SPM 05-17-2018: Warm and Dry as the Upper Ridge Won the Day

Issue Date: Thursday, May 17th, 2018
Issue Time: 9:30 AM MDT

Summary:

As far as precipitation is concerned, yesterday was one of the more boring days in recent weeks. Dry and warm conditions dominated the day as the upper ridge, and associated dry air, capped off the environment and suppressed any potential development. A few streaks of virga painted the sky during the late afternoon and evening, but that was all Mother Nature could muster. With the capped environment, a moisture influx was able to prime the atmosphere for a couple strong-to-severe thunderstorms today over the eastern plains – be sure to check in with the FTB for more information.

Flash flooding was not reported yesterday. For a look at precipitation estimates in your area, please see our State Precipitation Map below.

Click Here For Map Overview

The map below shows radar-estimated, rainfall gage-adjusted Quantitative Precipitation Estimates (QPE) across Colorado. The map is updated daily during the operational season (May 1 – Sep 30) by 11AM. The following six layers are currently available: 24-hour, 48-hour and 72-hour total precipitation, as well as maximum 1-hour, 2-hour and 6-hour precipitation over the past 24 hour period (to estimate where flash flooding may have occurred). The accumulation ending time is 6AM of the date shown in the bottom right corner. Also shown optionally are fire burn areas since 2012. The home button in the top left corner resets the map to the original zoom.

Note: We have identified a possible underestimation in QPE over the southwest part of the state. We are working to on this issue, and will provide an update as soon as possible.