Extreme Weather Discussion

The blizzard across the Rockies this weekend is winding down today after leaving several feet of snow across Montana and neighboring states. There was 3 feet of snow recorded in Pony, Montana. In some areas such as Billings, Montana, it has been snowing non-stop since Thursday night. Officials in the hard hit areas are asking residents to keep travel restricted as much as possible. The good news is the storm will be moving into Canada to leave fair weather across Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho.

The Atlantic hurricane season still has over a month to go, and there are some areas to monitor over the next few days. There is a low pressure system located about 1600 miles east of the Leeward Islands that has continued to organize this weekend. The National Hurricane Center has upgraded its development potential to "HIGH". This could become a tropical depression or tropical storm at any time, but it will be moving into an enviroment not favorable for significant strengthening. A second low pressure system is centered about 250 miles south-southwest of Puerto Rico. This area will slowly become better organized and a tropical depression may form in the new couple days. This system currently has a "MEDIUM" potential for development.

Southern California will experience some very strong Santa Ana winds into Tuesday. This will not help the current fire dangers in the area. Winds may peak at 50-75 mph before they ease up by Tuesday morning. Visibility will be reduced as dust is blown across highways. Drivers with high-profile vehicles should use caution.

The Mid-Atlantic region will be flirting with record highs on Monday. Temperatures will be 10-15° above average. This will be a quick taste of summer before seasonal temperatures set in for good.

I will continue updates on the tropical systems throughout the next few days.