Once More Upon a Midday Dreary

Now

Mostly cloudy, chilly. It wasn't exactly scarf and mittens weather for lawn mowing here at the Update ranch today, but it was certainly brisk. (The trusty Honda engine showed its finest cold-temperature starting capabilities once the out-of-practice operator remembered to turn the gas setting to "on".) Despite some earlier valiant attempts at a comeback by the sun, clouds have rolled back in over most of the region this afternoon, with temperatures again stuck in the low to mid 50s, over 10° below seasonal averages.

There is the possibility of some showers or sprinkles through tomorrow as a weak low pressure area drifts eastward from the lower Ohio Valley. Once that passes, the elements will be in place for the area's much-deserved spring warmup over the weekend.

Tonight and Tomorrow

Cloudy, cool, chance of showers Skies will remain mostly cloudy tonight with a 30% chance of showers and lows in the low to mid 40s. Tomorrow will again be mostly cloudy with highs 54-58° and a 40% chance of showers, especially to the south and west of the metro area.

For the outlook through the rest of the week and into the weekend, scroll on down to Dan's post below.

Blogospheric Climate

A tip of the rabbit ears to RealClimate and Professor Bunny for yesterday's pointers to the Green Issue (May) of Vanity Fair magazine. Featured in the special section is an article, "A Convenient Untruth", which effectively deconstructs Myron Ebell, "the denialist's denialist" (the wascally wabbit's words, not ours, so send your hate mail accordingly), of the Spin-City-based Competitive Enterprise Institute.

If you want to see what a real scientific debate is about (as opposed to Ebell's "most preposterous bullshit I've ever heard", in the words of climate scientist Tom Wigley), check out the adjoining posts (here and here) regarding the very real issue of determining trends in oceanic heat content. Warning: There are actual numbers involved, including (shudder!) exponents, so if you got your roommate to do your math for you, you might want to stick to the South Park or Simpsons versions. [This video is no longer available due to a copyright claim by Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation.]