in the summer is my favorite because i get to go swimming. 

winter my favorite to

Strong thunderstorms on the other side of Lake Michigan around St. Joseph harbor caused a seiche with waves along the eastern shore more than 15 feet. This resulted in a drop in levels on the eastern side of the lake earlier this afternoon around 3:30pm causing the levels on our side of the lake to rise as much as 2 feet. The storms that moved over Lake Michigan died out. Downdrafts from the storm caused waves to ripple toward the lake shores. This causes an oscillation and drop in levels for several hours. The best example is in a bathtub when you a rush of water on one side of the tube causes a seesaw effect. The link below best describes a seiche.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seiche

Summer is the Peak Season for the occurrence of Lightning and Safety at Golf Tournaments and is of Paramount Concern.  In recent years, Professional Golf Tournaments hosted by the PGA, Senior PGA and others are staffed with an On-Site Meteorologist to monitor current and approaching weather conditions, provide up to the minute Real Time Climate Conditions as well as the use of sophisticated On-Site Lightning Detection Equipment.  This is to ensure the safety of the Competitors, Tournament Staff, Volunteers and Thousands of Spectators.  These precautions and the equipment used are extremely crucial for an open field event such as a Golf Tournament since seeking safe shelter upon short notice is next to impossible when out in the middle of a Golf Course.  

One such unfortunate occurrence happened in Oak Brook, Illinois on Friday June 27th 1975.  

3 Professional Golfers can attest to the importance of Lightning Awareness and Safety.  

Round 2 of the Western Open Golf Championship at Butler National began as a warm, humid, foggy morning with Air Temperatures near 72º, Dewpoint Temperatures at 69º - Calm Winds and the Humidity at 90%.  Weather Forecasts called for the possibility of Isolated and Scattered Thunderstorms.  By 10:am Temperatures had risen slightly along with a few sprinkles of rain which only amounted to 1/100th of an inch.  During Noon and Early Afternoon, South Winds were ushering in Warm but somewhat Dryer Air.  Little known at this time that a Severe Thunderstorm was developing to the East over Lake Michigan.  Shortly after 3:pm, wind direction shifted, now from the East and began to move the storm system and all of it's components further inland to the West.   

Shortly after 4:pm, Professional Golfers Lee Trevino, Jerry Heard and Bobby Nichols approached the 13th green as Sky's Darkened at Butler National Golf Course in Oak Brook.  Heavy Rain began to fall while Easterly Sustained Winds of 17 mph began to Gust to 28 mph.   

Spectators who witnessed the incident stated that all 3 Golfers sat down on the 13th green and removed the steel spikes from their shoes as a precaution to a Lightning Strike.  While the Golfers remained huddled under an umbrella to remain dry, a Lightning Bolt hit just behind the green causing Trevino and Heard to fall flat.  Trevino reportedly rolled around, stood up and hollered, "I'm Hit" and then collapsed.  Spectators had rushed to their aid to wrap the Golfers in towels and provide whatever assistance they could.  The Oak Brook Fire Department was notified through a telephone hookup on the Golf Course.  Two Golfers were transported to Hinsdale Hospital.  

4:pm Climate Data (Time of Incident)

Air Temp:  77º   Dew Point Temp:  62º   Barometric Pressure:  30.02"

Visibility:  7 Miles    Relative Humidity:   60%   Winds:  17 sus 28 gust

Total Daily Rainfall:  0.53"   Rainfall Between 4:pm & 5:pm:  0.52"  

Below are articles from local newspapers reporting the incident

 Lee Trevino lies near the 13th hole after being struck by lightning during the second round of the Western Open at the Butler National Golf Club in Oak Brook, Ill., on June 27, 1975.

Lightning Awareness Week is this week everyone! June 22-28th. June and July are the peak months for lightning storms in Illinois and much of the Midwest. Here is a link to follow what to do when in a lightning storm:

http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2008/20080623_l
ightning.html

An area of high pressure is off to the east and an area of low pressure is located in the Dakotas. In between the two systems, ample moisture is being sucked up from the Gulf of Mexico. A warm front has moved thru Chicago and temperatures are expected to range from the mid 80s to the lower 90s for the next couple of days with dewpoint values in the upper 60s. However, this will cause the atmosphere to become quite unstable during this timeframe. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop in the northern Illinois area. Some of these storms could reach severe limits with damaging winds and hail. In addition, because the atmosphere is so juicy, these storms will have heavy rain potential with them.

Wednesday June 25th I'm off to Denver for the annual AMS (American Meteorological Society) Broadcast Meteorology Convention.

I know it may sound like a total "Weather Geek" fest, and it is, but I'm looking forward to visiting with colleagues from other cities and exchanging ideas. There's always something new in the world of weather. New technology, new information, new ideas.

I am also on the board of broadcast meteorology and that means a few extra duties while I'm there. One of my duties is evaluating the tapes of fellow meteorologists applying for their AMS or CBM Seal of approval. I do this year round.

When a meteorologist applies for their seal they must have already worked in weather for a number of years. They must meet rigid educational requirements plus take an in-depth test about the weather and the atmosphere. The final phase is the evaluation of their on air work. It's three consecutive days of weather casts from actual newscasts on television. The applicants send tapes and DVDs to the panel I am on.

Broadcast Meteorologists across the nation have so many different styles. It's enjoyable to watch their submitted work. I always try to balance my critiques with positive and constructive notes. Many times a meteorologist will have to submit for an evaluation 2 or 3 times before finally passing and receiving that all important seal. 

The entire seal process can take more than a year.

I also am on the NWA (National Weather Association) Board of Broadcast Meteorology and evaluate applicants for the NWA seal of approval. This requires the same type of application process.

So, the next time you watch a meteorologist with that AMS or CBM or NWA seal next to their name you'll know they have completed a very lengthy and difficult process to prove they are qualified as a Broadcast Meteorologist and qualified to deliver a forecast to you.

In case you are wondering, all of us here at FOX Chicago have been awarded one or more of those all important CBM / AMS / NWA seals.

See you back here on Monday.

As always have a great week!

Tammie

Partly sunny today.. Look for highs 80 to 84. Cooler lakside with 75-80.

Late tonight into the early morning hours on Wednesday look for some scattered showers/storms to move in.

We are outlooked for Severe Weather Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. (June 25, 26 and 27)    Large hail and damaging winds will be the main threats.  However, isolated tornadoes will also be possible.

Of greater concern would probably be the heavy rain and associated flooding potential. The environment the next few days will be conducive of traing thunderstorms (moving over the same area over and over) and also be slow movers. General 1 to 3 inch rain amounts the next few days area wide seems reasonable.  However, much higher amounts may be possible where thunderstorms train over the same areas.

The weekend appears to be clearing up and also much cooler and less humid.

You can see by this press release issued June 19, 2008 by Noaa. In addition a full page chart takes a look at each extreme weather event and what to expect in the future.

http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2008/20080619_
climatereport.html

It goes to say that there is scientific evidence as to the extreme weather events being linked to Climate Change. It further addresses the issue that humans are likely to blame.

So, is the debate finally over?  I think so.

Tom

Today will be one of the coolest days. Mostly Sunny. Highs I expect will reach 70-74 inland; however 63 to 66 will be common along the lakefront.

Clear tonight with lows around 53-56. 55-59 expected along lakefront.

Starting late Tuesday all the way to this Saturday.. expect scattered thunderstorms. Any of those storms could produce some severe weather and heavy rainfall. Especially north into Wisc. and  west into Iowa. (as if they didn't have enough rain and rough weather).

I am also watching a potential heat wave to come at us on or around the 4th of July. At least mid 90s with heat index readings into the 100s look possible.  More info on this and any rain chances for the Holiday as more data come in thru the week.

Tom

          
 
                                           Chicago's
                                    Crosstown Classic
                                    Cubs vs White Sox
                               Weather Influence Study
                               1997 thru June 24, 2007
                                     60 Games Played
 
10 Games Played During Rain     Average Wind Conditions
Sox                   5 Wins                      for all 60 Games
Cubs                5  Wins                    11.1 mph
 
50 Games Played During             34 Games Played with
Good Weather Conditions            Sustained Winds 11 mph & Less
Sox                25 Wins                      Sox            17 Wins
Cubs             25 Wins                      Cubs         17 Wins
 

26 Games Played with

Sustained Winds 12 mph & Greater

 Sox             13 Wins
Cubs          13 Wins
Cellular Field Hosted                   Wrigley Field Hosted
30 Games                                      30 Games
                                                  
Total Cub's Victories:  30            Total Sox's Victories:  30
 
                       Number of Victories for Respective Teams
                       During Specific Temperature Spans         
 
Span of                     Games                Sox                  Cubs
Temperature            Played                 Victories          Victories
50's                              4                           2                       2
60's                              7                           3                       4
70's                           32                         16                     16
80's                           13                            7                       6
90's                              4                           2                       2
Totals:                       60                         30                    30
 
2008 Weather Conditions During Games & Standings
 
June 20, 2008 Wrigley Field     Cubs 4      Sox 3
Game Time:  1:51 pm - 4:23pm
73º at First Pitch   Maximum Temperature During Game: 82º
Overcast Skies     31 Minute Rain Delay Prior to Game
Average Wind Conditions During Game:  8 mph Sustained - 21 mph Gust 
 
June 21, 2008 Wrigley Field     Cubs 11     Sox 7
Game Time:  12:08pm - 3:00pm
70º at First Pitch   Maximum Temperature During Game: 80º
Sunny Skies         No Precipitation During Game
Average Wind Conditions During Game:  8 mph Sustained - 17 mph Gust

June 22, 2008 Wrigley Field     Cubs  7     Sox 1

Game Time:  7:18pm - 10:10pm

65º at First Pitch   Maximum Temperature During Game:  65º

Partly Cloudy Skies     13 Minute Rain Delay Prior to Game

No Precipitation During Game Average

Wind Conditions During Game:  9 mph Sustained - Gust 23

The coolest thing ever... I was part of an answer on the most watched quiz show in America.  The amazing Alex Trobec said my name on Jeporady. 

 Click here to see it!

Bart Yasso at Fleet Feet Pipers Alley on Wells Sunday Morning 8am to Noon

Run with Bart and get him to sign a copy of his book "My Life on the Run"

Maybe you've driven from madison to chicago.  but thousands of people ran the distance.  I was the captiain of the first ever media relay team for the mc 200.    I invited tv and radio broadcasters, and magazine writers...  somehow convincing a group of people -- who are used to short headlines and quick soundbites --- that a long distance 200 mile relay  would be fun... we took our competitive streaks and aimed for a common goal -- making it to the finish together!    

our team.... dina and tom from wgn    john from abc  and weatherman phil from ABC   christine from fleet feet  and gail from comcast sports  liz from time out chicago and Kate from windy city   greg from nbc  and ray from us 99  

each person ran 3 times --- right through the middle of the night!!!

 BART   the media are pretty fit here!

and our ringer...  i invited the king of road racing bart yasso..he's run races on all 7 continents...  chicago is one of his favorite places to come and he's watched  our town  grow into a runner's world.

BART  Chicago is a huge running town now!

bart welcomed runners to the finish line of the mc200---  teams who has passed the baton the past 24 hours.... waited for their last runner and then ran across the finish line together...   200 miles, very little sleep and even some heavy rain...

BART    why would you frun 200 mile --- who in the world wouldn't  do this     so much fun   take it back to being a kid --- unique!   that's what i like about the relays

our team had some memorable moments and at the end of the race... we'd done more than just run---- 

BART runners run and make ourselves feel better challenge ourselves have a goal but in the end we're out here raising money for chrity so that's pretty special

OUR TEAM'S EFFORT BENEFITED THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS... BY THE WAY. YOU CAN MEET RUNNER'S WORLD CHIEF RUNNING OFFICER BART YASSO RIGHT HERE IN CHICAGO --- TOMORROW MORNING AT FLEET FEET SPORTS, HE'LL BE THERE 8 AM TO NOON. DON'T MISS IT! THE FIRST 200 RUNNERS GET A FREE COPY OF HIS BOOK "MY LIFE ON THE RUN"

The Summer Solstice date of 2008 is Friday, June 20th beginning at 6:59pm.

A Summer Solstice Date of June 20th has not occurred since 1896 or 112 years ago.

Solstices occur twice per year when the tilt of the Earth's Axis is the furthest distance away from the Sun.   The Summer Solstice occurs on either June 20th, 21st or 22nd of each year and it marks the first day of the Astronomical Season of Summer. On the day the Summer Solstice falls, the Sun is farthest North or highest appearing in the sky.  It is also one of the days which have the Longest Hours of Daylight and the Shortest Hours of Darkness.  

 Notice the Sunlit portion of the Earth in the Northern Hemisphere from the Equator up to the Arctic Circle North Pole).  

The Winter Solstice occurs on either December 20th, 21st or 22nd of each year and it marks the first day of the Astronomical Season of Winter.  On the Day the Winter Solstice falls, the Sun is farthest South or Lowest appearing in the sky.  It is also one of the days which have the Shortest Hours of Daylight and the Longest Hours of Darkness.   Notice the Sunlit portion of the Earth in the Southern Hemisphere from the Equator down to the Antarctic Circle (South Pole).

  Below are some very informative website links which explain the Solstice in detail:

Here is an easy to understand guide explaining the Summer Solstice.  It includes a Beginner - Intermediate - Advanced tab and is also available in Spanish.
The Summer Solstice 
 
This animation displays the Earth's rotation in relation to the Sun throughout the Solstice and Equinox periods of the year.  Use the toolbar along the calendar bar to control the animation.   Choose the "Earth Profile Tab" for specific details as you view the animation.
 Earth - Sun Relations
 
This page contains a simple animation of where and when the sunlight shines upon the Earth and produces for us what we know as Day and Night. Read through the entire page to learn more about the Earth's Seasons, Equinoxes and Solstices.  Many more links included.
 24 Hour Time Lapse Animation
 
This animation is controlled by the viewer, yourself.  You can choose any specific day of the year to display the amount of daylight shining on the Earth in comparison to darkness.
 Length of Earth's Days & Nights
 
This page offers a very simple explanation of why we experience Seasons throughout the year due to the Earth's rotation in relation to the Sun.
Day vs Night Shadow
 
 
This animation shows how the length of daily light and dark periods change over the course of 1 year.
Antarctica Seasonal Cycle
 
 
If you would like to know exactly when a Summer Solstice or Winter Equinox will occur for any specific year, this chart provides the dates and time.
Astronomical Information Center
 
 
This is an animated explanation specifically for the Summer Solstice.
Summer Solstice Animation 
 
This is a Day-Night Earth View map which displays a comparison of the Earth which is Dark or Light at any given time.  Selection options are available below the map.
Earth Viewer

Before Sunrise and After Sunset there are intervals of time which there is Natural Light provided by the Atmosephere which does not receive Direct Sunlight. This period of time is know as Twilight. Twilight Definitions 

Now that we have an understanding of the Solstice & Equinox periods, let us examine some Sunrise & Sunset Dates & Times for 2008.                                      

                                      March           June            September         December

Sunrise:                       6:54am        5:16am       6:39am               7:16am

Sunset:                        6:04pm        8:31pm       5:48pm
  4:24pm

     

Hours of Daylight:      11:10           15:47           11:09                     8:08

Hours of Darkness:  12:50              8:13           12:51                   15:52  

As shown above, June 20th has 7 Hours & 39 Minutes of Additional Daylight Hours in comparison to this coming Winter Solstice which will occur on December 21st which will only have 8 Hours and 8 Minutes.  

Since the June Summer Solstice is typically considered a Summertime Benchmark of sorts, this would be an ideal time to examine Chicago's Daily Maximum Temperatures so far.  

Below is an Examination & Comparison Study of 70º and Higher Daily Maximum Temperatures in Chicago during the period from January 1st up to and including the June Summer Solstice Day over the past 138 Years (1871 - 2008)  

The Number of Days the Daily Maximum Temperature Reached 70º or Higher during the period of January 1st thru the Summer Solstice over the past 137 Years (1871 - 2007)

0 - 19 Days                                 3 Times                               2%

20 - 29 Days                             39 Times                             29%

30 - 39 Days                             47 Times                             34% <-- 2008  39 Days

40 - 49 Days                             41 Times                             30%

50 or More Days                         7 Times                               5%

Totals:                                     137 Times                            100%  

Now a Breakdown and Comparison of 2008                          

                     70º or Greater Daily Temperatures in 2008                        

                          70ºs      80ºs      90ºs      100ºs      Total

April:                   7            1          0            0                 8

May:                  10            2          0            0              12

June:                  7          11          1            0              19

Totals:              24         14          1            0              39

137 Year Avg:  20         13          3           0               36  

Here is what the Study above is telling us: So far, in 2008 (up to and including the June Solstice) Chicago has experienced 39 Days of Temperatures reaching 70º or Higher which falls into the most common Category of 30 - 39 Days.  

Also, for the same Time Period of January 1st thru June 20th Chicago's 39 Days of 70º or Higher Temperatures has surpassed the 137 Average of 36 Days by 3 Days.   

Most 70º & Higher Days                Least 70º & Higher Days

58 Days   in   1955                         18 Days    in    1882

58 Days   in   1977                         19 Days    in    1878

52 Days   in   1959                         19 Days    in    1924

52 Days   in   1987                         22 Days    in    1883

52 Days   in   1991                         22 Days    in    1892

51 Days   in   2007                         22 Days    in    1909

50 Days   in   1963                         22 Days    in    1935

49 Days   in   2005                         23 Days    in    1900

48 Days   in   1896                         23 Days    in    1901

48 Days   in   1934                         23 Days    in    1904  

The 137 Year Average is 36 Days 2008 Has Experienced   39 Days

Days Examined for Most & Least Above are January 1st thru the June Solstice of Each Year  

Earliest June Solstice: June 20th which has occurred   3   2% Times in 138 Years.

Typical June Solstice:  June 21st which has occurred  99 72% Times in 138 Years.

Latest June Solstice: June 22nd which has occurred  36 26% Times 138 Years                                                 

                                                       
                     Total:         138 100% 

                                                       

                          
                                                       

                      

A large area of high pressure is currently in place and dominant across much of the midwest. Sinking air motion and northwesterly winds has helped to give us a much needed break from storms for at least the next couple of days. Temperatures for today will remain slightly below normal for this time of year. Dewpoints are currently in the lower to mid 50s. Winds are NNE so temperatures lakefront will be cooler than the rest of the area by 5-10 degrees. Lower 70s along the lake and mid to upper 70s elsewhere. Our next chance for seeing rain will come Friday and Saturday as the atmosphere will become quite unstabe and a  low pressure system currently over New England is expected to retrograde westward. The storms that do form aren't expected to be severe as there upper level support and wind shear will not be strong. For next week, we will gradually climb to normal and even slightly above norm by mid week as we get on the back side of high pressure.

Ravaging flood waters has taken a toll on across the midwest.. The Army Corps of Engineers have said that 19 levees along the Mississippi River have failed. Over 280,000 acres of crops are either damaged or at high flood risk and about 5 million acres of crop has been destroyed across the midwest. Iowa is the hardest state hit with the others being Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana. Storms over the past 3 weeks have trained over the same areas causing major flooding. This has been the worst flood event in 15 years.

The summer solstice happens Thursday just before 7 p.m.  I'll be celebrating it pretty much the same way I've done for the last 9 years... in Denver, Colorado in City Park....

Every year, at sundown on the summer solstice about a thousand runners gather to run 3 miles.  It's a race to raise awareness about Melanoma.   My friend Bruce Fierst lost his fiance Kristen Michelle O'Conner to melanoma.  She was very young and full of life when the cruel disease struck....  Melanoma is the #1 cancer in women ages 25 to 29 in the U.S.   It's a startling statistics in a country where sun-worshiping is all too familar! 

This year the race has a different meaning as the disease has hit close to home.  My friend Dina Bair at WGN continues her battle with Melanoma.  And recently, my father in law has been diagnosed with melanoma and he is about to have surgery to remove cancerous skin.   

When Bruce asked me to join his cause, we were living in Denver... where the sun in closer and shines more often!   (Bruce is from Chicago but has lived his adult life in Denver... now here I am in his hometown! )   I'll admit there was hesititation at first when he asked me to join his cause... while it makes sense to have a meteorologist talk about the danger of sun, etc...... you see... that first year of the race... and several since, the race has landed on my birthday!!   But I have found over the years, there's no better way to party than being with friends and being fit!  (plus he always gets a cake and the whole crowd sings!!!)  

I've also learned how to look for skin problems...  it's a quick and easy reminder of what to watch out for on your skin:

Early signs of melanoma include ABCDEs: asymmetry of lesion; border irregularity, bleeding, or crusting; color change; diameter over 6 mm or growing lesion; elevated area in a previously flat area. melanomafoundation.org

Make sure to ask your dermatologist about melanoma prevention and the best ways to protect yourself from harmful rays from the sun.

 To find out more I suggest the Miles for Melanoma fundriasers like Bruce's race and Kristen's foundation... you can mail donations to KMO Foundation at 205 North Michigan Ave. Chicago, IL 60302  of Curt Shilling's foundation which can be found here!

I'll have some pictures of the race --- when I get back! 

BLAH, BLAH, BLAH BLOGS.....BUT NOT THIS ONE !!!

HOLY COW LOOK AT THIS !!!

A storm chaser in Iowa captured this tornadic super cell storm. If you see this type of cloud there is DANGEROUS WEATHER very nearby.

The link below will take you to the blog at Weather Team 4, our sister station in Kansas City, Missouri. The meteorologists there created a Weather Blog like ours where you can read about this storm and watch AMAZING VIDEO of this storm being chased.

http://community.myfoxkc.com/blogs/wxteam4

Join us here at the Fox Chicago Weather Blog for future cool links to our sister stations.

As always have a great week,

Tammie Souza