On Monday October 19, Baltimore’s BWI dropped to 29F setting a new record low temperature for the date (beating 30F in 1979) and bringing the growing season to an end with the widespread freeze and frost. Now we get a big bounce off of the bottom with temperatures aiming for the 70s. By definition, the National Weather Service defines Indian Summer as warm and dry conditions with above normal temperatures (above 70F) after a killing frost. The term dates back to colonial America where Europeans experienced a late autumn warmup and credited the natives for it.
Before we get to the weather, I understand the overly sensitive culture we live in might object to this term even though it has been in use for centuries with no derogatory intention. But the idea of a warm spell after a killing frost is world renown with different terms.
- Altweibersomme: Germany- Translates to “old woman’s summer”
- Grandma’s Summer: Russia
- Gypsy or Poorman’s Summer: Bulgaria
- “Veranico”: Southern Brazil and Argentina- Translates to “little summer”
- “Veranico de Maio” (“May’s little summer”) when associated with El Nino. Note, the southern hemisphere has their cool season opposite ours. So May would be their autumn.
The clear sky and shift in wind will allow for the warm up for at least the next three days. This morning the air is already about 10 degrees warmer than just a day earlier. The push higher on the thermometer will continue until the next weather system arrives.
A cold front will pass to our north and take much of the activity with it. There is only a small chance of a shower late Thursday into Friday morning. Then another system arrives at the end of the weekend, eventually dropping afternoon temperatures back into the 50s. But until then, we have a mild stretch lasting even beyond small stretch of 70s.
Temperature Outlook
Second Front This Weekend
Please share your thoughts, best weather pics/video, or just keep in touch via social media
- Facebook: Justin Berk, Meteorologist
- Twitter: @JustinWeather
- Instagram: justinweather
Get the award winning Kid Weather App I made with my oldest son and support our love for science, weather, and technology. Our 3 year anniversary of the release and our contribution to STEM education is this November. It has been downloaded in 60 countries, and works in both temperature scales. With your support we can expand on the fun introduction to science and real weather.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]