As we look over the 12z long range guidance, we see a common theme: warmer (dare I say “hotter”) than average. Additionally, most data paints a drier than normal trend Days 10-20, as well.
The GEFS shows eastern ridging gaining control during the period which favors a warmer than normal pattern. Consensus of other data is similar in the upper levels.
At the surface, all three major global models agree on warmth in the long range period, including the GEFS, EPS, and CFSv2:
Guidance suggests below average precipitation during the period. With broad scale ridging in place, we agree on a drier theme compared to normal. While trying to put our finger on the flip from the prolonged cold to warmer was difficult to nail down from March and April, May always looked like a drier than average month from several weeks out. (One note is the potential of active times across the Great Lakes region as “sudden summer” gains steam to the south and stubborn chill refuses to let go to our north. The gradient would promote heavier than normal precipitation relative to average).
Given the agreement in the data, along with some additional pattern drivers, we continue to believe the medium to longer term period (including mid and late May) will feature an overall warmer than average pattern along with drier than normal conditions.
More on the short-term in the morning, including what will be a summer-like feel by late week.
Drier and slightly cooler air will build in as we open the new work week. Overnight lows will fall into the mid and upper 40s both Monday and Tuesday mornings. High pressure will supply plentiful sunshine.
A broad southwesterly air flow will return as we progress through the latter stages of the work week and head into next weekend. We’ll certainly notice an uptick in humidity by Thursday and that summer-like feel will remain into the weekend. The increased moisture will also result in periods of scattered showers and thunderstorms. Expect “splash and dash” variety of storms in a daily fashion beginning Wednesday evening.
While scattered storms will be on the radar daily from midweek on, significant widespread rainfall isn’t expected. There will be some locally heavier amounts, but for the most part across central Indiana, 7-day totals won’t exceed three quarters of an inch.
High pressure returns Saturday and will help set up a fantastic weather day. We’ll enjoy an increasingly sunny sky and pleasant temperatures topping out in the middle 70s Saturday afternoon. It’ll be a perfect day for those Cinco de Mayo and Derby festivities!
II. High pressure will build in for the second half of the weekend and remain in control of our weather through the first half of the work week. Dry conditions will remain along with a significant warming trend.
III. We’ll actually go above normal (for a change) through the early and middle parts of next week, including highs around 80° by Tuesday!
IV. Unsettled weather returns for the second half of the work week. Models differ on rainfall totals, but we’ll include mention of 7-day totals in the 0.75″ to 1.25″ range- most of which falls Thursday and Friday.
V. Cooler than normal temperatures will return for Week 2 so be sure to enjoy the warmth while we have it next week.