High: 68

Tonight: Partly cloudy & cool. Low: 43

Friday: Partly cloudy & warm. High: 66 Low: 36

Saturday: Mostly sunny. High: 69 Low: 42

Sunday: Mostly sunny. High: 68 Low: 45

Monday: Partly cloudy. High: 65 Low: 47

Some More Beautiful Sky Shots & Weather

2006-12-13T05:32:00.000-05:00

Thanks again to David Wills for these gorgeous evening sky shots. I'm not sure if David carries his camera all the time, but I'm guessing he has it nearby quite often as he comes up with shots like these frequently. Thanks for letting me share them with everyone.
Zonal flow across the country will keep things warmer than average here through the weekend. And rainfall will be hard to find in the eastern United States through Monday. This morning the models are hinting at colder air coming down our way as early as the 22nd, but the past few days that hasn't shown up until the 26th. But as always, Mother Nature likes a balance and when temps are out of whack one way they tend to get evened out by a flip to the opposite. So another blast of cold may appear around Christmas or shortly thereafter. So we'll enjoy basking in the warmth while we can o.k.?

Today: Fog burns off, partly cloudy and pleasant this afternoon. High: 66

Tonight: Fair skies, patchy fog late. Low: 38

Thursday: Mostly sunny & warm. SW 5 - 10. High: 68

Friday: Mostly sunny & warm. High: 68

Saturday: Mostly sunny & warm. High: 67

Sunday: Partly cloudy & warm. High: 67

Awesome Sky Shots, Temps Will Seem Sky High

2006-12-12T07:12:00.000-05:00

Thanks this morning to my friend David Wills for sharing these sky shots with me. This will be a two part post as David sent some others that everyone should see. Hopefully I'll have them posted tomorrow morning.
Yesterday was spectacular. We hit 64 degrees officially in Chattanooga and it really felt like Spring. The cold air is shut off for awhile now as the main branch of the jetstream should hug the Canadian border for the next week or so. The only signs of chilly air dropping this far south is around the 26th. Until then, take a breather and enjoy the warmth.
Today: Clouds increase and showers move in this afternoon. South wind 5-10 mph. High: 60

Tonight: Showery and cool. Low: 43

Wednesday: Clouds decrease, mild. High: 62

Thursday: Mostly sunny, warm. High: 66

Friday: Mostly sunny, warm. High: 67

Saturday: Mostly sunny, warm. High: 67

Coldest Air Behind Us For Awhile.

2006-12-11T05:32:00.000-05:00

Thanks this morning to Debbie Nix for sending this great picture of Chattanooga as seen from Lookout Mountain on a cold December night. Fortunately for us, those cold nights are a thing of the past for awhile. The jetstream will be swinging northward and away from us, and that pattern will not allow any more arctic air to come our way any time soon. In fact if the Climate Prediction Center is right, we could have above normal temperatures here right up until Christmas Day. We'll watch and see.
In the short term a Pacific system moves west to east towards us bringing a round of rain to the area mainly from late Tuesday through early Wednesday morning. Most areas should end up with 1/2" to 3/4" of rainfall during that time.
Today: Partly cloudy and pleasant. South wind 5 mph. High: 61

Tonight: Mostly cloudy, 20% chance for a few sprinkles. Low: 41

Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, a slight chance for a shower. High: 59

Tuesday night: Rainy with a rumble of thunder possible. Low: 43

Wednesday: Early morning shower, then clouds decrease. High: 60

Thursday: Partly cloudy, mild. High: 59

Friday: Mostly sunny, pleasant. High: 61

Coldest Morning This Early In At Least A Decade!

2006-12-08T07:21:00.000-05:00

A picture is worth a thousand words, or in this case just one. COLD! Thanks this morning to Hal Perry who lives up on Signal Mountain for taking this picture around 6:50 am this morning. His thermometer read 5 this morning with 10 mph winds, so Hal's windchill was down around -10! You think Hal's thermometer is wrong? I don't think so. Check out a few of these lows from around the area:

Sale Creek Mountain 8
Bledsoe State Forest 8
Dayton Mountain 8
Lookout Mountain 9
Prentice Cooper S.F. 10
LaFayette, GA 14
Chatsworth 17
WRCB-TV3 17

Tomorrow will be nearly as cold for the valley locations, but mountain spots should be a tad warmer tomorrow morning. Warmer weather heads our way for the second half of the weekend and into much of next week.

Today: Breezy early, then sunny and cold. NW 5-10 mph and gusty. High: 40

Tonight: Clear & Cold! Low: 17 in Chattanooga, outlying areas will be colder.

Saturday: Sunny & Cool. SW 5. High: 50

Sunday morning: 22

Sunday Afternoon: Mostly sunny. High: 56

Monday: Partly cloudy. High: 59

Tuesday: Clouds increase, 30% chance for showers. High: 57

Mountains Warmer Than Valleys Today.

2006-12-05T08:24:00.000-05:00

I am thankful for Paul Turney for sharing this spectacular sunrise picture taken in South Pittsburg on November 14th. Paul, this should be enlarged and framed. It is a wonderful view. And I really appreciate it.
Our weather will be relatively tranquil the next several days. A small bump up in temperatures the next couple of days. Then a sharp drop Thursday and Friday with the next clipper system. Look for windy and cold conditions Thursday, and breezy and cool conditions on Friday.

Today: Sunny & Cool. Northwest wind 5 mph. High: 51

Tonight: Fair Skies, Cold. Low: 26

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, pleasant. SW wind 5-10 mph. High: 58

Thursday: Partly cloudy, cold & windy. High: 44

Friday: Mostly sunny, breezy. High: 43

Saturday: Mostly sunny, a bit warmer. High: 55

You think it's cold here........

2006-12-04T07:35:00.000-05:00

I got this e-mail from Mark this morning, "Good morning, anyone up for a hike at Mt Mitchell this morning? -42F Wind Chill."
Mark also included this cool link to the automated weather station atop Mt. Mitchell. It's worth a look: http://ils.unc.edu/parkproject/webcam/weather.html
I believe I'll wait until Spring when the wildflowers are in bloom before I take that hike though.

Cold But Dry Weather Ahead.

2006-12-04T05:53:00.000-05:00

We had a nice weekend across the area. I'd call it great, but our temperatures were a bit on the cool side. Not enough to hold back the crowds for the Holiday Nightlight Parade in Downtown Chattanooga Saturday night. And afterwards the Big Ridge Elementary 4th and 5th graders did a great job singing holiday songs in front of the Aquarium.
Now another front has come through and the winds will be a bit brisk through the morning, but they should settle down this afternoon. Southwest winds and slightly warmer readings return for Wednesday. But guess what? Another front reverses the wind flow and back down go the temperatures Thursday and Friday. So the ups and downs will continue into this weekend.

Today: Sunny, but cool & breezy. North 10 to 15 mph and gusty. High: 44

Tonight: Clear skies, cold. Light North. Low: 23

Tuesday: Sunny & Cool. Light SW. High: 50

Wednesday: Mostly Sunny. High: 55

Thursday: Partly cloudy, cool & breezy. High: 46

Friday: Mostly sunny, windy & chilly. High: 43

Be sure to join Channel 3 this Wednesday at the First Tennessee pavilion in Chattanooga, and the NW Georgia Trade Center in Dalton for "Share Your Christmas". We'll be accepting your donations of food and cash to help the Chattanooga Area Food Bank.

Wow Whatta Storm! Gusts Cause Damage Here.

2006-12-01T07:59:00.000-05:00

Thanks this morning to Regina Akins of Ringgold, GA for sending me this picture. It was taken by her sister Charlotte who lives in Wewoka, Oklahoma. And as you can see, the scene was snowy there last evening. Wet snow has been falling heavily across the Midwest overnight causing a lot of travel problems especially at Chicago's O'hare airport.
Wind was the big story here this morning, bringing down trees and power lines across the area. Here are a few of the peak wind gusts recorded by some automated weather stations:

Lookout Mountain 65 mph
Indian Grave, Blount County, TN 50 mph
Coker Creek, TN 46 mph
Prentice Cooper WMA 47 mph
Cohutta, GA & Ft. Payne, AL 45 mph
Murphy, NC 38 mph
WRCB-TV3 38 mph

A huge temperature range is helping to create these strong winds. Before sunrise when we were tying a record high of 71 it was 31 in Memphis. We had several hours of 71 at Chattanooga's Lovell Field, so we might have broken that record. Yesterday's 74 also broke the record for Thursday.

Need to catch your breath? We'll do that with a quiet and cool weekend.

Jed, LaTrice and I hope to see everyone Downtown Chattanooga Saturday night for The Holiday Starlight Parade which begins at 6pm. It should be a nice and fairly mild evening with a temperature around 52 when the parade begins. And we should only fall into the low 40s when the music wraps up in front of The Tennessee Aquarium later in the evening. Hats off to the Downtown Partnership for putting together another great family event that should be packed with people. See you then!

Today: Mostly cloudy, windy and colder. WNW wind 15 to 25 mph and gusty. The official high was recorded before sunrise....a record tying 71. But temperatures will fall into the 40s by this afternoon.

Tonight: Clearing and cold. North 5 - 10 Low: 30

Saturday: Mostly sunny, cool. North 5 - 10 High: 54

Sunday: Partly cloudy, cool. High: 56

Monday: Mostly sunny but chilly. High: 45

Tuesday: Mostly sunny. High: 52

Big Changes Packed Into A Tiny Time Frame.

2006-11-30T06:19:00.000-05:00

We are wrapping November on a very warm note. Pre-dawn temperatures across the Tennessee Valley are ranging between 61 and 66 degrees. Our average high this time of year is only 56, and today we should top out in the low 70s. But a very sharp cold front is crawling into Arkansas right now. In northwest Arkansas, Highfill is reporting mixed precipitation and 32 degrees with a windchill of 22. At the same time in west central Arkansas Mount Ida is a balmy 68. But this front is not a fast mover. So today we'll stay warm and showery with the front west of us through late tonight. At midnight we'll be up around 60, so that will be the official high for Friday. Daylight temperatures will stay in the 40s with strong west-northwest winds. It's possible that residents of the Cumberland Plateau will see a rain / snow mix....or a brief change over to wet snowflakes around daybreak tomorrow. But no accumulation is expected.

Today: Cloudy and warm with scattered light showers. South wind 10 to 15 mph and gusty. High: 71

Tonight: Storms Move In, some could be strong to severe. SW winds 15 to 25 mph and gusty. Low: 50

Friday: AM Showers and storms, turning windy and colder. WNW winds 15 to 25 mph and gusty. Daytime temps holding in the 40s.

Saturday: Cold morning with lows in the upper 20s. Mostly sunny afternoon. High: 54

Sunday: Partly cloudy & cool. High: 52

Monday: Mostly sunny, chilly. High: 43

Warm & Showery With Looming Storm Threat

2006-11-29T08:58:00.000-05:00

Showery weather at times today, tonight, and Thursday before the front arrives Thursday night. Then we should see a line of storms that could pack some gusty winds. So we'll be watching for strong to severe storms as we head toward early Friday morning. After that some cooler numbers for the weekend, but not exactly cold. Monday and Tuesday will be chillier with highs only in the upper 40s.

Today: Mostly cloudy with spotty light showers. South wind 5 to 10 mph. High: 70

Tonight: Mostly cloudy with scattered light showers. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Low: 57

Thursday: Cloudy with scattered showers. South wind 10 to 15 mph and gusty. High: 68

Thursday night: Rain and storms, some storms possibly severe. Low: 50

Friday: Rain and storms early, some storms possibly severe. Then windy and cooler. High: 54

Saturday: Mostly sunny. High: 56

Sunday: Partly cloudy. High: 51

Temperature Range Narrows, Rain Follows.

2006-11-28T05:36:00.000-05:00

It's nice and mild this morning with most locations between 49 and 54 degrees. Daytime highs will still end up with highs in the mid to upper 60s this afternoon, so you can see the impact clouds have on the range of temperatures. This past weekend with clear skies we were much colder at night, and a bit warmer in the afternoon hours.
I don't think we see much measurable rain today through early Thursday, but patchy light showers could pop up at just about any time. Then the next front pushes through the region late Thursday through early Friday with some rain and thunderstorms. Average rainfall amounts will probably end up between 1/2" to 1" by the time it wraps up late Friday. Dry weather moves in just in time for the weekend, but it will be cooler with highs in the low 50s.

Today: Mostly cloudy with a 20% chance for a light shower. South wind at 5 mph. High: 66

Tonight: Mostly cloudy with a 20% chance for a light shower. Low: 53

Wednesday: Mostly cloudy with a 20% chance for a light shower. South wind 5-10 mph. High: 70

Thursday: Mostly cloudy with a 50% chance for rain and storms, especially late. High: 70

Friday: Rain and storms likely. High: 57

Saturday: Mostly sunny, but cooler. High: 54

Apparently while we have been loving the weather lately, the conditions have been less than ideal for flying ultra lights. South winds have been strong enough to keep the crew and whooping cranes grounded in Cumberland County, TN for the last several days. Keep up with them at: http://www.operationmigration.org

Tired Monday After A Fantastic Holiday Weekend.

2006-11-27T05:43:00.000-05:00

If Friday was "Black Friday", then this must be "Tired Monday". Especially with the great weather we had. I imagine there are a lot of folks dragging just a little bit after enjoying the holiday, and squeezing in some outdoor fun or yard work. A huge crowd gathered at the riverfront for The Grand Illumination on Friday evening, and downtown was still pretty busy on Saturday.
We still have warm temperatures hanging with us through Thursday, then some chillier air moves in. Right now it doesn't look like a drastic drop in daytime highs, but afternoon numbers should slide down into the lower 50s Friday and Saturday.

Today: Mostly sunny and warm. South wind 5 mph. High: 70

Tonight: Fair skies, cool. Low: 43

Tuesday: Partly cloudy and warm. South 5 to 10 mph. High: 68

Wednesday: Clouds increase, 30% chance for a shower. High: 67

Thursday: Cloudy with a 70% chance for showers. High: 69

Friday: 40% chance for showers early, clouds decrease. Cooler. High: 54

Soak Up The Warmth, Cold Surge Ahead.

2006-11-24T05:45:00.000-05:00

Many thanks to this morning's contributions to "Photo Friday" on Channel 3 Eyewitness News Today.
Thanks to Kelly Williams for the beautiful sunset shot on top. This was taken just before kickoff at a SE Whitfield High School football game.
The second and third photos are of Cloudland Canyon showing the different moods of that beautiful place. And these shots are a reminder that great pictures can be taken in every kind of weather. Hats off to Ron Adcox for sending the first Cloudland picture in. And thanks to Jon Pierce for the great foggy picture.
And finally thanks to Adelaide Bratcher for this nice picture from another natural treasure in our area. Adelaide took this one at Lula Lake. She says everyone should check it out the first and last Saturday of every month. For more information here's their website: http://www.lulalake.org
According to the Operation Migration website the ultra-light led whooping cranes will be coming from Cumberland County into the Hiawassee Refuge in Meigs County today. For more information: http://www.operationmigration.org
Our weather looks great right into the first part of next week. But by Thursday and Friday some wet weather arrives along with some colder air. So next Friday it's possible that the mountains around here could see some more snow. And I think highs here will only be in the 40s next weekend. So bask in this weather this weekend while we can. It may come to a fairly abrupt end late next week.

Today: Sunny & Warm. Ligh Wind. High: 71

Grand Illumination: 7 PM: 58 9 PM: 54

Overnight: Clear and Chilly. Low: 37

Saturday: Sunny & Warm. South 5 - 10. High: 71

Sunday: Sunny & Warm. High: 70

Monday: Mostly Sunny. High: 70

Tuesday: Mostly Sunny. High: 68

Weather To Be Thankful For.

2006-11-23T06:25:00.000-05:00

Today I'd like to say I'm thankful for family and friends, some of whom may not realize how important they have been in my life. I'm also thankful for holiday memories from years past.
The weather looks perfect for the next several days across the Tennessee Valley. And we're all thankful for that. In fact tomorrow evening's Grand Illumination may be one of the nicest ones weather-wise we've had in years. So enjoy!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today: Sunny & Pleasant. North wind 5 -10. High: 67

Tonight: Clear & Chilly. Low: 34

Friday: Sunny & Warm. High: 71

Grand Illumination Friday Evening At Ross's Landing: Clear and cool. 7 PM: 58 9 PM: 54

Overnight: Clear and Chilly. Low: 38

Saturday: Sunny. High: 70

Sunday: Sunny. High: 71

Monday: Mostly Sunny. High: 69

A Great Travel Day Except For The Ouch.

2006-11-22T05:58:00.000-05:00

When I passed the gas station yesterday in North Georgia, I knew I should have filled up at $2.02. But I was tight on time on my way to speak to the students at Battlefield Primary School. So I decided to fill up on the way home. Prices had edged up some by the time I finished at the school, and the gas stations were busy. So I decided to wait until this morning. And guess what? $2.18 at 3:00 am! What a shock.....gas prices jumping just before the holiday. Let's wait and see how far the prices fall on Monday.
Other than that, traveling looks great for most of the country. The coastal howler will continue to crawl northward from the Carolinas toward the northeast. That spells trouble for the Macy's Parade in New York City. Wind and rain will buffet the area at parade time unfortunately.
And this will be pleasant weather for some feathered friends traveling through the area the next few days. Ultra-light led whooping cranes should leave Kentucky today bound for Cumberland County, TN, and may be in Meigs County at the Hiawassee Wildlife Refuge Thanksgiving Day. What a nice way to spend a pleasant day outdoors. Check out the Operation Migration website at this link: http://www.operationmigration.org

Today: Mostly sunny and a bit breezy. North wind 10 to 15 mph and gusty. High: 56

Tonight: Fair and cold. North 5-10 Low: 33

Thanksgiving Day: Sunny and pleasant. North wind 5 to 10 mph. High: 64

Friday morning shopping: Clear and cold. Low: 34

Friday afternoon: Sunny and warmer. High: 70

Grand Illumination Downtown Chattanooga Friday Evening:
Clear and Cool. 7pm: 57 9pm: 53

Saturday: Mostly sunny. High: 70

Sunday: Mostly sunny. High: 68

Thankful For This Forecast As Big Turkey Stays East

2006-11-21T05:58:00.000-05:00

Several people I have talked to recently have commented on the beauty of this Fall and how long the color lasted. I wish it would have hung on for this upcoming weekend so everyone with family visiting could have seen the display. This picture was taken on the 30th.
A big coastal storm will pound the Carolinas with rain the next few days and the forecast rainfall amounts are extreme. Anywhere from 5 to 8 inches will be measured from the Delmarva down to the Georgia / South Carolina border. And there may be amounts more than 10" along the coast in southeast North Carolina. Fortunately that all stays east of here.

Today: Sunny, but cool and breezy. North wind 10 to 20 mph and gusty. High: 52

Tonight: Clear and cold. North 5 - 10. High: 31

Wednesday: Partly cloudy, pleasant. North 5 - 10. High: 58

Thanksgiving Day: Mostly sunny. High: 64

Friday: Early morning shopping will be chilly in the upper 30s. But Friday afternoon will be mostly sunny and pleasant. High: 68

Saturday: Partly cloudy, mild. High: 69

Time For Fun Guys!

2006-11-20T10:45:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Crystal Sanders for sending in this picture of Austin and Cole Sanders having a ball in the early snow. As we all know snow days are rare things. So getting to enjoy one before Thansgiving is really a treat. And something to be extra thankful for.

Where's Snowbird?

2006-11-20T09:57:00.000-05:00

Thanks to April Kennemur of Gruetli-Laager for sending these shots of the snow there. April says 1/2" to 1" and she would like to see some more. April also says, "Let It Snow!" Have fun and thanks again for sending these shots.

More Grundy County Snow Pictures!

2006-11-20T09:36:00.000-05:00

Many thanks to Natalie Reeves of Grundy county for these pre-Thanksgiving snow pictures taken this morning. Nice shots and thanks for being so quick to send them. Natalie says "Let It Snow!!!"

Still Snowing In Grundy County

2006-11-20T08:42:00.000-05:00

Another shot from Shamane Barkes of Coalmont. As of 8:26 am it's still snowing up there. Thanks Sharmane for the neat pictures and the rapid updates!

Early Morning Snow Causes 1st School Closing Of The Year

2006-11-20T05:43:00.000-05:00

Thanks this morning to Shamane Barkes of Coalmont, TN for sending this picture of the light accumulation of snow they woke up to. As a result, Grundy County schools were closed for today, and Cumberland County schools delayed opening until 9 am this morning. And George Smith of Tracy City e-mailed to say they had some light accumulation with a temperature right at 32. I woke up to a pretty nice snow shower at Casa Benson atop Signal Mountain. In fact driving down the mountain I could faintly see the tracks of those who had just driven up. (Even at that hour the road is fairly busy these days. I can remember when that wasn't the case. When I first began this shift I had the road to myself in the wee hours of the morning. Just me and the occasional night critter.)
By the way the other picture is one I took around the 30th. I took a chilly stroll with Dudley yesterday morning. It was a chilly 34 degrees with a fairly stiff west wind. I was bundled up in my winter coat, gloves and Chicken, Alaska stocking hat. And as I was enjoying the brisk morning, I noticed that all but the Bradford Pear trees and some oaks had lost their leaves. You can really see down through the woods again.
Still some snowflakes early this morning across the Cumberland Plateau, but drier air will shut the moisture off. Eventually we'll see a nice warming trend this week. But it will have to wait until Wednesday to begin.

Today: Early morning showers dry up. Becoming partly cloudy, cold and breezy. North wind 10 to 20 mph and gusty. High: 45

Tonight: Clear and cold. Light North wind. Low: 29

Tuesday: Mostly sunny and cool. North 5-10. High: 53

Wednesday: Partly cloudy and a bit warmer. High: 60

Thanksgiving Day: Partly cloudy, pleasant. High: 63

Friday: Mostly sunny and warm. High: 68

Bouncing Temperatures The Next Few Days

2006-11-17T06:00:00.000-05:00

The two day rainfall total at Casa Benson was just shy of 4 inches. So I'm very glad we're going to stay dry for the next several days.....for the most part. It looks like we see sunshine returning today, and warmer temperatures on Saturday. But Saturday night another front drops through the area pushing highs back into the low to mid 50s on Sunday. A secondary surge of cold air hits Sunday night and that's when some light precipitation breaks out. Sprinkles or light showers for valleys overnight Sunday night into early Monday morning. But the air above is cold enough that mountains north of the city could see a few flurries. After a blustery, cold day Monday temps should warm nicely by Thanksgiving.

Today: Becoming partly cloudy and pleasant. NW wind 5. High: 54

Football Tonight: Partly cloudy, chilly. Kickoff Temp: 46 10PM: 40

Overnight: Fair and Cold. Low: 33

Saturday: Mostly Sunny, Mild. High: 61

Sunday: Partly cloudy, cool. High: 53

Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy with a few sprinkles or mountain flurries. Low: 35

Monday: AM light shower, clouds decrease. High: 45

Tuesday: Partly Cloudy. High: 54

Thanksgiving: Mostly sunny, warmer. High: 64

Have a great weekend!

Cool And Showery Today, Dry And Cool Ahead

2006-11-16T05:41:00.000-05:00

We got a good soaking yesterday. At Chattanooga's Lovell Field we received 1.93" which was a 24 hour rainfall record for the date. Most locations picked up 2" to 3" across the rest of the Tennessee Valley.
This morning the system that generated the hefty rainfall is still spinning over Middle Tennessee. A few light showers are scooting across the region this morning with steadier light rain from Southern Illinois down through West Tennessee near Memphis. That band of rain should move east with the upper low, so we may see a period of light rain this afternoon. Drizzle will continue into early tonight, but that should dry out by morning. The rest of the weekend looks pretty nice. Too bad the wind and rain lately has pretty much ended what's been a spectacular color season. We'll continue to enjoy it with pictures though. Keep sending them to: tbenson@wrcbtv.com. Another batch will be shown for "Photo Friday" tomorrow morning.

Today: Showery periods, cool and breezy. SW winds 15 to 20 mph and gusty. Officially the midnight temperature was 62, so that will be recorded as the high for the day. But temps will hold steady in the upper 40s to low 50s during the daylight hours.

Tonight: Drizzle early, then mostly cloudy and chilly overnight. Northwest wind at 5. Low: 40

Friday: Sunshine returns, pleasant. NW wind 5 to 10. High: 56

Saturday: Mostly sunny. High: 60

Sunday: Partly cloudy. High: 54

Monday: Partly cloudy. High: 45

Storms And Some Flooding Possible Today

2006-11-15T06:40:00.000-05:00

A powerhouse low in Eastern Oklahoma early this morning is heading our way today through tonight. And this system will really pelt the area with rainfall, and possibly severe storms. Right now I think average rainfall amounts will end up between 2" and 4" with some Storm Alert Skywatchers possibly seeing a bit more than that. So some localized flooding will be possible this afternoon into tonight. Right now we are relatively cool and stable which should help reduce the overall severe weather threat. But there is still potential for thunderstorms capable of producing wind damage and hail this afternoon and early tonight. The highest risk for a tornado will be south of the Channel 3 viewing area, but Paul will be watching the VIPIR very closely for the potential that an isolated tornado or two pops up. This system has a punch.
Today: Rain and storms. A few severe storms possible. Rain will be heavy at times. South wind 15 to 25 mph and gusty. High: 58

Tonight: Heavy Rain Early, tapering off to showers late. SW winds 15 to 25 mph and gusty. Low: 47

Thursday: Occasional Showers. Windy and Chilly. WNW winds 15 to 25 mph and gusty. High: 48

Friday: Partly cloudy and cool. High: 56

Saturday: Mostly sunny. High: 59

Sunday: Partly cloudy, cool. High: 54

Another Nice Day, Then Stormy, Then A Bit Blustery

2006-11-14T07:18:00.000-05:00

Thanks this morning to my friend Kent Whitaker for sending in these beautiful pictures. Kent and his wife Ally spent some time around Mentone and Cloudland Canyon taking a hike and taking pictures. It doesn't get any better than these shots. By the way you probably either know Kent or know of him. Kent has been helping Channel 3 with our "Backyard BBQ Giveaway" the last couple of years. Kent is known as "The Deck Chef" and has written several very cool grilling books. Check him out at: http://www.thedeckchef.com. There are some great recipes on his site.
Onto the meaty issues of weather.
A storm system developing in the Plains States today will spread rain and thunderstorms into the area tonight through Thursday. But most of the rain and storms should move through tomorrow afternoon and evening. Some storms could be strong to severe then. And locally heavy amounts of rain are likely. In fact average amounts 1.5" to 2.5" will be collected in rain gauges across much of the area. With amounts of 2.5" to 3" east and southeast of I-75. Behind this system winds shift around to the northwest pulling in some chilly air. So Thursday looks kind of messy with cloudy, chilly, windy conditions and an occasional light shower passing through. In a word, "Yuck". The weekend looks pretty good though.....dry but cool.

Today: Partly cloudy & pleasant. NW wind 5 mph. High: 61

Tonight: Clouds thicken, some showers late. Low: 48

Wednesday: Rain and storms likely. Some storms could be strong to possibly severe. SW wind 10-20 mph and gusty. High: 59

Wednesday night: Rainy periods. Low: 46

Thursday: Cloudy, windy and colder with occasional showers. High: 49

Friday: Partly cloudy. High: 58

Saturday: Mostly sunny. High: 58

Temps Bounce Around, Midweek Storms Ahead

2006-11-13T05:29:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Barbara Gibson of Cohutta, Georgia for sending this beautiful Fall scene to Channel 3. While the leaves are dropping fast, this past weekend I could still see quite a bit of yellow and red coloring the mountains. It's of course becoming more patchy, but around sunrise and sunset the colors really pop. I have one sweet gum tree out front that has some leaves still left on the branches. In back there is a sweet gum, a couple of hickories, and one multi-trunked oak hanging onto some leaves. If it weren't for those 5 trees I would be done with leaf-a-palooza 2006. That might be the earliest I have ever finished with the Fall yardwork. Most years I'm wrapping up on the day before Thanksgiving. I'll try to clean up what falls today and tomorrow by tomorrow afternoon. The reason is another system will bring 1" to 2" of rain to the area mainly Wednesday, but showery and cool weather will persist into Thursday. So if you want to avoid leaf glop, get out and get busy today and tomorrow.

Today: Mostly sunny and pleasant. Light north wind. High: 65

Tonight: Fair skies, chilly. Low: 35

Tuesday: Partly Cloudy, mild. SW wind 5-10. High: 64

Wednesday: Rain and storms likely. Some storms could be strong. High: 59

Thursday: Showery and cool. High: 50

Friday: Partly cloudy. High: 58

Great Pictures! Keep Them Coming.

2006-11-10T06:42:00.000-05:00

Thanks this morning to Dawn Kropf for sending in the top picture of Signal Mountain taken from Red Bank on Morrison Springs road. That carpet of color has been like this for a couple of weeks, and hopefully will still be around for a few more days. Thanks to Dawn we'll be able to enjoy it here for a lot longer.
Hats off to Angel Fejeran for the great shot of the Autumn show in the Highway 58 area near the Wolftever Bridge. That's a stunning shot.
And from Beth Myers another beauty. Picture number three is the fall color reflecting off a lake near Monteagle. Thanks for sharing that one Beth.
And finally one of those great, "Right time, right place" shots. A rainbow and fall color taken by Linda Griffith of Summerville, GA. Thanks Linda for letting us all see that picture. I hope you have a framed copy of it in your home.
Unfortunately this year's show is winding down. So snap some pictures this weekend and send them to tbenson@wrcbtv.com and I'll show them on Channel 3 Eyewitness News Today and post them here.
The forecast ideas for the weekend haven't changed much. Within a few degrees of record warmth today. Some showers and cooler tomorrow. Sunny and cool on Sunday.

Today: Mostly sunny with near record highs. SW wind 5-10. High: 77

Football Tonight: Partly cloudy, pleasant. Kickoff temp: 67 10pm: 61

Overnight: Clouds thicken, a few showers by daybreak. Low: 54

Saturday: Scattered showers early, then turning windy and cooler. West to NW winds 15 to 20 mph and gusty. High: 60

Sunday: Sunny. High: 61

Monday: Mostly sunny. High: 68

Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, 50% for showers. High: 62

Warm Spell No Match For Last Year's Heat

2006-11-09T06:00:00.000-05:00

These are the days when anyone who works outside has to be thankful for the type of job they do. I don't know if this weather makes up for the rainy, cold, or hot days they have to muddle through, but I'm sure today and tomorrow will make the 8 to 5 a little easier for many.
This warm spell today and tomorrow will be appreciated, but it's small potatoes compared to the heat we felt one year ago. Consider these numbers:

November 6th, 2005 record high: 80
November 7th, 2005 record high: 80
November 8th, 2005 record high: 84
November 9th, 2005 record high: 81
November 10th, 2005: 73 The record is 80 set in 2002

Our next front will bring us back to reality this weekend with highs closer to the average for this time of year. A few showers should accompany the front during the early part of Saturday, but most locations will only see 1/4" of rain or less.

Today: Sunny and pleasant. SW wind 5-10. High: 74

Tonight: Fair sky, cool. Calm wind. Low: 48

Friday: Mostly sunny with a near record high. South wind 5-10. High: 78 Again, the record for the date is 80 set in 2002.

Friday night: Clouds increase with some showers near daybreak. Low: 55

Saturday: Scattered light showers early, decreasing clouds and cooler later. High: 61

Sunday: Mostly sunny. High: 65

Monday: Mostly cloudy with a 30% chance for showers. High: 63

A Touch Of Spring On The Way, 1 Record Challenged

2006-11-08T05:41:00.000-05:00

We continue to get some great pictures in here at Channel 3, and I'll get as many of them on our "Photo Friday" segment on Eyewitness News Today and posted on the blog in the days to come. (For those who have already sent them I will e-mail back and let you know when they'll be shown.) So keep watching and logging in to see them. And if you have taken some please send them to tbenson@wrcbtv.com . It's a great way to stretch out the color season. I only wish I had taken more pictures. This one was taken on Signal Mountain about a week ago on an extended stroll with Dudley.
A big upswing in temperatures after today. In fact I think we come within a couple of degrees of tying a record on Friday. We probably won't get that warm, but within 3 degrees this time of year is horseshoes and hand grenades....close enough to say, "Wow! That's Warm."

Today: Morning light showers, clouds slowly decrease. NW 5-10 High: 61

Tonight: Becoming clear with patchy fog late. Calm Wind. Low: 45

Thursday: Mostly Sunny, warmer. SW 5-10 High: 74

Friday: Mostly Sunny, warm. (In fact close to a record high, the record is 80 in 2002.) High: 77

Saturday: Some scattered showers early. High: 63

Sunday: Mostly sunny and pleasant. High: 62

Showery Weather Today, Warmer Temps Ahead

2006-11-07T05:41:00.000-05:00

Low pressure swirling over West Tennessee this morning will create rainy periods today, and a few scattered showers tonight. Tomorrow morning we'll still have to deal with a light shower or a few sprinkles before the clouds decrease during the afternoon. A warm spell will have many of you thinking Spring is coming rather than Winter by week's end.
I made another trip to the rooftop to clean the gutters yesterday. I guess I shouldn't have been surprised by the amount of leaves that have piled up since the last trip up there. But I was relieved that by being a bit aggressive with clearing the leaves out, it's an easier job each trip. They don't turn into leaf glop, and they tend to blow right out. (A note to myself for next season.)

Today: Rainy Periods, cool. South 5-10 High: 59

Tonight: Scattered Showers, cool. Light NW Low: 51

Wednesday: AM Shower, then slowly decreasing clouds. NW 5-10 High: 62

Thursday: Sunny, pleasant. High: 72

Friday: Mostly Sunny, warm. High: 76

Saturday: Clouds increase, 30% chance for showers. High: 70

We would vote for more weather like this past weekend.

2006-11-06T05:38:00.000-05:00

Wow whatta weekend! Friday's bright blue sky really complimented our peak Fall Foliage, and the weather only got better Saturday and Sunday. I hope everyone got a chance to enjoy some of it outdoors. I spent all day Saturday cleaning up the fallen leaves in the yard. All around the high pitched whine of electric leaf blowers and the lower sound of gas blowers and mowers let me know many others were busy as well. In the front now all but a few trees are bare, but in back I'd say 50% of the leaves are still up there. So I think this year I'm in pretty good shape. I'll climb up on the roof again today to get the leaves out one more time....and hopefully that will only happen once again this season. I'd let it go, but this next system promises to wet the area down with 1" to 2" of rain from tonight through early Wednesday morning.

Today: Mostly cloudy with a 20% chance for a shower late. SE 5-10 High: 60

Tonight: Rainy periods, cool. South 5 Low: 49

Tuesday: Rainy with a few storms. South 5-10 High: 59

Tuesday Night: Rain tapers off Low: 53

Wednesday: AM shower possible, clouds decrease. High: 68

Thursday: Mostly sunny, mild. High: 70

Friday: Mostly sunny, mild. High: 71

This Kind Of Timing Is Rare So Enjoy!

2006-11-03T05:57:00.000-05:00

This kind of timing doesn't happen very often. Crystal clear weather occurring at the peak color of Fall Foliage, and best of all it's the weekend! How many times will that happen? If you're lucky quite a few times. Realistically, only a couple of times in your life. So break out the cameras and enjoy it all! Just like Barbara Gibson and Cameille Vliestra have done.
The top picture is Cameille's and she had this to say; "I took this picture in the parking lot at Northside Presbyterian Church on Mississippi (next to Normal Park Museum Magnet School) while dropping my son, Conner, off for school. It just looked so vibrant mixed in with all the green trees. I took it with the camera on my phone so it might be a bit fuzzy, but I thought you might enjoy!"
Thanks Cameille! It is a great picture. That tree looks like it's on fire. And I'll tell you what, those camera phones are capturing more and more great images. And we love to get them and show them off on Channel 3 Eyewitness News, so keep them coming.
Barbara's picture is beautiful as well. It's that kind of cobalt blue sky in her shot that you'll be able to capture this weekend.

Today: Sunny and cool. North 5 - 10 High: 57

Football Tonight: Clear and cold. Kickoff Temp: 45 10pm: 37

Overnight: Clear, cold and frosty. Low: 29

Saturday: Sunny and Pleasant. High: 60 Low: 35

Sunday: Mostly sunny, nice. High: 62 Low: 39

Monday: Partly cloudy, mild. High: 63 Low: 47

Tuesday: Clouds Increase. Some scattered showers. High: 63

Please send your pictures to: tbenson@wrcbtv.com .

Frosty Mornings Ahead, Peak Color Right Now.

2006-11-02T05:40:00.000-05:00

There was something very appealing to me when I looked down at this single leaf on the driveway. The color contrast and the texture makes for a pretty neat shot. I have had a lot of fun the last week or so taking pictures. The color this year seemed slow to develop, but the final show has been worth the wait. However now many of the trees are shedding their showy decorations quickly. Yesterday I noticed many of the trees out front of my house are bare or nearly bare. There will still be plenty to view this weekend, but probably not much after that. And today's wind will only increase the rate of leaf-fall. "Expect at least 1/2 to 1" of leafy accumulation by Saturday morning."

Today: M. Sunny, Cool & Breezy. North winds 15 to 20 mph and gusty. High: 59
Tonight: Clear skies & frosty. Light North. Low: 32

Friday: Sunny, but still cool. High: 57

Saturday: Sunny. High: 61

Sunday: Mostly Sunny. High: 60

Monday: Partly cloudy, 20% chance for a light shower. High: 62

Mulch-Fest '06 A Three Week Extravaganza - Ugh!

2006-11-01T05:41:00.000-05:00

I'm pretty proud of myself. For the first Autumn in years I remembered to mow over the leaves first before attaching the bagger. (O.K., it doesn't take much with me.) Every year this battle to keep the yard picked up begins in late October and almost always finishes on the day before Thanksgiving. I'm not a neat-nick when it comes to the lawn, it's just that soggy leaves are really a mess to clean up. And I have had years when wet weather kept me from getting them up, and then it snowed on them. That's really a mess in the Spring. So it's man versus nature for the next three weeks. So far I'm ahead.....but for how long? By the way I was humming "Up On The Rooftop" on my way up the ladder yesterday. Round three of gutter cleaning. By the looks of the maples, one or two more trips topside should take care of it for the year.
Some more scattered showers and a few rumbles of thunder today and tonight, then more blue skies this weekend. It will be chilly, but it should be a nice weekend to enjoy the fall foliage....ahem....unless you're enjoying chewing it to pieces and hauling it off the yard.

Today: Some morning sunshine, then scattered showers and a few storms. SW wind 5-10. High: 70

Tonight: Showers Early. Mostly cloudy & Cool. NW 10-15. Low: 46

Thursday: Becoming mostly sunny, cool and breezy. North 15 to 20 mph and gusty. High: 59

Thursday night: Clear and cold. Low: 32

Friday: Sunny but cool. High: 58

Saturday: Sunny and cool. High: 59

Sunday: Partly cloudy, pleasant. High: 61

A Warm Halloween Followed By A Bit Of A Chill.

2006-10-31T06:25:00.000-05:00

The trees around the Tennessee Valley are spectacular right now. Driving around the area yesterday, I couldn't help but marvel at the patchwork of color gracing the mountains. And up close the color is even better. But the tale of a short color season was being told this morning has I drove into work. A breeze was blowing across Signal Mountain causing a literal blizzard of leaves in my headlights. And in my yard the annual leaf-alanche is only days away. Let mulch-fest '06 begin.
A slow moving cold front will ease into the area late today through Thursday, bringing us some scattered light showers. And then the chilly air arrives this weekend. Nothing drastic, but we will end up seeing highs about 8 degrees below average Friday and Saturday.

Today: Some Sun. 20% chance for a light shower late today. SW wind 5-10. High: 71

Trick Or Treat: 5pm: 69 20% chance for a light shower.
8 pm: 60 30% chance for a light shower.

Tonight: Cloudy with light showers. Low: 52

Wednesday: Mostly cloudy with a few light showers from time to time. High: 66

Thursday: Mostly sunny. High: 62

Friday: Sunny. High: 58

Saturday: Sunny. High: 59

A Real Treat For Now, Then Chillier.

2006-10-30T07:22:00.000-05:00

It was nice to see the weather clearing out Saturday morning after a very sloppy Friday. Saturday afternoon Dudley and I took a long stroll to enjoy the breezy and cool conditions. I think he really took pleasure in the added attraction of a new adventure as we took off on a few formerly unexplored side streets. Duds was in full nasal heaven and seemed to really appreciate the many stops I made to snap some pictures. I'll post them in the days to come along with some of your shots that have been e-mailed in. Keep them coming to : tbenson@wrcbtv.com .
Sunday was one of those pure blue days that October is so well known for. I spent a little time in the yard trying to keep up with the carpet of orange, yellow, and red that's now piling up quickly. I began thinking I'm glad I broke out the camera when I did, as rapidly as the leaves are falling. I wish these vivid colors and blue skies would hang around a bit longer.

Today: Sunny and Warm. South 5-10 High: 77

Tonight: Fair and Cool. Light SW Winds. Low: 47

Tuesday: Clouds Increase, Mild. SW Winds 5-10. High: 70

Trick Or Treating: Mostly cloudy at 5pm: 67
30% For A Shower 8 pm: 58
30% For A Shower 10pm: 57

Wednesday: 30% For a light shower. High: 66

Thursday: Partly cloudy, cooler. High: 63

Friday: Mostly Sunny. High: 58

A Soaking, Then Some Wind And A Warm Treat.

2006-10-27T06:40:00.000-04:00

Quick post on a very wet morning. Rainfall will continue through early afternoon before tapering off, but we'll have to watch for additional showers and a few storms developing later today. Much of the weekend looks pretty good especially Sunday. Have a great weekend!

Today: Rain and Storms. Rain will be heavy at times. South winds 10 to 15 mph and gusty. High: 63

Friday Night Football: Showery and breezy. Kickoff temp: 59 Game's end: 56
Overnight: Showers Taper Off, cool and breezy. West wind 15 to 20 and gusty. Low: 49

Saturday: Brief early morning shower. Clouds decrease during the day and becoming windy. NW winds 15 to 25 and gusty. High: 59

Saturday night: Fair and chilly. Low: 49

Sunday: Mostly sunny and pleasant. High: 66

Monday: Mostly sunny. High: 71

Tuesday: Good For Ghouls. Partly cloudy. High: 70

Heavy Rainfall Heads Our Way Once Again.

2006-10-26T05:39:00.000-04:00

So far this month we have recorded 4.14" of rainfall which is 1.48" above normal. And many locations should pick up another 2" to 3" before this wraps up very early Saturday morning. October is normally our driest month with just 7 rainy days. This October we have already had 6 days with rain. Add three more today, Friday, and Saturday. Today we're only looking at scattered light showers. But rainfall will be heavy at times Friday and Friday night. So it looks like muddy fields for Friday Night Football fans.

Today: Mostly cloudy with scattered light showers. South wind 5-10 mph. High: 59

Tonight: Rainy Periods, cool. South wind 5 mph. Low: 51

Friday: Rain and a few thunderstorms. Rain will be heavy at times. SW Winds 10 to 15 mph and gusty. High: 60

Friday Night: Rain, heavy at times. Low: 53

Saturday: Early AM Shower, Then Clouds Decrease. High: 59

Sunday: Mostly Sunny. High: 67

Monday: Mostly Sunny. High: 71

Frosty Start This Morning, More Rain A Comin'.

2006-10-25T09:59:00.000-04:00

Brrrrrr! The heat felt good this morning. The temperature officially dipped to 34 in Chattanooga, but some locations East of the city were quite a bit colder.

Blairsville: 25
Ellijay, Blue Ridge, and The Bledsoe State Forest: 26
Decatur, LaFayette, and Murphy: 28

Looks like that will do it for the really cold mornings for awhile. A new system is gathering steam in the Plains States today, so we should start to get wet by tomorrow. But the heaviest rainfall should occur on Friday. Right now it looks like it will get out of the way by the weekend. But average rainfall amounts Thursday and Friday combined will end up around 1 1/2" in most spots.

Today: Mostly cloudy and cool. SE Wind 5 mph. High: 60

Tonight: Clouds thicken, a few showers late. Low: 41

Thursday: Rain Moves In, Chilly. SW Wind 5-10. High: 53

Thursday Night: Rainy periods. Low: 50

Friday: Rainy and cool. High: 61

Saturday: Partly cloudy. High: 63

Sunday: Mostly sunny. High: 66

Springlike Temps Today, Back To Fall This Weekend.

2006-10-18T05:41:00.000-04:00

It was a pleasant surprise yesterday to find most of the trees still have most of their leaves. After the windy conditions late Monday night and early Tuesday morning I was a little concerned that many branches would be bare. The colors are really coming on strong now, and barring another big wind event we should have some beautiful foliage to enjoy this year. Send any shots you take this fall to me at tbenson@wrcbtv.com , and we'll show them off on Channel 3 Eyewitness News Today.
Foggy this morning, but turning Spring-like this afternoon. Another front will push through Thursday evening and bring us a light shot of rain and cooler temps this weekend.

Today: Fog burns off by 10am, then mostly sunny and warm. West wind 5 mph. High: 82

Tonight: Fair Skies, patchy fog late. Low: 58

Thursday: Partly cloudy, some scattered storms late. SW 5-10 mph. High: 78

Friday: A morning shower possible, then partly cloudy and cooler. High: 67

Saturday: Mostly sunny, pleasant. High: 70

Sunday: Partly cloudy with a chance for a scattered storm. High: 67

Rain And Wind Abate, Up And Down Spate

2006-10-17T05:57:00.000-04:00

Here's a shot of the Channel 3 Storm Alert Doppler Radar atop Signal Mountain framed by the reds of Autumn. I took this shot on Saturday while taking the Dud-meister for an extended walk. It will be interesting to see how much color is left after winds gusting to more than 40 mph in the higher elevations knocked out power to parts of Signal and Lookout overnight. Even some valley locations had power interruptions this morning.
As of 7 am we have picked up 1.36" of rainfall just since midnight. Doppler radar rainfall estimates right now range from 3" in Jackson County, AL near Scottsboro, to just .6" in parts of Whitfield County, GA near Dalton.
Rain and winds will wind down as we head through the morning hours, and we should be dry until Thursday afternoon when we could pick up another .25" to .5" of rain. Cool and dry weather is expected for Friday and Saturday.

Today: Rainy and windy early. South 15-25 mph and gusty. Winds settling down this afternoon with a few peeks of sun. High: 71

Tonight: Gradual clearing with foggy areas late. Low: 57

Wednesday: Morning Fog, then partly cloudy and warm. High: 82

Thursday: Partly cloudy start, scattered afternoon and evening storms. High: 74

Friday: Partly cloudy and cooler. High: 66

Saturday: Mostly sunny. High: 68

More Pics From The Nina. Wet Weather Sails In.

2006-10-16T05:33:00.000-04:00

I thought I'd post a few more pictures from "The Nina" taken last Thursday downtown. The crew seems to do a great job with the impromptu classroom sessions they do with the kids visiting the boat. Inside the only above deck enclosure, it is very close quarters. I'm still amazed that such a small boat could go so far, with so little in the way of men and supplies. The Nina will be downtown through the 23rd, so you have some time to check out this very accurate replica of nautical history.
Cold mornings this past weekend. Yesterday we tied a record low of 34 in Chattanooga. This morning we're waking up to temperatures some 20 degrees warmer. Two systems combine to bring us hefty rainfall totals the next 48 hours, a surface low over the Gulf, and an upper low over New Mexico. Once we pick up 1.5" to 2.5" of rain, a warm and dry Wednesday is in store for us. Then another front with scattered showers Thursday. Cooler and dry again on Friday.
Today: Rainy periods, cool. SE 10-15+ High: 61

Tonight: Rain, heavy at times. Windy. South 15-20+ Low: 57

Tuesday: Rainy periods, a few storms. South 10-20+ High: 68

Wednesday: Partly cloudy and warm. High: 80

Thursday: Scattered showers. High: 77

Friday: Partly cloudy, cooler. High: 67

Nina In Town. We "Discover" A New World Of Cold

2006-10-13T06:27:00.000-04:00

I had the chance to visit "The Nina" yesterday at Ross's Landing, and I really think it's worth the trip to see. Growing up a lot of history didn't do much for me, but the early sailors and explorers always grabbed my attention. Guys like Leif Erikson, Vasco De Gama, Christopher Columbus, Ernest Shackelton, and James Cook. Think about the limited technology they had and what they accomplished by knowing wind and waves, and either surviving or avoiding the storms that came their way. Shackelton's survival and navigation is regarded as one of the most remarkable in nautical history. And recently NOAA scientists equipped with sonar and GPS were stunned by the accuracy of Cook's nautical charts of Prince William Sound in Alaska. They found that he and his crew were amazingly accurate with their depths and positions using only a sextant and a weight and a string to create their maps. And the only places that were wrong were those places that were uplifted by the 1964 earthquake. So when you step aboard "The Nina" replica, you get an idea of what the early sailors had to deal with. The ship is really a boat. I always thought Columbus had huge vessels to make those crossings, but that's just not the case. And his crew slept on the deck with water sloshing back and forth all night long. So check it out if you have a chance. I may post a few more pictures Monday for those who can't make it.
BRRRRRRRRRRRR! Here's a look at some morning lows this morning:

25 Bledsoe State Forest
30 Dayton, Athens
31 Decatur, Sale Creek Mountain
33 Altamont, Prentice Cooper State Forest, Lookout Mountain
39 Cleveland, WRCB-TV 3

Winds stayed up overnight so not many reports of frost this morning, but we should get some frost reports in the morning as Chattanooga drops to the upper 30s by daybreak. Outlying areas will be a bit cooler, but there will be very little if any wind by daybreak. Other than that, a nice weekend ahead so feel free to "explore" the world outside. Some much needed rain moves back in next week.

Today: Mostly sunny, cool & breezy. NW 10-15+ High: 64

Friday Night Football: Clear and Quite Chilly. Kickoff: 58
10pm: 46

Overnight: Clear & Cold with patchy frost. Low: 38

Saturday: Sunny. High: 70

Sunday: Mostly Sunny. 73

Monday: Rain moves in. High: 68

Tuesday: Showers and Storms. High: 76

Have a great weekend matey!

FALL-ing Temperatures & Patchy Frost?

2006-10-12T05:38:00.000-04:00

At several locations yesterday folks were telling me how much they have been enjoying the weather lately. And who could argue? Sure it's been a little dry, but the afternoon strolls with Dudley have been awesome. I took the camera with us the other day to snap some shots of the changing leaves. And things are beginning to look very nice with the reds and oranges really popping now.
The arctic air is plowing southward through the Midwest this morning with a patch of light showers moving southeast out of Kansas. This light rain will be drying up as it heads our way, but we should still see a sprinkle or light shower from this late this afternoon or this evening. Colder air will make for a chilly day Friday, and for Friday Night Football fans. The cold point will be Saturday morning, but right now I think we miss a widespread frost for two reasons, 1) temps just don't get that cold and 2) A light west or northwest wind should stay with us overnight Friday night. But some patchy frost may form is some of the sheltered valley locations. Overall the weekend looks great with a warming trend by Sunday. The first part of next week we should get some much needed rainfall.

Today: After a sunny start, clouds will increase. Then a few light showers across the area late this afternoon into this evening. NW winds 10-15 and gusty. High: 66
Tonight: A light shower early, then mostly cloudy late. Low: 44
Friday: Sunshine returns, but it will be cool and breezy. High: 63 NW winds 10-15 and gusty.
Saturday morning: Patchy frost possible with lows in the upper 30s.
Saturday afternoon: Mostly sunny. High: 69
Sunday: Partly cloudy, warmer. High: 76
Monday: Rain likely. High: 73

Some Rain, But Not Nearly Enough. Chilly Though.

2006-10-11T05:42:00.000-04:00

Here are a few pictures taken during the Paddlefish Project's first stocking at Loch-Low-Minn near Athens, Tennessee. 70 of these "living dinosaurs" were delivered to this inland diving mecca in late September. This project is part of the Junior Advanced Open Water Class at Choo-Choo Diving. Some of the young scientists were on hand for the big day to release the fish. They have been testing water quality for months as seen in the middle picture. Pictured are Kevin Brown, Kristina Fusco, and Jamie Fox. The Tennessee Aquarium's Rob Mottice brought the paddlefish to McMinn County from a fish farm in Kentucky. He's shown here explaining (To our Matt Johnson, manning the Channel 3 camera.) the electrical receptors the fish have on their paddles that help them locate the plankton they eat. Paddlefish swim with their mouths wide open while they are filter feeding. I hope you got to see the story that ran on Channel 3 Eyewitness News. By the way there is a strong tie-in for this blog fishy weather. Rob and the crew had an very stormy night in Kentucky before they brought the fish here. And they had to slowly drive through several blinding downpours on I-75 as well. We dodged the rain that Saturday that doused McMinn County west of I-75 with more than 4". We were very lucky to stay dry.
Even though we need more rain, there's not a lot of it coming in the next 5 days. Some scattered showers this morning brought only a trace of rain to Channel 3. We should see a bit of sun through the clouds and make it into the mid 70s this afternoon. And our first front arrives later today with some scattered storms. There is some limited potential for a strong to severe storm this afternoon. We clear out tonight and see partly cloudy skies to start Thursday. Late Thursday afternoon into Thursday evening a few more clouds and maybe a sprinkle or two. Then mostly sunny breezy and cooler on Friday. I still don't think we'll see a widespread frost Saturday morning, but it will be pretty cold. Then we warm up Saturday and Sunday. Our next chance for soaking rains comes up Monday through Wednesday next week.

Today: Mostly cloudy with some peeks of sun. Scattered storms this afternoon. High: 76

Tonight: Clouds decrease, and turning a bit cooler. Low: 53

Thursday: Partly cloudy, cool and breezy. A few sprinkles possible Thursday afternoon. Northwest winds 10 to 15 mph and gusty. High: 67

Friday: Mostly sunny, cool and breezy. High: 63

Saturday morning low: 37

Saturday afternoon: Partly cloudy and cool. High: 69

Sunday: Partly cloudy and a bit warmer. High: 74

Plenty Of Weather Players On The Field

2006-10-10T05:37:00.000-04:00

A few more pictures from this weekend's Tennessee River Rescue dive. There were a few whitecaps on the lake by the time we finished up as the winds never really let up Saturday morning. In the middle my dive buddy for the day John Ingram gearing up, and finally yours truly as "The Creature From The Black Lagoon". For awhile I was thinking the visibility was pretty good compared to last year. Then we moved into an area where we couldn't see a thing. But we were still putting cans in the bag....by feel. Even the dive light didn't do any good. But it was a very fun day and I really enjoyed it in spite of the blustery conditions.
The weather pattern has shifted into high gear. Yesterday snow began flying in Colorado. This morning severe storms are erupting in Texas. There's potential for a lot of weather pictures from across the country the next few days. In fact from hail and wind to snow and sleet a whole cornucopia of weather will occur almost a full month ahead of schedule. The first system heads from the southern plains to the upper Midwest today. The trailing cold from pushes through here tomorrow afternoon into tomorrow evening with some scattered showers and thunderstorms. There's some potential for a few storms to become strong to severe tomorrow. Some cooler air behind front number one Wednesday night into Thursday. Front number two swings through quickly early Thursday packing some wind and chilly air. Behind this front a patch of showers should swing through Thursday afternoon and Thursday evening. Then cold from Friday morning through Saturday. But probably not cold enough for widespread frost Saturday morning. I think temperatures will be marginal for frost in most locations and enough of a breeze stays blowing across the area Friday night that we avoid problems for plants. Then a bit warmer Sunday. But certainly a lot of weather action to look at the next several days.

Today: After a sunny start, high clouds will increase. Southwest winds 5 - 10 mph. High: 82

Tonight: Mostly cloudy and mild with a slight chance for a shower late. Low: 60

Wednesday: Mostly cloudy with scattered storms from afternoon on. High: 77

Thursday: Dry early with scattered showers Thursday afternoon into Thursday evening. Becoming windy and colder. Low Friday morning: 42

Friday: Mostly sunny, but windy and chilly. High: 62

Low Saturday morning: 38

Saturday: Mostly sunny but cool. High: 67

By the way, I told several divers Saturday even though it's chilly today, we're going to be glad we're diving today rather than next Saturday. Even though the water temperature won't change much.....38 Saturday morning instead of the low 50s we had last weekend? Fooogittaaboudit....doze are some divin' temps....not divin' temps if ya know what I mean.

A Great Weekend. Cold Stuff Ahead.

2006-10-09T07:22:00.000-04:00

Saturday morning was a chilly one for all the people who volunteered for the 18th Annual Tennessee River Rescue. The air temperature was 53 degrees at 8 am with Northeast winds at 10 mph making it feel like it was in the 40s. But the water was a full 20 degrees warmer and felt downright toasty. Nearly 60 divers came out to clean up this year, and I think the on-shore folks had a great turnout as well. Once again a lot of plastic cups and bottles out there, but fortunately most of the bottles were not broken. My dive buddy John Ingram and I pulled up two bags of garbage, one tire, and one boat ladder. It looked like most of the dive teams were averaging two bags of garbage as well. Think about this, the swimming area near the Chickamauga Dam has been cleaned by divers 3 times in the last year. Last October for the river rescue, last April on Earth Day, and Saturday. And three trailers were pretty full with garbage after Saturday's diving was done. So either this ONE spot was horribly polluted, or people have been very efficient litterbugs since April. I sure hope it's just a pile that's getting smaller rather than a never ending case of laziness. I'll post a few more pictures over the next few days.
Our weather will be swinging up and down rather wildly this week. I'm going to have to put my brother in Northern Illinois on snow watch. They might see some before the week is out. This would be wayyyyyyyyyyy earlier for them. But I can remember some rather chilly nights when you needed a heavy coat trick-or-treating. But I don't recall any with flurries flying. For us, we should see above normal warmth today and tomorrow, scattered storms Wednesday and Thursday, with colder conditions taking over Thursday and Friday. I better have the Fall heating checkup taken care of this week.

Today: Mostly sunny and warmer. High: 80

Tuesday: Partly cloudy and pleasant. High: 82

Wednesday: Clouds increase with scattered showers and storms. Some could be strong to possibly severe. High: 76

Thursday: Scattered showers and a few storms. High: 69

Friday morning's low: 42

Friday: Partly cloudy, cold and breezy. High: Near 60, but a lot of locations may stay in the 50s. With wind, that will feel pretty chilly much of the day.

A Bit On The Windy Side

2006-10-06T05:43:00.000-04:00

Another quick sunset shot from last weekend in Southern Illinois. This one seems to have better color when seen full-sized, so click on it and enjoy the rose hues of a late September evening.
Yikes! I had to turn the air conditioner back on at home yesterday afternoon. We hit 88 in Chattanooga, and it was unseasonably steamy as well. But the switcheroo happened last evening as the front that brought us the rainfall pushed through. It's already breezy this morning, and it will be windy this afternoon. Winds should increase to 15 to 20 mph and gusty. Clouds will decrease, but the sunshine will be offset by the northerly windflow.
The rest of the weekend looks fine. I hope you get a chance to enjoy some time outdoors.

Today: Sunshine returns. Windy and cooler. North winds 15 to 20 mph and gusty. High: 75

Friday Night Football: Fair, cool and breezy. Kickoff: 68 10pm: 59

Overnight: Clear and Chilly. Low: 48

Saturday: Sunny and pleasant. Still a bit breezy. North 10 mph. High: 73

Sunday: Mostly sunny. High: 76

Monday: Mostly sunny. High: 80

Tuesday: Partly cloudy. High: 78

Have a great weekend!

A Little Bit Of Rain, Then A Pleasantly Cool Weekend

2006-10-05T05:15:00.000-04:00

There's nothing special about this picture. I just liked the texture of the fungus growing on this oak tree. This is a great month to spend some time in the woods, and this weekend looks awesome for a Fall hike. Color is beginning to show atop Signal Mountain. But I've noticed some of the trees I took pictures of last year that were brilliant red, are more purple and not as vivid this year. But it's still early and these colors could really pop in the days to come.
Our next front is still on schedule to arrive later today and bring a few showers with it. But it still looks like only .1" to .25" of rain on average across the area. Cooler for the weekend, but not drastically so. But this system will be interesting to watch off the Outer Banks of North Carolina over the weekend. It could wind up into quite a storm.

Today: Partly cloudy and warm for most of the day. Then a few showers and storms from late this afternoon into this evening. High: 86

Tonight: Showers early, then mostly cloudy overnight. Low: 59

Friday: Becoming mostly sunny, breezy and cooler. North winds 15 to 20 mph and gusty. High: 75

Saturday: Mostly Sunny and cool. High: 76

Sunday: Mostly Sunny and cool. High: 77

Monday: Mostly sunny and pleasant. High: 80

Mornings over the weekend will be a bit chilly. Most areas should be in the 40s Saturday and Sunday mornings.

October Finally Returns This Weekend

2006-10-04T05:37:00.000-04:00

There have been plenty of times I haven't had my camera handy and missed something. But just as often I have it ready and the subject fails to show. Each morning about two blocks from the station a deer has been grazing just off the road. Same spot, same time. Yesterday I had the camera ready and the window rolled down, and.........nothing. But an ambulance was zooming by with siren wailing so that might have had something to do with it. Yesterday morning some guardrail work was being done there, so "Bucky" was a no show again this morning. I'll give it one more try tomorrow morning and if he's not there again, I'll cry "uncle" and probably see him Friday morning. I did however manage to have the camera handy over the weekend to capture this beautiful sunset in Southern Illinois.
Man has there been some heat to our northwest. Yesterday Moline, Illinois hit 95 and Peoria, Illinois hit 93. Both readings were all time records for October.
We'll be warm again today and tomorrow, then some cooler readings for the upcoming weekend. And inbetween a little rainfall late tomorrow into tomorrow night. With the emphasis on LITTLE. Most locations will end up with 1/4" or less.

Today: Mostly sunny and warm. High: 86

Tonight: Fair skies with patchy fog late. Low: 60

Thursday: Partly cloudy start, then clouds increase. Scattered showers late. High: 84

Friday: Mostly sunny and a bit cooler. High: 76

Saturday: Mostly sunny and cool. High: 74

Sunday: Mostly sunny and pleasant. High: 77

Batman Still Hanging Around, But For How Long?

2006-10-03T05:14:00.000-04:00

Click on this picture to see the full sized version and you'll see Batman making his world wide web debut. And batgirl is also in the picture. Sunday afternoon I could hear them chattering at each other, so I grabbed the camera to get some shots of my living barometer. For those who don't know, batman has been living in the vent near the roof of the garage for years. There's a screen on the inside so he can't actually get into the garage, but apparently it's a great place to hang out. In the Spring if it gets warm and stays warm, batman returns. In the Fall if it gets cold and is going to stay cold, batman heads back to whatever cave he winters in. So far we have had a couple of brief chilly snaps, but nothing sustained. And batman is still there. So I'm curious whether his stay in the garage is triggered by the length of day, or maybe his food source drying up. If it's a freeze that kills off whatever insects he feasts on, then his retreat makes perfect sense. I may never know for sure. But I have enjoyed watching him and watching the weather that sends my batty little barometer on his seasonal migration.
The big question I have is how long will we stay unseasonably warm? In the Spring and Fall when you see a big upswing in temperatures, there's usually a big drop down the road. And if the models have the right idea this morning, a big dip in the jetstream may form from the plains into the Tennessee Valley sometime around the 18th of October. Obviously that's in the arena of pure speculation weather-wise, but it will be something to watch since the short term is not that interesting right now. (Will it be the chill that sends batman heading for the hills?)

Today: Mostly sunny and warm. High: 85

Tonight: Fair and cool. Low: 56

Wednesday: Mostly sunny and warm again. High: 86

Thursday: Partly cloudy and warm with a 30% chance for a shower or storm from afternoon into Thursday evening. High: 81

Friday: Mostly sunny and a bit cooler. High: 75

Saturday: Sunny and pleasant. High: 76

Sunday: Mostly sunny. High: 77

Is It Really October?

2006-10-02T05:11:00.000-04:00

We spent some time traveling this past weekend up into the Ohio River valley, and it was interesting to see how muddy the Tennessee and the Ohio Rivers were after very heavy rainfall last week up in Kentucky and Southern Illinois. Late last week, there were locations up there that picked up 7" to 10" amounts with some locations in Southern Illinois getting more than 11"! Friday's front allowed some cooler air to spill southward, and that's hitch-hiking weather. Monarch butterflies use the push of air from fronts to help them glide southward this time of year. And there were a lot of them crossing the interstate from north to south this weekend. Look closely in the morning hours and you may be treated to a tree or bush full of them this time of year.
Above is a dogwood tree showing it's Autumn color taken this weekend. Southern Illinois seems to be one to two weeks from peak color. My brother lives at the other end of the state, and it sounds like the color is peaking right now. Around home, I noticed some of the maple trees downtown by Finley Stadium look split vertically. Half green, half yellow. Temperatures are anything but October-like though. In fact you may go back to air conditioning through mid week.

Today: Mostly sunny and warm. High: 85

Tonight: Clear and cool. Low: 55

Tuesday: Mostly sunny and warm. High: 85

Wednesday: Mostly sunny and warm again. High: 86

Thursday: Partly cloudy with a 20% chance for a shower or storm. High: 82

Friday: Mostly sunny and a bit cooler. High: 78

Swing Time For Temps

2006-09-29T05:12:00.000-04:00

"When you get the chance, slow down when you take a hike." When I see a friend's advice in print it's really kind of funny. Because like most people, I feel like I'm always in high gear. And when I do get a chance to take a walk in the woods, I find myself heading out on the trail like I have to cover the whole thing before the clock runs out. Then I realize there's no rush, and I see things I would have missed. The small stuff. Like the picture above of some pine seedlings sprouting up from the middle of a rotting log. There's no rush here in the wilderness. While we say time flys, in nature it slowly marches on. Think of how long this log has been decomposing to the point where it's a fertile plot for these new trees to take root. Will they be covered in leaves this Fall and die out by Spring? Or will the right amount of moisture and sunlight hit this patch of forest floor, so one day a tall pine shades the way for a future hiker?

Our weather this weekend will be perfect for pondering such small things while enjoying a hike. Abundant sunshine today will help move readings back into the upper 60s to low 70s this afternoon. Chilly tomorrow morning. In Chattanooga we'll drop into the low to mid 40s, but there could be some patchy frost away from the city Saturday morning. This morning some spots were in the upper 30s, and tomorrow morning there could be a few mid 30s. We'll get back into the mid 70s Saturday afternoon. Another front sweeps through late Saturday night, and we could see a few light showers or sprinkles with this but that's about it. Then look for a big warm-up next week with highs back into the mid 80s by Tuesday and Wednesday.

Today: Mostly sunny and cool. High: 69

Tonight: Fair and chilly. Low: 44

Saturday: Partly cloudy and pleasant. High: 76

Saturday night: A few light showers possible. Low: 54

Sunday: Partly cloudy and mild. High: 79

Monday: Mostly sunny. High: 83

Tuesday: Sunny. High: 85

Ups And Downs Of Autumn

2006-09-28T05:31:00.000-04:00

Another gorgeous day across the valley yesterday with a high in Chattanooga of 82. Two more fronts the next five days, one today and another on Sunday. Today's front is triggering some scattered showers this morning, and will open the door to cooler temps this afternoon and tonight. I think after a showery first half of the day, this afternoon becomes breezy with some sunshine through the clouds. Then quiet and generally cool Friday and Saturday. Late Saturday night and Sunday morning we could see a few sprinkles or light showers, but most areas only see a trace of rain during that time frame. And most of Sunday looks fine. Next week look for temperatures to swing back to above normal levels. In fact the air conditioning may come back on as we see numbers in the low to mid 80s.

Today: Showery early, then breezy and cooler this afternoon with a few breaks in the clouds. NW 10-15 mph and gusty. High: 72

Tonight: Fair skies and chilly. Low: 49

Friday: Mostly sunny and cool. High: 69

Saturday: Mostly sunny and pleasant. High: 73

Saturday night: A few sprinkles possible late. Low: 54

Sunday: Partly cloudy and pleasant. High: 78

Monday: Mostly sunny and warmer. High: 83

Fronts Sweep Through Quickly, Then Disappear

2006-09-27T05:09:00.000-04:00

Even though the weather a couple of weeks ago was dry, a recent walk in the woods revealed some of nature's smaller, yet most important life forms....fungi. It seems there was just enough moisture for a variety of mushrooms and toadstools to poke up through the ground and provide a feast for the eyes. It didn't occur to me when I took this picture, but now that it has been posted, the tops of these mushrooms look kind of like sesame seed buns. And the two little guys in back look like pawns that have escaped from a nearby chess board.
A couple of fronts will sweep through the area in the next 5 days. One tomorrow and another on Sunday. The first front should stir up scattered showers and a few storms from mid morning to early afternoon, then drop temperatures Friday and Saturday. Another front should zip through on Sunday and could trigger a few sprinkles when it passes by. But overall Sunday should be dry.

Today: Mostly sunny and a bit warmer. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph and gusty with highs near 80.

Tonight: Clouds increase with a slight chance for a shower by daybreak. Low: 57

Thursday: Scattered showers and a few storms, then breezy and cooler. Winds turning to Northwest 10 to 15 mph and gusty. High: 72

Friday: Partly cloudy and cooler. High: 69 Lows dropping into the 30s by Saturday morning in parts of the Tennessee Valley. 44 in Chattanooga.

Saturday: Mostly sunny and pleasant. High: 70

Sunday: Partly cloudy with a slight chance for a light shower or a few sprinkles. High: 76

Sunshine And Sunflowers

2006-09-26T05:40:00.000-04:00

Thanks this morning to Kathy Davis for sending this picture of September sunflowers. It's a beauty, and I'm glad she's sharing it with everyone.
Weather-wise things look pretty nice for the next few days. We'll see a lot of sunshine today and tomorrow with big swings in temperatures from the morning hours into the afternoons. Our next front comes whipping through here on Thursday. Right now the air is pretty dry and the speed of this front won't allow much moisture return. So I think most areas get less than 1/4" of rain on Thursday. What will grab your attention is the cooler air behind this front Friday and Saturday. Another front may breeze through here on Sunday with a few mainly light showers.

Today: Sunny and nice. High: 77

Tonight: Clear and chilly. Low: 52

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, pleasant. High: 80

Thursday: Scattered showers a few thunderstorms early. High: 71

Friday: Mostly sunny, cool and breezy. High: 68

Saturday: Sunny and cool. Morning lows around 44 in Chattanooga, but outlying areas should drop into the upper 30s. High: 71

The Department of Homeland Security announced yesterday that $5 million dollars has been made available to put NOAA weather radios in all 97,000 public schools in the U.S.. Tennessee and North Carolina are among six states that already mandate the weather radios are in place in schools. But they will still get the most up to date models. Delivery is supposed to take place in October. That's great news, and perhaps long overdue.

Underwater UFO Mystery Surfaces

2006-09-25T12:45:00.000-04:00

I'm going to let a picture of the famous "Spaceship House" from here on Signal Mountain suffice for an introduction to this post. You see I've always enjoyed a good science fiction book, television show, or movie. I grew up watching "Star Trek", and was bananas over "Star Wars". And I can't count the times I have watched all or part of "Sphere", which combines diving and the discovery of a UFO wayyyyyyyyyyyy down deep. So today imagine my surprise and interest in a legitimate UFO mystery that has been discovered underwater.
A dive team has located the wreckage of an Air Force F-89 that went down in Lake Superior in 1953. Like all good mysteries this one began when a radar operator reported a UFO and the F-89 on the radar screen merging into one image, then disappearing.
Today's sonar allows divers to look for wrecks and find them with amazing resolution even hundreds of feet deep. If you have ever seen "Deep Sea Detectives" you know what I'm talking about. So the images have been released of this plane wreckage and the UFO today, and you have to check them out at http://www.divester.com . Make sure you follow the links to see all of the pictures and the historical account of what was being reported in November of 1953.
What's awesome is this mystery will surely be solved with time. There are very sophisticated remotely operated vehicles or ROVs that can explore such deep sites. And this story has enough intrigue to make an awesome episode for "Deep Sea Detectives" or some other show.
There's probably some very simple answer to what the round object is near the aircraft. But on the other hand...........it brings to mind a line from the movie "Contact". Jodie Foster's character looks up at the night sky and says, "If we are the only ones, it seems like an awful waste of space."

Drying Out After Hefty Rainfall This Weekend

2006-09-25T05:10:00.000-04:00

Officially Chattanooga recorded 2.42" of rain from Friday through Sunday, but most of our Channel 3 Storm Alert Skywatchers had 3" to 5". I had 4" at Casa Benson atop Signal Mountain, and let me tell you coming home from work Saturday night the water was rushing down the "W" road and actually bouncing off the walls of the "W" around 9:00 pm. It looked like a ride at a water park. But it was much worse to our north and northwest. Much of Roane, Knox, and Loudon counties in Tennessee were under water with reports of standing water in several locations 4 to 5 feet deep. Flooding was even worse in much of Kentucky where parts of the Bluegrass State saw 5" to 10" of rain. And Doppler radar estimates put rainfall in Southern Illinois at over 11".
For us much drier air settles in for the next few days, and for anyone who works outside this will be a pleasant week overall. But some rain will enter the picture late Thursday into Friday with another front that will pound temperatures into the 60s for highs Friday afternoon.

Today: Partly cloudy and pleasant. North wind 5 to 10 mph. High: 76

Tonight: Clear and chilly. Calm wind. Low: 51

Tuesday: Sunny and Nice. Light North. High: 77

Wednesday: Mostly Sunny and Pleasant. High: 78

Thursday: Clouds increase with some showers and a few storms late. High: 74

Friday: Morning showers, then partly cloudy cool and breezy during the afternoon. High: 68

Springlike Storm May Produce Severe Storms Here

2006-09-22T05:28:00.000-04:00

Here's another snapshot from Savage Gulf of some beautiful flowers growing in one of the stream beds. When you pick up one of the trail maps, these flowers are featured inside but not identified. I tried to do an internet search for Tennessee wildflowers, but most were Spring bloomers. So I'm not sure what these are, but the closest I could find was the Crimson Bee Balm / Oswego Tea. And I don't think that's it. So if anyone knows for sure let me know by e-mail: tbenson@wrcbtv.com .
The weather is looking more spring-like than fall-like this weekend. A potent storm system is moving into the upper Midwest today and could produce a large outbreak of severe weather from eastern Oklahoma through Arkansas, Northern Mississippi, Western Tennessee, Southern Illinois and the eastern half of Missouri. We probably won't have to worry about any severe storms until Sunday when the front sweeps through. But we will have to deal with showery periods and a few storms today and Saturday.

Today: Mostly cloudy with scattered showers and a few storms. South winds 10 to 15 mph. High: 78

Friday Night Football: Warm and breezy with a 30% chance for a shower at gametime. Kickoff Temp: 74 10 pm: 70

Overnight: Mostly cloudy 20% for a few showers. Low: 68

Saturday: Mostly cloudy with scattered showers and a few storms. Windy. Southwest Winds 10 to 20 mph and gusty. High: 85

Sunday: Showers and storms likely. Some could be strong to severe. High: 77

Monday: Mostly sunny, cool and breezy. High: 74

Tuesday: Sunny and pleasant. High: 77

Normally we have two severe weather seasons, one in the Spring and one in the late Fall. But normally that doesn't happen until late October to mid November. The forecast models show a couple of strong systems that could keep us busy with thunderstorms from time to time over the next couple of weeks. So we may have an early secondary severe weather season.

Chilly Start, Another See 7 States Afternoon

2006-09-21T05:29:00.000-04:00

If it weren't for Winter coming next, I'd say this is my favorite time of year. As it stands I still choose Spring #1, but Autumn in the Tennessee Valley can't be beat. These last couple of afternoons have been spectacular. So I drove over to the brow of Signal Mountain to snap a couple of quick pics. Here's one of them. After such a hazy, hot summer it was nice looking over the Tennessee River to the south and all the way to the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east.

Brrrrrrrrr this morning. As of 6 am some of the chillier readings:

Bledsoe State Forest 39
Blairsville 40
Blue Ridge 43
Ellijay 43
Sale Creek Mtn. 43
Cohutta 44
Prentice Cooper S.F. 45
WRCB-TV 3 49

Today: Mostly sunny and pleasant. Southeast winds 5 - 10. High: 77

Tonight: Fair and cool. South wind 5 mph. Low: 57

Friday: Partly cloudy and breezy, with a 20% chance for a light shower late. High: 79

Saturday: Mostly cloudy with a 40% chance for showers and storms. High: 82

Sunday: Scattered showers and a few storms. High: 78

Monday: Mostly sunny and pleasant. High: 74

On this shift I'm loving the darkness coming early as I usually hit the sack around 7:30 pm. But I noticed the dwindling daylight while mowing the yard. I had a light sweatshirt on which felt good in the shady areas. There wasn't enough daylight left to finish. (At least that's my story and I'm stickin' to it.) So today it's out with the bagger for the first time. Already a lot of leaves down in my yard. I hope the color ends up being as vibrant as last year's show. Already there are touches of bright reds showing up, and with lows in the upper 30s and low 40s like we had this morning, the curtain is rising on the Fall Foliage Show '06. Let's hope it lasts longer than last year's brief but beautiful display.

Dry Conditions Shown By What's Missing.

2006-09-20T06:30:00.000-04:00

Todd Yakoubian our former weekend meteorologist was in town last week, and we took a quick trip up to Savage Gulf to spend a very pleasant afternoon hiking. I visited the park back in April, and I was telling Todd how nice the waterfalls were up there. Unfortunately, being nearly 10 inches below average rainfall has some drastic effects on streams on the plateau. In fact we initially took the wrong trail, hiking right past what was a roaring falls back in April. So I'm posting two sets of pictures this morning so you can see the difference between April '06 and September '06. There is still plenty to see at Savage Gulf, so I still think it's worth the trip....especially with this kind of weather. But it's going to take some big time rainfall to get the water rushing down the mountain again.
Morning lows in the higher elevations were down into the 40s this morning. And even Dayton and Murphy dropped into the upper 40s shortly before sunrise today. And the cooler air is still moving into the area, so by morning we should see lows in the upper 40s in the city. Outlying areas may drop into the mid 40s briefly. That's a bit nippy after such a lonnnnnnnnnng hot summer. Our average low tomorrow morning is 60. The record low is 44 set in 1956. The last time Chattanooga was officially in the 40s was May 19th when the airport fell to 46. That's 124 days ago! (And if the GFS model is right, there could be a REAL COLD shot coming up around the first of October. First lows in the 30s? But that could end up being a figment of the models imagination.)
Enjoy this weather while it lasts.

Today: Sunny, cool and breezy. North wind 10 to 15 mph and gusty. High: 73

Tonight: Clear and chilly. Low: 49

Thursday: Mostly sunny and pleasant. High: 78

Friday: Increasing clouds. High: 79 Slight chance for a shower Friday night. Low: 66

Saturday: Clouds and some sun. 30% chance for a shower. High: 83

Sunday: Mostly cloudy with a 50% chance for showers and storms. High: 82

By the way check out your local PBS station tonight and next Wednesday for a special on our National Marine Sanctuaries. It's called "America's Underwater Treasures" and it will feature all of 14 sites including the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary which is supposed to be featured tonight. You should get a good idea how close the Tennessee Aquarium has come to re-creating this natural wonder.

Rain In Spain From Gordon, Our Forecast A Breeze

2006-09-19T06:26:00.000-04:00

Every once in awhile you get a tropical system to hang onto enough steam to remain a named storm when it approaches Europe. And it looks like Gordon will spread rain on the northern plains of Spain. (And much of Portugal.) Helene will eventually head northeast as well, so it remains to be seen if there will be an Iberian double whammy.
Some decent rainfall amounts from yesterday and overnight. Here at Channel 3 nearly 3/4" of rain......still showery when I left Casa Benson this morning so that tally remains to be seen. (Note to Santa: Thom needs a wireless rain gauge.)
Our front opens the door for some rather chilly air to move in during the day. As I type breaks in the overcast already moving overhead, so the rest of the day looks great. A bit on the breezy side later this afternoon and tomorrow. And another front should slide into the area beginning on Friday.
So with two fronts this week, and considering the time of year I am cautiously closing the door on any more official 90 degree days this year. So far we have had 59 days at or above 90 this year, 13 more than the average 46. Historically we don't hit 90 after October 9th, although it reached 89 on October 21st, 1963. So we can still have some very warm days in September and October, it's just that it's harder to top out at 90 or hotter now.

Today: Mostly sunny afternoon, breezy and cooler. Northwest winds increase to 10 to 20 mph and gusty. High: near 80

Tonight: Clear skies, chilly. Low: 53

Wednesday: Sunny, cool and breezy. North 10 to 15 mph. High: 73

Thursday: Mostly sunny and pleasant. High: 77

Friday: Clouds increase with scattered showers. High: 79

Saturday: Mostly cloudy with scattered showers and occasional storms. High: 81