When It Rains, It Pours!

The first 10 days of August, despite being beautiful, sunny, and pleasant, were also incredibly dry. 

Due to an 'Omega Block', wet, humid air was kept out of our area, while dry, comfortable air was consistently filtered in. 

The blocking pattern is formed when a high pressure system is trapped between two lows, having the appearance of the Greek letter Omega. 

An Omega Blocking Pattern; Image courtsey theweatherprediction.com

Anything under the High pressure's 'bubble' stays warm and dry.
In the first 10 days of August, less than one tenth of an inch of rain fell in Toledo, bringing seasonal rainfall totals to a +2.5" deficit since June 1st.

Then, it started to rain. 

In one single event, on August 11th, the Toledo area received 2.04" of rainfall. Surrounding communities racked up totals in the 4-6" range, and Detroit experience road closures and major delays due to flooding. 

Image from I-75 looking towards I-96 in Detroit; Image courtesy MDOT/Twitter

 Now, more than a week later, it hasn't stopped raining. 

Totals for the month of August range from 1.18" in Adrian, MI, 2.47" in the Toledo area, and 2.66" for Findlay. Near normal totals, with rainfall amounts squeezed into a 10 day period, rather than over the course of 20 days.

While Toledo's (and southern parts of Lucas County's) totals are now above average, some areas still fall below normal levels. 

Month to Date Departure From Normal: August, Image Courtesy Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service

Yellow areas on the map represent locations with rainfall totals between 0-1" below average. 

Areas in blues and greens are above. 

Purples and pinks are way above.

This could all change in the upcoming week with rainfall, in the form of both light scattered showers and heavy downpours, likely every day into the weekend. So far, totals range drastically across the area:

48-hour Rainfall totals as of 8/21/14

That range will continue, while fluctuating from location to location, to hold steady with scattered shower activity. 

Friday brings the greatest chance for showers. The Omega Blocking pattern is over. THIS is what real summer feels like.