Out and About

I've been thinking about Halloween this week and trying to decide whether or not Millie should have a costume. She won't like it and I'd rather not spend money on it if she's going to tear it up (like she does with so many other toys) But we'll see what happens and what makes it on air. I understand Roger has taken some calls in Answerback on the subject. I could dress her up as a hot dog, but I know she'll be embarrassed. (by the way, this is not Millie in the picture)

I had a chance to visit the 1st graders at Southeast of Saline on Friday. They were excellent kids and had some great questions for me and when I got to the classroom, they were trying to guess the outside temperature. Surprisingly, most of them were within about 5 degrees.

For the second week in a row, we've had a big storm system drop snow on Kansas. The average first snow for NW Kansas is November 1st, so we are a little ahead of schedule, but I'm sure most people that live in western Kansas are accustomed to an early dose of winter. However, a change is expected in our weather pattern. It looks quiet and very mild for the next 8-10 days (or at least through November 10th) There's not going to be any rain or snow for several days to come and temperatures will be above normal (except for Monday where there will be a little bit of a setback behind a front) Happy Halloween everyone.

Millie's Been Busy

The weather has been very interesting this week with heavy snow in northeast Colorado and 4-5 inches of snow in northwest Kansas. The heavy wet snow this time of the year can be as detrimental as ice because the heavy snow lands on the leaves and causes branches to snap under the weight. Milder weather is coming back for the weekend and for the start of next week, but as someone has already noticed on the computer models, there are going to be some changes for the middle of next week. I would expect some colder air by Wednesday or Thursday and there is likely to be more precipitation soon. Exactly what type of precipitation remains to be seen.

Millie was in a wedding a few weeks ago. I'm posting a picture of that and she went with me to a high school career fair Thursday afternoon. I think the kids thought I was there to represent dog obedience school, not broadcasting.

Have a great weekend. I'll be here to watch the weather Saturday and Sunday and get you ready for whatever changes might be coming next week. Should be exciting.

Preparing for Winter

Wow, did anyone see the football game Sunday with the New England Patriots and Tennessee Titans? It was snowing like crazy because of an October Nor'easter that had a good source of moisture. Snow isn't that uncommon in October for the northeast and it is a sure sign that the atmosphere is quickly transitioning. We'll be seeing more scenes like that very soon (maybe not in Kansas, but certainly in the mountains)

I'm still waiting on pictures of Millie in the wedding that took place last week. Check back very soon because I know they will be arriving shortly. The sunshine has been a welcome sight lately and are you enjoying the warmer weather? The normal high temperature is 70, but it was hard to even imagine that last week when the highs were struggling to get into the 50s. We do have a storm coming this week. It will get here Wednesday and almost everyone in Kansas will see rain and maybe a few thunderstorms. I don't think the atmosphere will get cold enough for snow, but we should be planning ahead for the winter. This week is Winter Weather Awareness week for Kansas and it is always good to review the terminology that you'll hear us use on the air, such as winter storm watch, wind chill warning, etc. Also, look over the safety procedures for winter weather driving, preparing for a blizzard, etc. We hope the winter doesn't get that bad, but when it comes to Kansas, we never know.

Slipping into Winter

The weather this weekend had me thinking I should've been Christmas shopping instead of thinking about Halloween. I'm posting pictures from Hays, Oakley, and then from North Platte, NE where the cold air was accompanied by snow and a little ice. Some places in Nebraska had 8-10 inches of snow, which is definitely a little too early in the season for them.

A big cold spell at this time in October is usually around for a few days and then replaced by a warmer airmass. But this week will be a cloudy one with chances for light rain and drizzle. It is the warm and cool air battling, and it's going to result in clouds and some rain from time to time. We probably won't get much sunshine until the end of the week or next weekend. Anyone suffering from allergies was probably happy to see the temperatures go below freezing this weekend, except in Wichita where we haven't had a freeze yet.

Millie survived the wedding Saturday. Pictures will be coming soon, but it may take a week or two. Meanwhile, my nephew Pate is growing like a weed. My sister-in-law sent a picture, so I'm sharing it with you. Have a great week. Try not to let the cloudy, damp weather get you down.

Lovin' this weather!

This is definitely my favorite time of the year, not just because the trees are changing color, but the atmosphere is definitely changing too. The jet stream is getting stronger and we are about to see a huge invasion of cold air by next weekend. The computer models have been showing it now for about 5 days, and it looks like a big system will set up in Canada and start shoving the cold air south. Highs next weekend may not get out of the 40s in the northwest, while much of the state will see highs in the low to mid 50s. And, northwest Kansas might have a little snow flurry action at night. Stay tuned for details on the big change coming later in the week.

Millie is not getting married, but she is in a wedding next weekend. This will be a true test of her good behavior to see if she can sit still for about 15-20 minutes during the ceremony. I'm sure pictures will surface somewhere, and I'll post them when they are available.

I spent a little time down in Mexico at the end of September. It was my first time to snorkel and was fortunate enough to see an eagle ray, a big sea turtle, and hundreds of colorful fish. It was such a great experience. I did try scuba diving, but it was limited to the swimming pool since I didn't have the money or any previous experience doing it. Sure was fun, but I'm happy to be home too. Have a great week.