Boo-tiful!

Now

Clear, warmer. As a strong high pressure ridge remains in control, it's a crystal clear pre-Halloween afternoon in the Nation's Capital region. Virtually the only precipitation in the entire country is in the form of some showers in the northern Rockies and in southern Florida. Locally, temperatures have rebounded over 20° from the frosty lows to reach seasonable levels of the low and mid 60s.

Tonight and Tomorrow

No tricks! Lows tonight under clear skies will be not quite as cool as recent nights, in the mid 40s downtown to the mid 30s in the 'burbosphere. Halloween will be a treat: sunny and a little warmer with highs 68-72°.

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

Tropical Topics: It Ain't Over 'til Momma Nature Says It's Over

Tropical Storm Noel has weakened as it moves westward across eastern Cuba. Its track is expected to take it more northwestward then turn toward the Bahamas, keeping off the coast of the U.S., although there is currently a 5-10% chance of tropical storm wind speeds along the Outer Banks and Cape Cod and up to a 20% chance over southern Florida. At 5pm, maximum winds were near 40 mph, and little change was expected in the next 24 hours.

Climate Corner: College Course

Don't want to get your climate change information from a former politician, but you don't want it filtered through the press, the Drudge Report, or squawk radio either, and you also don't have the time (or expertise) to read the original literature? Here's a chance to get a comprehensive college-level presentation on the subject (no prerequisites or exams required) at a bargain price: The Teaching Company is offering their course, "Earth's Changing Climate" at 80% off the regular price until November 15. The course consists of 12 30-minute lectures and is available in several formats: DVD, audio CD, audio download, and audiotape. Because the company is based in Chantilly, regular shipping to the metro area is usually overnight. In honor of Halloween, The Teaching Company is offering a free sample download in mp3 or iPod format of a 55-minute lecture on Hector Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique.

Image from The Teaching Company