Another look at March

One last post (I think) about the record warm March for much of the country.  After some more data analysis, NOAA released its March weather summary for the U.S., confirming the incredible warmth over the Midwest and East.  The map on the right shows how March 2012 compared to state-level temperature rankings for the past 118 years.  Notice all the states - 25 in total - with the number 118.  That indicates those states had their record warmest March, a really incredible number.  Many other states nearly set new records for March temperatures.

The other latest weather story is from Texas.  Last week, a cluster of severe thunderstorms raked northern Texas, producing several tornadoes (17 in all) in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.  Miraculously, no one was killed in these storms, despite some of the tornadoes being long-lived and tracking through populated areas.  In addition to the tornadoes, very large hail, up to baseball size, was reported with several storms, including near DFW airport.  The National Weather Service produced a nice summary of the event with photos.

Closer to home, we're amid a week of April showers in the Bay Area.  A large trough of low pressure over the eastern Pacific will gradually move across California this week with cool temperatures and occasional showers.  Wednesday, expect a few showers and possibly a thunderstorm (if the sun comes out and we get some surface heating).  Late Thursday into Friday, the next system will move in with more rain.  By Sunday and Monday though, high pressure will build in with more sun and warmer temps.