Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Late November Chase

On Saturday I made a post on facebook about Monday the 22nd being a potential chase day but as usual was met with some opposition. I dunno what it is about weather nerds always trying to shoot down the idea, its like being negative gives them an easy way to say "told you so" when something doesn't happen. Once midnight rolled around and temps were climbing into the mid 60s with dewpoints not far behind that should have been my first clue something was up.

Funny thing is I'm always arguing with people that at this time of year with the insane-o shear in place you dont need 6hrs of heating and 1500+ CAPE for severe weather and tornadoes, and today was a perfect example of that. We had a few hours of sun, and CAPE values were between 500 and 1000. More than enough.

The front was moving slow, and was progged to be favorably timed for storms in IL. Around 8am I was awoken by thunder, I got up and enjoyed that for an hour then went back to bed. I awoke at 1pm to 11 texts messages and 4 missed calls. All the texts mentioned a tornado watch and I shot out of bed to make a last minute dash of doom. No need to go into anymore detail though...it can all be read here: http://www.aerostorms.com/112210-Illinois-Severe-Weather.php

This is the latest chase I have ever gone on in any given year so that was a new feat for me personally. My last chase was July 14th as I passed up quite a few setups between then and now to regain myself financially. It felt great to get out again but on the flip side now has me craving more action. This chase had the makings of an early March type chase so it sucks to think that as I type this the temps have crashed about 30 degrees from where they were just 12hrs ago but alas, thats reality.

Another system should affect us Weds night into Thanksgiving, there may be a shot at some more storms Weds night before the system deepens rapidly to our north and tugs the cold air here to stay. At least the pattern is somewhat active.

Busy as ever, but I thought I would chime in with a few musings about the day.