APRIL 2008 OWSweather.com Newsletter
ONTARIO WEATHER SERVICE
ONTARIO, CALIFORNIA
MAY 1, 2008 -
April 2008 was a dry month with only light rain or drizzle recorded through the early part as stated by the report from "Donna Doppler", of the San Bernardino County Mountains. She states, "
Light drizzle, heavy fog on the Rim and also in Twin Peaks in areas. Cold weather for this time of year. Current temp. 39.7."
Measurable light rain in Thousand Oaks was reported by our reporter there on April 2, 2008. Ben reports, "
Overcast with some light rain just beginning to start. Low ceiling, less than 2,000ft."
This dry month contributed to two heatwaves.
These heatwaves were caused by offshore flow, in which gave way to compressional warming. Compressional warming is very common during an offshore flow type event.
ROCstock launched their rockets during the first heatwave. It was cooler at Lucerne Dry Lake, than was in the Inland Empire areas to the coast. Why? Because of the compressional warming factor. Notice the low temperatures during the first heatwave were above 60 F? Indicates compressional warming at night as well. During the mid part of April, we had marine layer once again. This marine layer kept temperatures a bit below normal; however felt great after the first heatwave.
During the end of April, a strong ridge built back in. This ridge was well offshore and had offshore gradients into the Southland with it.
This created another road of light-moderate Santa Ana Winds.
Gerry, an OWSweather.com reporter from Anaheim Hills operating OCWX.net, reported the winds during the morning hours of April 26th. The report contained an 80 degree report, with 30 mph in wind gusts.
OWSweather.com issued a fire weather warning for the area at 11:00amPDT during that day. Fires did break out as temperatures neared the century mark. The National Weather Service failed to mention any fire weather watches or warnings in their Area Forecast Discussions.
OWSweather.com got numerous emails asking why this happened. While we cannot explain their actions, we believe they handled the situation very irresponsibly to say the least. Why? Because even though OWSweather.com was a bit late on issuing the fire weather warning, NWS failed to the entire day even when conditions were met.
OWSweather.com has contacted the senate to request information on making OWSweather.com a government official source to media outlets and fire departments. They both trust OWSweather.com's forecasts so we want to get this expanded region wide.
Nearing the turn over to May, strong winds hit the High and Low Deserts. No damage reported, however road closures did happen. OWSweather.com report from Ron states, "Strong winds have forced the closure of Gene Autry Trail from Via Escuela to I-10 this morning. No word on when it will re-open. Winds continue to blow SW 10-20 MPH with gusts to 35 MPH." On April 28th, the high temperature record in Los Angeles was broken. 96 F
No low temperature records were broken in Los Angeles.
April 2008 was a very dry month with only around 0.02" measurable precipitation and that was from a thick marine layer.
OWSweather.com weather reporters were on force during the heatwaves and mini Santa Ana Wind Events. Nick Mitchell reported on April 27, 2008. Nick described the situation as "very dry", and the local
OWS reporter Jonathan from Temple City quoted, "
From the Arcadia hills, I saw bright tall orange flames along the hillside. Santa Anita Blvd. was jammed with traffic on both sides, some wanted up, some were evacuated. This morning, the flames are blocked from my sight by smoke. The fire seems to have advanced further down the foothill, compared to last night."
OCWX.Net is partners with OWSweather.com. Information is shared, and passed to provide accurate and non-stop weather forecasts when Orange County is targeted.
Gerry bought FOUR magnetic OWSweather.com decals. If you see the following decal on a vehicle. It's OWS storm chasers or myself. Stop a long side the road and say hi if we aren't busy launching balloons into the storms.
Thanks Gerry!
Gerry takes a picture of the decal on his vehicle. Wider view shielded for his privacy. Hey look It's Gerry in the reflection! More advanced newsletters will come out over the months.
K. MARTIN |
