Severe Weather Team 2 Blog

Tell Us How The Drought Affects You.

2007-11-16T01:57:00.000-08:00

60% of Georgia’s streams are at record low levels.

37% of the state of Georgia is suffering exceptional drought conditions.

Over 50% of the state is classified as either extreme of exceptional drought.

Now, please tell us how the drought is affecting you or your business. Instead of a question send us your drought story.

To Bonfire Or Not Too Bonfire

2007-11-16T01:52:00.000-08:00

Q: How much rain in a given period would it take to make a significant difference in our drought? I am specifically looking for information regarding the safety of burning a bonfire as we had an incident in our neighborhood this past weekend in which I called because a bonfire was started (no permit/after dark). I have been told that I was wrong because they "took precautions" and "we had about 2 inches of rain over the past couple of weeks." Please advise.

A: There is a total outdoor burning ban with no exceptions. We certainly did not have two inches of rain over the past two weeks. It would take about 20 inches of rain to begin to make a difference.

Glenn Burns

That is Brilliant

2007-11-16T01:49:00.000-08:00

Q: This morning I spotted the most brilliant star. Is it one of the planets? It was very large.

A: That would be Venus! Enjoy!
Glenn Burns

Dry Fuel Moisture Feeds A Fire

2007-11-16T01:44:00.000-08:00

Q: What exactley are dry fuel moistures? Why does that put us at a higher fire danger? Is it related to humidity levels?

A: Dry Fuel Moisture is a measure of the moisture contained in organic materials that is fuel for fire. Relative humidity is another important parameter when considering fire danger because low atmospheric humidity will lower the dead fuel moisture making the fire threat greater.

You can learn much more about Dead Fuel Moisture and fire danger at this website from the National Park Service: http://www.nps.gov/fire/public/pub_und_understandingfire.cfm

Brad Nitz

Meteorologist

Reservoir Basins Get Little Rain Lately

2007-11-16T01:38:00.000-08:00

Q: It would be helpful if, during this crisis period, you gave rainfall amounts over our lake drainage basins as part of your regular forecasts. thank you.

A: I agree, we have been including these totals on far too infrequent occasions where we've had rain recently. We'll make a point to continue to do so.

By the way, the Southeast River Forecast Center has a good resource on their website that shows where the reservoir basins are along with water resource outlooks for each basin. You can check that out here: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/alr/drought/default.html

Brad Nitz

Meteorologist

Where Did The Rainfall Totals Come From?

2007-11-09T05:40:00.000-08:00

Q: How is rainfall total for month calculated? Is it an average for Metro Atlanta counties only or average of all counties in Georgia?

A: Rainfall totals are collected at many locations around North Georgia, generally at airports and agricultural sites. The official measurements for Atlanta are collected at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.

You can find these measurements along with others across our area here: www.weather.gov/climate/index.php?wfo=ffc

Brad Nitz

Meteorologist

La Nina Is Warm And Dry

2007-11-09T05:34:00.000-08:00

Q: I heard on the radio this morning that we have an El-ninio? and that it will effect our winter weather. How will it be effected?

A: Actually we have entered a La Nina pattern, which is unusually cold sea surface temperatures in the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean. The forecast calls for the La Nina to continue developing through the end of the year.

Generally a La Nina corresponds with above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation through fall and winter for North Georgia.

You can find more information on El Nino/La Nina from the Climate Prediction Center here: http://www.cpc.noaa.gov/products/precip/CWlink/MJO/enso.shtml

Brad Nitz

Meteorologist

Water From Our Rivers

2007-10-25T15:08:00.000-07:00

Q: Chatt River near Columbus and Omaha, GA-how low has it gotten? Why can't GaCorp drain from there?

A: They take water from several locations along the river...makes know difference as the flow rate is the same.

gburns

U.S. National Lighting Detection Network

2007-10-25T15:02:00.000-07:00

Q: During June '05, approx. dates 6,7,& 8 there were a host of electrical storms in the Marietta (east cobb) area. I wanted to know what is the best resource to confirm these dates.... I have an insurance claim and there is a discrepancy re: the prescence of lighting strikes in this area. Any info would be appreciated.

A: For past lightning data you can access past cloud to ground lighting strikes for a specific date at this web site: https://thunderstorm.vaisala.com/# . Vaisala is the company that operates the U.S. National Lighting Detection Network.

For other past weather data, an official report can be ordered from the National Climatic Data Center at www.ncdc.noaa.gov .

Regards,
Brad Nitz

30 Day Oulooks Are Way Out There

2007-10-25T14:59:00.000-07:00

Q: Could you post a 30 day forecast on your website?
I know any forecast is subject to change, but it would be nice to know especially for planning activities. I am really interested in the Georgia area for the 30 day outlook. Thanks!!

A: The computer models we use to make forecasts typically only cover the next few days, a few go out more than a week. However, these longer term forecasts are usually much less reliable than a forecast for the next few days.

When looking out 30 days or more it is possible to get an idea of general conditions, such as temperature or precipitation departures from average. These outlooks plus more information on how this is done and can be found at: www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/

Regards,
Brad Nitz

Aspiring Meteorologist

2007-10-25T14:52:00.000-07:00

Q: Hi, my name is Nicholas and I'm a 6th grader @ Central Middle School in Carrollton, GA. I would like to know if you could help me with my science project. What exactly does a meteorologist do? and What do I have to do to become a meteorologist? If you could answer these questions, I would greatly appreciate it.
Thanks, Nicholas

A: A meteorologist is someone who studies the weather. Some work to make forecasts, other do research to advance the understanding of the atmosphere. Meteorologists who work on television spend their day preparing forecasts and making the maps you see on TV. Only a small part of our time working is actually on TV.

To become a meteorologist a strong background in math and physical sciences, would be helpful. In college you can pursue a degree in meteorology to prepare for your career. The American Meteorological Society has prepared a career guide for people interested in the field. It can be accessed here: www.ametsoc.org/atmoscareers/index.html .

Regards,
Brad Nitz

Trickle-Down Theory

2007-10-25T14:46:00.000-07:00

Q: I live in Euharlee,Ga., with the Etowah river running directly behind the house. As the drought worsens, how will this effect the level of the river? We have many creeks that flow into the Etowah, as they dry up , will we start seeing a change then? Thank you and keep up the great work!
Darlene

A: You are correct Darlene...no rain...feeder creeks dry up...river levels go down.

Glenn Burns

WSB-TV Channel 2 Explores 'Georgia's Water Crisis'

2007-10-12T10:28:00.000-07:00

ATLANTA -- Channel 2 Action News Anchor Jovita Moore and Chief Meteorologist Glenn Burns, report on Georgia’s water crisis and its effects on every family, home and community as the drought continues to get worse.

“The water crisis in Georgia is important enough for us to go in-depth and provide thirty minutes of coverage,” said Marian Pittman, News Director. “We are reporting on the water crisis almost daily, but it takes more time to put it all into context. So Channel 2 Action News will provide in-depth coverage with perspective and conservation ideas viewers can use every day.”

Moore reveals which local areas may not have any drinking water in 3 months time. Then she asks tough questions about how the State has managed this precious resource. Channel 2 shows viewers why South Georgia doesn’t have to conserve water like North Georgia. Plus, the special examines the strain development and growth has put on the local water supply.

From Severe Weather Center 2, Burns tracks Georgia’s drastic climate change and rain deficits. He also lays out the long range forecast including the critical winter months and what we can expect in 2008.

“I am always amazed how we take one of our most vital resources for granted. We live in a blessed region of the country, but until we address our long term water needs, we are vulnerable,” said Bill Hoffman, Vice President and General Manager of WSB-TV.

Channel 2 delivers in-depth coverage so that every Georgian will be aware of this critical situation. It’s part of Channel 2’s community commitment during this ongoing crisis.

WHAT: “Georgia’s Water Crisis” Presented in high definition.
WHO: Jovita Moore and Glenn Burns
WHEN: Sunday, October 14 @ 6:30 p.m.

Post La Nina Rains

2007-10-12T09:31:00.000-07:00

Q: After the La Nina dissipates will our weather begin to be more normal? Will we get more rain in the spring (if La Nina has gone away by then)? And lastly, will we see any cool nights before Thanksgiving? This heat has got to go!!!

A: La nina expected to continue into late spring. Below average rainfall likely thru at least May. We will have cool periods this fall and winter but overall it will be warmer and drier than normal.

Winter Outlook

2007-10-05T06:23:00.000-07:00

Q: What was Glen Burns winter forcastoutlook?

A: A warmer than normal and drier than normal winter.
GB

Dry Creek

2007-09-18T09:08:00.000-07:00

Q: We have been living in the same house for 10 years and we had a very nice creek behind our home.(About 5 to six feet wide). It is dried up now because of the drought. Will it come back when the water table goes back up?

A: yes...as soon as we get some good rains

gburns

El Nino and Winter Weather

2007-09-18T08:58:00.000-07:00

Generally a La Nina corresponds with above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation through fall and winter for North Georgia.

You can find more information on El Nino/La Nina from the Climate Prediction Center here: http://www.cpc.noaa.gov/products/precip/CWlink/MJO/enso.shtml

Brad Nitz

Meteorologist

Cool Nights

2007-09-18T08:37:00.000-07:00

Q: When can we expect some 40 degree nights, and what is the outlook for winter?

A: On average we start hitting the 40s the last week in October, and with La Nina kicking in, it appears that our winter weather will be warm and dry. That doesn't mean it won't be cold at times, but overall the temperature will average above the norm and the rainfall below the norm. Thanks for watching

David Chandley

Meteorologist

High and Low Temperatures

2007-09-05T14:39:00.000-07:00

Q: How many years of data go into calculating the daily high and low temperatures?
How much will the 100+ temperatures affect the average high temperatures for next August?
A: It is based on the average temps over the last 30 years and will no doubt be factored into next summers averages. Glenn Burns

Fifty Stormy Days

2007-09-03T08:07:00.000-07:00

Q: As a storm chaser myself what is the estimated of days a year with severe weather in the Atlanta Metro area?

A: In Atlanta we average about 50 days per year with thunderstorms, of course most of those storms aren't severe.

I don't have any numbers on severe weather frequency limited to Atlanta, but there is a report from the Peachtree City, GA National Weather Service office on the frequency over North Georgia.

On average in this area, damaging winds occur 19 days per year and large hail 7 days per year. There are also 6 tornadoes per year in this area. For the full report click on this link:
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/ffc/html/svrclim.shtml

Fall Allergy Season

2007-09-03T08:02:00.000-07:00

Q: When does the Fall allergy season peak? When does it end? Soon I hope. Thanks.

A: Ragweed is the primary pollen in the fall. The season lasts about 6-8 weeks. ...mid August through November. Peak season is September. The pollen season lasts until the first frost.

Precipitation Reports

2007-08-31T04:55:00.000-07:00

Q: Since the paper no longer posts the rainfall for each of the surrounding towns where can I obtain this data?

A: One way to get daily rainfall information for our area is to go to the climate section of the local National Weather Service forecast office (http://www.weather.gov/climate/index.php?wfo=ffc). Select the State Summary product for daily statewide temperature and precipitation reports. This report comes out every morning.
Brad

Far Out Forecast

2007-08-31T04:53:00.000-07:00

Q: Where can I find a long-term forecast and a long-term precipitation forecast?

A: One of the best places to look is at the Climate Prediction Center's web site: www.cpc.noaa.gov/
Here you will find forecasts out to 3 months.

Prevailing Winds

2007-08-31T04:47:00.000-07:00

Q: what is the direction of the prevailing wind in atlanta?

A: The prevailing wind for Atlanta is West. I would say in the winter months it shifts more to the NW and in the summer, more to the SW.
Thanks for watching.
David Chandley

Atlanta Heat Dome

2007-08-31T04:38:00.000-07:00

Q: Are the heat islands that form around cities like Atlanta strong enough to move the jet stream away from the city? Can heat islands alter weather?

A: No the heat island effect is not strong enough to alter the jet stream, but it does alter local weather. We find here in Atlanta that the heat island, or heat dome, has a direct impact on high and low temperatures in the city (hotter in the day and warmer in the evening) and the heat island will redirect the movement of showers and t-storms. Weather is fluid like water and will often find the path of least resistance, the urban heat island is difficult to penetrate, so the storms move around. Thanks for watching.
David Chandley
WSB-TV