Oct-over, Fall-ing Temperatures Ahead

Now

Variable clouds, warm. Continuing the October trend of double-digit departures from average temperatures, November has begun with readings above the high end of the forecast range. Just ahead of a cold frontal passage, National was at 73° at 3:00, while Dulles had dropped to 62°, and Leesburg was down to 59°.

Despite some associated clouds, the front was rain-free through the entire Mid Atlantic area. The latest weekly drought monitor report, released this morning, shows that last week's torrential rains have improved the immediate metro area into the abnormally dry category with some areas of only moderate drought to the northwest and southeast.

CapitalWeather.com chart from NWS data, photo © Kevin Ambrose

Tonight and Tomorrow

Clearing, cooler. Skies will clear tonight with lows in the mid 40s in the city to the mid and upper 30s in the 'burbs. Tomorrow will be mostly sunny, breezy, and cool with highs 56-60°.

For the outlook through the weekend and beyond with Larson's Long-Range, scroll on down to Josh's post below.

Tropical Topics

Tropical Storm Noel strengthened somewhat today as it began to accelerate toward the north-northeast, passing over Nassau early this afternoon. As a result, the tropical storm warning for southeastern Florida was cancelled at 2pm, but a gale warning has been issued for Bermuda. Maximum winds at 2pm were 65 mph; the National Hurricane Center was unreachable for the 5pm report, at least from this particular corner of cyberspace. As it moves northeastward toward the Canadian Maritimes and becomes non-tropical, the models indicate that it will potentially undergo bombogenesis.

Science vs. Religion?

The AP reported last night (via virtual WaPo) that "Religious Leaders Act on Climate Change". A broadly ecumenical coalition of religious organizations have joined to lobby Congress to "ensure that the poor and most vulnerable are protected from the effects of climate change."

The week's edition of NOW on PBS featured the journey in August of "an unlikely alliance of Evangelical Christians and leading scientists to witness the breathtaking effects of global warming on Alaska's rapidly changing environment." Video and audio podcasts are available on the show's web site.