Before we get to our massive road trips coming up in the next few days, we will start with a short, 179 mile journey. The trip will consume only about 3 hours, on a pace of about 63mph. The weather is taking a turn for the worse in this part of the country, so despite the length, it will be interesting.
Lafayette, Indiana
Man, that is an old picture of Lafayette. When was Bank One still around? It’s the image I remember, though, having lived my college years just across the Wabash River in West Lafayette. Speaking of west, that’s the direction we are headed. Leaving on Saturday is a fantastic idea, as the weather is going to take a severe turn for the worse in the middle of the country this weekend. While this stretch of real estate is likely to see several inches of snow on Sunday and Monday, the drive will be under high pressure for Saturday morning. It may be a bit on the cool side, but it’s not like we are walking to Peoria, right?
I thought we had turned a corner. On the winter, if there is a shadow of a doubt, leave precipitation in the forecast. On the summer, it’s easier to dodge rain drops even if it looks like storms are looming on a given day. Alas, I thought Lafayette was in the clear over this weekend with a short wave trough approaching. I was the only one who felt that way, but I felt really good about it. Of course, you know how this ends. It ends with Lafayette wet. Victoria-Weather could have secured victory if those .06 inches of rain hadn’t fallen, but instead, it was The Weather Channel and WeatherNation who split honors. Actuals: Saturday, High 53, low 19 Sunday – .06 inches of rain, High 53, low 38
Yes, it’s tournament time, so there is no better time than to salute my alma mater, Purdue University. They’re a 3 seed in the Big Dance, and nearly everyone will be indoors watching basketball in their home city of West Lafayette, Indiana, but we can give them a forecast anyways, I guess.
At 254PM, ET, Lafayette was reporting clear skies with a temperature of 47 degrees and brisk north winds that belied the high pressure stably in place over the region. Satellite gave a clue to the blustery conditions, as Indiana was clearly in the wash of a strong system moving through the Eastern Seaboard this afternoon. High pressure will remain in place across the Great Lakes tonight and through the day tomorrow, but the pattern aloft is moderately active, particularly in the Plains. A weak low will be bolstered by a sharp trough with weak flow through it in the Plains will start to approach the Hoosier State. Rain won’t reach Lafayette by the time the weekend ends, however some clouds will likely start to build. Tomorrow – Mostly sunny, High 52, Low 25 Sunday – Increasing clouds late, other wise warmer, High 54, Low 37
TWC: Tomorrow – Mostly clear. High 51, Low 23 Sunday – Cloudy with occasional showers for the afternoon. High 51, Low 37
AW: Tomorrow – Mostly sunny; chilly High 50, Low 24 Sunday – On-and-off rain and drizzle High 60, Low 35
NWS: Tomorrow – Sunny High 53, Low 28 Sunday – Rain, mainly after 1pm. High 54, Low 40
WB: Tomorrow – Sunny, High 49, Low 26 Sunday – Rain, High 50, Low 37
WN: Tomorrow – Sunny, High 53, Low 25 Sunday – Mostly cloudy with light rain, High 54, Low 40
FIO: Tomorrow – Partly cloudy starting in the evening. High 54, Low 24 Sunday – Rain in the morning and evening. High 56, Low 40
Well, I’m not sure why everyone else has rain getting there so early. Please stay with us as we see just how wrong I can be! Here is satellite, showing that “wash” over Lafayette that I was talking about,
