Chilly temperatures will be with us at least through the weeekend, and realisticly until the end of next week. This, as the jet stream, the divider between warm and cold air, migrates back to the south, allowing cold air advection (a fancy way of saying the cold air will creep into our region from Canada).

Unisys AVN Model 850mb Image For Friday, May 16th

Unisys AVN Model 850mb Image For Saturday, May 17th

Unisys AVN Model 850mb Image For Sunday, May 18th

Unisys AVN Model 850mb Image For Monday, May 19th

The above images are courtesy of Unisys Weather. They show the 850mb level, the level of the atmosphere that meteorologists usually use to look for warm and cold air advection. You can see from them, the cooler (blue) air will stick overhead, easily into next week.

Ray Petelin,
WSEE Storm Team Meteorologist

Last month, we were over an inch below average, when it comes to precipitation (both rain and melted snow). It was dry, but pleasant for April, but now it looks as if we have been making up for that dry spell this May.

Up to this point, we have had over an inch and a half of rain this month, and we are a quarter of an inch above average for May. More impressive, since January, our precipitation (both rain and melted snow) is four inches above the average!

More rain is on the way as we head toward the weekend, so we will continue to add to our rainfall totals. You can see that forecast at WSEE.tv.

Ray Petelin,
WSEE Storm Team Meteorologist

I am sorry for not blogging as much as usual last week. It was kind of hectic. I was worrying over my first ever stand up comedy act that I performed Thursday Night at Jr's Last Laugh. It was part of a fundraiser for the Erie Chapter of The American Red Cross. If you want to see it (keep in mind I was really nervous), CLICK HERE. Let me know what you think of it. My email address is ray.petelin@wsee.tv.

The Mother's Day weekend did not turn out too bad. My family and I enjoyed the nice weather outside on Saturday by venturing to Asbury Woods. Elizabeth enjoyed the swings, and the slide (with her mom).

Here is a picture of me as a pack mule, carrying Miss Elizabeth through the woods. Oddly enough, Saturday Night, I played donkey basketball, which required me to ride a donkey... That was a fund raiser for Erie First Christian's athletic program.

While it began on a soggy note, we will get at least a couple of very nice days this week. The temperatures this week will be on a roller coaster ride, however. I think that is the case since the Ravine Flyer II will open this weekend at Waldameer!

Ray Petelin,
WSEE Storm Team Meteorologist

Ray Petelin,
WSEE Storm Team Meteorologist

Thunderstorms will develop today, as we are currently in the midst of a warmer, more humid airmass. A cold front moving in from the west will trigger these thunderstorms.

While nothing is expected to become severe, these storms may pack some heavy periods of rain. The soggy weather, and eventually cooler temperatures will stick with us through a good portion of next week.

Make sure to check Storm Track 4D before venturing out today at WSEE.tv. There, you can also sign up for the Storm Team's severe weather alerts. Those are located on the right side of the screen.

Ray Petelin,
WSEE Storm Team Meteorologist

Okay, my title is a little dramatic, but I am a little excited. After nearly an inch of rain over the weekend, my grass is starting to grow. You have to realize that I, in no way, have a green thumb. After failing miserably last year with trying to get new grass to grow, I was able to pull it off, at least start to pull it off, this year.

The rain even convinced my rhododendron to bloom. Heading into the weekend, it was budding, but now is enjoying the spring weather.

The weeping Japaneses maple in my front yard has even sprouted its leaves. That began before the weekend started.

Now the big questions is, can I keep them alive for through summer? I will let you know.

Ray Petelin,
WSEE Storm Team Meteorologist

Another meteorologist posted this on a weather bulletin board. I thought it was funny.

The "weather wall", "chroma key", or "green (blue) screeen" makes us look like giants in respect to the maps that are projected behind us. Even the chroma key, with our Live Eye behind us can make the Storm Team look like the "Stay Puft" marshmallow man, or Godzilla, as we look really big compared to the buildings in Downtown Erie. Maybe I will do my King Kong impression (again), and climb the Renaissance Building!

Ray Petelin,
WSEE Storm Team Meteorologist