another La Nia winter

[digitS']

But, an Arctic Oscillation "could produce dramatic short-term swings in temperatures" . . .

NOAA, October 20, 2011 (click)

Around here:

Steve

 

[Southern Gardener]

With La Nia in place Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and parts of surrounding states are unlikely to get enough rain to alleviate the ongoing drought. Texas, the epicenter of the drought, experienced its driest 12-month period on record from October 2010 through September 2011.


Really didn't want to see that! We need rain desperately!!!

 

[digitS']

Here is a satellite video loop of the dust storm heading towards the Midland, TX part of the state a couple of days ago.

October 18th, NOAA satellite

The dust just takes off ahead of the clouds and wind from the north!

Steve

 

[digitS']

I am going to suggest a ray of hope of some winter rain for you, Joan. (Mixing my sunshine and rain metaphors, there .)

Thinking about the (west) Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico climate -- those places get most of their rain beginning in the spring and continuing with summer storms. Louisiana and east Texas has quite consistent averages throughout the year. So, while it does show a below normal broad-brush for all those states -- below normal for you should still include some rain.

Dust Bowl conditions may be the story for the area where 1/2" of rain in a winter month would be normal.

I guess that we can put up with wetter conditions 50% above normal up here since the Bonneville Power Administration should have some electricity from all the snowmelt to send down to the Southwest again next summer.

We are all in this together .

Steve

 

[Southern Gardener]

Yup, we have had a few showers here and there - the weather man says we have a 40% chance saturday night and sunday.

The cooler weather has sure helped out.

 

[momofdrew]

I hope there isnt another dust bowl like back in the 30's...I dont ever remember seeing such dust storms as the west has had this year...