EAST HARDWICK – A stretch of fair weather with moderating temperatures was the primary theme for the previous forecast period. Little in the way of rainfall accumulated across a large portion of our forecast area in the Lamoille and Winooski River headwaters. Less than a tenth of an inch of rain has fallen since July 28, except for parts of West Woodbury, where a stalled thunderstorm was likely the culprit of two rainfall reports of over half an inch for August 7.
The prolonged period with little in the way of rain has caused us to be classified as “abnormally dry” on the U.S. Drought Monitor. Climatologically, we’re at least an inch and a half below normal for rainfall in the month of August; and our July numbers also came in a little on the low side.
As of Tuesday, Vermont remains on the back side of a high-pressure system, funneling warm and moist air into our region on a southerly flow. This is making temperatures a little uncomfortable with highs near 90 with high humidity making it feel warmer.
That high departs on Wednesday, with an approaching cold front setting the stage for afternoon showers and thunderstorms. By Thursday, that front will clear and another high-pressure system sets up north and west of us with a cooler and drier airmass expected for several days. As that high slides eastward, warming resumes and a weaker cold front looks to approach for Sunday with a returned chance of some scattered thunderstorms. Will either of these opportunities replenish our rainfall deficit? A couple of thunderstorms may produce a heavy downpour, amounting to around an inch of rain, but it will not be widespread. There will still be some ground to make up even if that high-end scenario unfolds. Here are the forecast details:
Wednesday: Partly sunny. Scattered showers and thunderstorms by afternoon. High: 87. Low: 63. South wind 5-10 mph.
Thursday: Mostly sunny. High: 76. Low: 53. Northwest wind 10-15 mph.
Friday: Sunny. High: 77. Low: 51. Light and variable wind.
Saturday: Mostly sunny. High: 82. Low: 59. Southwest wind 5-10 mph.
Sunday: Partly sunny. Scattered afternoon showers and thunderstorms. High: 82. Low: 50. Southwest wind 5-10 mph, becoming northwest by evening.
Tyler is our weather reporter and a community journalist. He works as a nurse and EMT, volunteers with Hardwick Rescue and helps to train new EMTs.
