Albedoman

What we are experiencing in Pennsylvania today—a dry, gusty, almost desert-like northwest wind—is actually part of the same larger weather pattern that is hammering the higher elevations of New England. At the summit of Mount Washington, temperatures can be 30–40°F colder than the valleys, and when a late-season cold upper-level trough swings through, the mountain essentially reverts back to winter. Six inches of snow and sleet at the end of May, with June literally days away, is extraordinary but not impossible on that mountain. Mount Washington is famous for producing weather that feels more like January than late spring. For perspective: Many locations in Pennsylvania are seeing temperatures in the 60s and even 70s. Trees are fully leafed out across the Northeast. Memorial Day has already passed. Yet the summit of Mount Washington is receiving accumulating snow significant enough to disrupt travel to the top. Like you, I've seen snow in May before, but seeing conditions severe enough that you'd say "Forget about taking the train or driving to the summit!" right on June's doorstep is something most people witness only a handful of times in their lives. What's even more striking is the contrast: Lowhill Township: dry, windy, fire-weather type conditions. Mount Washington: sleet, snow, winter driving conditions. That is nearly a January-to-June weather difference occurring within a single region of the Northeast. Weather enthusiasts often say that if you don't like the weather on Mount Washington, wait five minutes. But getting a legitimate snowstorm there at the end of May is the kind of event that people will be talking about when they look back on the weather records for 2026. As a longtime weather observer, my reaction is understandable—this is one of those "I can't believe I'm seeing this so close to June" moments. https://www.facebook.com/reel/2064983904453037

Recent rainfall across portions of the Lehigh Valley, including approximately 1.40 inches at my location, was certainly beneficial for vegetation, lawns, crops, and surface soil moisture. However, despite this rainfall, stream base flows continue to decline rapidly, indicating that the region is still experiencing significant underlying groundwater deficits. One of the primary reasons for this is that late May and early June represent peak seasonal vegetation demand. Trees and crops are now fully leafed out and actively transpiring large amounts of water back into the atmosphere. As a result, much of the recent rainfall is being intercepted by vegetation or absorbed into extremely dry upper soil layers before it can deeply infiltrate and meaningfully recharge aquifers and groundwater systems. The geology of the Lehigh Valley further complicates drought recovery. Carbonate limestone and dolomite formations common throughout the region can rapidly absorb rainfall through fractures and karst features, while upland shale and sandstone areas often have limited groundwater storage capacity. This creates a situation where streams may temporarily rise after rainfall events but then quickly recede once runoff diminishes. Although recent precipitation has helped reduce immediate vegetation stress and temporarily improved surface conditions, true hydrologic recovery will likely require multiple widespread soaking rain events, lower evapotranspiration rates, and sustained groundwater recharge over an extended period of time before stream base flows and aquifer levels fully recover. Lehigh County also recently experienced one of its driest Aprils on record, and year-to-date precipitation deficits continue to contribute to ongoing drought-related concerns throughout the region.

I had to work during the heat wave and simply did not have the luxury of spending hours challenging or debating data records online. However, in nearly 40 years of living here, I can honestly say this appears to be one of the coldest stretches heading into this time of year that I can remember locally. The long-range guidance continues hinting at that pattern as well, with some overnight lows potentially dropping into the lower 40s over the next few weeks. As a Township Manager, my responsibilities come first. Between preparing for potential EOC-related security concerns surrounding the election with the bombing and handling day-to-day municipal operations throughout the Lehigh Valley on Tuesday, I simply did not have the opportunity to post. Yes, the recent heat wave was unusual, but that is also consistent with the current atmospheric setup. In this pattern, the low-pressure systems are often getting cut off before fully reaching our area, which can temporarily allow short bursts of abnormal warmth before the larger-scale cooler regime reestablishes itself.

I was hping for some dowpours today. That is quickly dimisishing on this morning radar echo returns The hopes of getting out this drought are disapppearing. Everytime heavier bands form out in south western PA they race up to the center part of the state and cannot cross the Blue Mts. .25 daily inch rains are not good enough. It only allows the surface vegetation like grasses to say green longer. We should have a bumper crop yields for grains this year but at this time even the corn looks threaten and weak. This cold weather is unbearable. Coldest Memorial day I can ever remember. I have the space heater running in my office as solar raditonal heat cannot recover the temps in the house the next 3 days. Still wearing sweatshirts after this last heatwave. Wll , the landscaping mowing businesses will be loving this weather after the hoilday as they will be mowing everything that grew a foot high this weekend.

MY suet feeders are empy after the last two weeks- incredible. I have eight of them. This is because when freezes hit in late April into May, they can severely damage: Serviceberries Mulberries Wild cherries Dogwood berries Early insect hatches Flowering fruit trees and shrubs That creates a temporary natural food shortage for many birds, especially: Baltimore orioles Catbirds Woodpeckers Bluebirds Wrens Chickadees Grackles Starlings Suet suddenly becomes one of the highest-calorie foods available, so birds aggressively raid feeders even outside normal winter behavior. You may also notice: Birds staying at feeders much longer Increased territorial fighting Species eating suet that normally ignore it in May Birds tearing through feeders in 1–2 days More activity early morning and before storms A late freeze can also reduce caterpillars and soft-bodied insects that nesting birds desperately need for protein right now. A few things you can do to help temporarily: Best Foods Right Now Plain suet or insect suet Mealworms Peanut pieces Black oil sunflower Orange halves for orioles Jelly in small amounts Avoid Overheating Problems As temperatures rise in Pennsylvania: Use “no-melt” suet blends Keep suet in shade Replace spoiled suet quickly Expect This to Improve If weather stabilizes, natural food sources usually rebound within: 1–3 weeks for insects Several weeks for berry-producing shrubs You may especially notice a rebound after warm rainy nights, when insect populations recover quickly. Pennsylvania’s recent late spring freeze has caused significant damage to fruit trees, berry-producing plants, flowering shrubs, vineyards, and early insect populations across the state. Apples, peaches, cherries, blueberries, grapes, serviceberries, and other fruit crops suffered blossom and young fruit losses after temperatures dropped into the low 20s during critical growing periods. At the same time, many early insects and caterpillars — an important protein source for nesting birds — were also reduced by the prolonged cold weather. As a result, many birds that normally rely on natural spring food sources such as berries, fruit, nectar, seeds, and insects are now aggressively turning to backyard feeders for survival. This is why suet feeders are being hit unusually hard this spring, even by species that may not normally rely heavily on suet during warmer weather. Suet provides a high-calorie, high-fat energy source that helps birds recover quickly during a period when natural foods are scarce or delayed. Increased nesting activity, colder nighttime temperatures, and the physical demands of breeding season are also causing birds to consume much larger amounts of food than normal. Many residents throughout Pennsylvania are reporting increased feeder traffic, longer feeding times, and more competition among birds as they adapt to these temporary environmental conditions. While the media has covered the agricultural impacts of the freeze — including major losses to orchards and vineyards — far less attention has been given to the secondary wildlife impacts now becoming visible in neighborhoods and rural areas. Agricultural losses are easier to quantify through crop damage and financial impacts, while changes in bird behavior are more difficult to measure scientifically in real time. In many ways, the unusually heavy activity now being seen at backyard suet feeders may be one of the clearest visible indicators of the broader environmental stress caused by Pennsylvania’s late spring freeze. A lot of birders throughout the Mid-Atlantic have reported unusual feeder pressure after this freeze pattern.

My friends: The freeze event several weeks ago was historical like I said several times since the event. Here is my proof in the facbook video below. Highland Orchards is near West Chester, PA. The areas to the west and north were just as bad if not worse. I was absolutley spot on when I said on how devastating this late freeze and the depth of the cold throughtout our area. Every vineyard harvest in Lehigh County was totatly decimated for this year. Whats next in my thoughts? This years years corn and soybeans have been affected as well. Many farmers have not even plowed the fields yet as they are afraid of the current drought conditions. WE really need 3-5 inches of rain in the next two weeks. The base flows in the streams are down 50-75% right now. I am waiting for the spigot to be turned on. When? The spigot will not be turned on until we have at least two back to back storm events coming up from the TN valley rather than from the upper midwest. I do not see that until the very end of the month- if we are really lucky. Lets hope some shortwaves start appearing on the models near Nashville TN and running up the Applachian Mts. https://www.facebook.com/reel/1668857734450422

thanks

I’m not talking about Philadelphia—I’m talking about the Lehigh Valley, where I actually live and have followed weather patterns for decades. I was here 40 years ago, and I can tell you from real experience that this stretch is different. Back then—and even as recently as May 2020—I wasn’t running my heat in May. What we’re seeing now isn’t just about “average temperatures.” It’s the persistent cloud cover, lack of solar heating, cool daytime highs, and cold nights that never let homes recover heat. That’s what drives real-world conditions like higher utility bills and stressed vegetation. So no, I’m not calling this the “year without a summer”—but I am saying that what we’re experiencing right now doesn’t line up with what has been typical in the Lehigh Valley over the past several decades. Here I will give you factueal information about using averages to score points: 1) The current weather pattern really has been cool + cloudy + persistent Early May our area was forecast as “rainy, cool” for multiple consecutive days Forecasts and observations show repeated mostly cloudy skies, showers, and highs stuck in the upper 40s–low 60s with nights in the 30s–40sThat’s exactly the setup that forces continuous heating—not just the occasional use. 2) April had frequent rain days (meaning lots of clouds) Typical April in Allentown already has ~17–21 rainy days spread across the month When those cluster together (which they did late in the month), you get: Several back-to-back gray days Very little solar heating This directly supports my point about: “lack of solar energy from constant cloudy days” 3) The temperatures themselves are deceptive April 2026 averaged about 50°F overall Typical April averages are around 62°/40° (high/low) On paper, that doesn’t scream “extreme.” But here’s the real key: Highs in the upper 40s–low 60s Nights in the 30s–40s Repeated for many days That combination continuously builds heating demand, even if it’s not record-breaking cold. 4) This directly explains my heating issue (and bill) This is described as a textbook physical geography course: If temps stay below ~65°F → you accumulate heating degree days every day If it’s cloudy → no solar gain If it repeats → your house never recovers heat That’s why: You’re running heat all day Your bill spikes It feels worse than past years This is not opinion, its a fact —it’s how building heat balance works 5) My vegetation observations are also backed up Cool, cloudy, wet stretches: Slow plant development Stress new leaves and budding formation Delay normal spring growth cycles That aligns with what you’re seeing on the ground right now. Bottom line (plain and direct) I am not exaggerating—I am just describing something weather averages don’t capture: Not extreme cold But persistently cool, cloudy, and damp With low solar input and repeated nights in the 40s That combination absolutely can make late April / early May feel colder than many past years, especially from a homeowner’s perspective.

I am really concerned with this COLD weather. In tonights 18z, I counted at least 8 days in the next 15 days with lows in the mid to upper 30's and many days not breaking out of the low 50's. This is by far the coldest spring I can remember in 40 + years. Snow flurries and graupel a real good possibility at these temps if moisture shows its face at the right time. Cloudy days will force me to run the heater. I have never run the heater in May before. The sycamore leaves are now gone and wilted from the freeze. The other PA forum indicates strawberry damage in Lancaster and York and complete fruit tree bud destruction. This maybe the year with "no summer" again at this juncture. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Year_Without_a_Summer

wait until you see the prices of local wines this fall- then you will wonder why the media has not said jack. This guy below is the expert and I spoke to him this morning as I just approved his new sign for his recent expansion of his winery as the Lowhill Township manager/zoning officer. I trust him over anyone in this country. He told me he lost 80-90% of his grape production. He is an expert meterologist too. https://www.weathertrends360.com/Company https://www.weatheredvineyards.com/

to all. Many of you do not realize the extent of the real ahrd freeze about two weeks ago. Many fruit trees and vineyards have been decimated. 0-10 % of the normal fruit harvest from our region alone. All new growers are finished before they even started for this year. All 3 vineyards in Lowhill Township area lost this years grape growing season. The grapes will likley come from non-PA growers to make wine this year if they want to bottle wine. The media has turned a blind eye to this issue- believe me --as they are too damn worried about social issues than the number one economic driver in PA- food production. Its a real shame as many people will lose their jobs and still the politicians say absolutley nothing. N0 PA apples, peaches, plums, grapes, strawberries, bluberries and nectarines at the farmers markets. Personally even when covered , my beans received 80% damage. More needs tobdiscussed as I feel PA politicians should be asking for federal disater relief for this. It was hardwinter to boot and many municplaities are hurting based on local road conditions too. Time to discuss these issues rather than baseball and sports issues as they relate to weather patterns

sorry to burst your bubble or fail to melt the butter on your pocorn. I am still waiting for the major pattern change after May 15th where the sticky comes back and the gulf fetch kicks in. Until then, yes it wil be dry with moisture starved cold fronts passing though every 3 days. The eastern maritime flow is absolultey killing our chances of any significant t storm formation. Western PA has been hammered with nice rainfall the last few weeks with the absence of this flow reaching them.

well, at this point, I will take any rain that falls today. We are in trouble folks as the gulf moisture is getting sucked away from these back door cold fronts and the timing is god awful. Where are the stationary fronts with the shortwaves riding the front and us being on the warm side of the front days?

not looking long term guys. I just want to get through May. If I do not see a major pattern change where more gulf moisture infused in these cold frontal passages, we are really screwed. Every front is coming through bone dry as this progressive pattern is relentless. Folks, I cannot actually remember the last time when we had a stationary front over the east coast/mid atlantic with a barrage of LP shortwaves riding the front with temps producing warm enough to produce instability and thunderstorms. I am hoping May will bring this change or we are in trouble. Past history indicates a major pattern change in mid May.

Here you go guys- I am the Township Manager of Lowhill Township. You will find this pretty neat. The smoke could probaly be seen all the way To Red Skys house https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QA7GFlTinxw

I am starting to get concerned about precip right now again. We were essentially screwed out of some decent chances of rain the last few days and we really need it. The stream base flows are barely at normal in our local streams but the big issue is that little to no ground water recharge has taken place. These numerous back door cold fronts are dryer than a popcorn fart. Yes it is great to be 80 degrees the last two days but no decent rain events with the back door cold front is very troubling. This begs the question- where in the hell is all of the gulf moisture? The farmers are worried as if this pattern keeps up, they will be turning their fields in the next few weeks with a giant cloud of dust. Also, if you planted annuals the last few days, they will be destroyed with the frost/freeze on Wednesday morning with lows getting near 22 degrees here in the LV. Never plant annuals until after April 15 in our area.

our tulip snow 2-4 inches a good bet LMAO

I agree, nothing burger. The air was just not unstable enough today. The northern areas need the rain too. At least there has been no wind issues- I so sick of picking up limbs in the yard

Mike, I expect a tornado watch or severe thunderstorm watches to be issued by 3pm in our area. Unlike last weeks storm event, the sun will be coming out in the next few hours based on the satellites imagery. The chances of severe weather will double when this happens with the unstabilized air mass in place. I would expect many severe t- storm warnings this evening becuase of it. Its already sunny near Harrisburg. Not a good sign. This forum will be lighting up later this evening with the severe weather reports. I see Hagerstown MD has a high in the low 80's. Just prime for tornado formation too.

The power went out at my house for about 2.5 hours. Power flashes- winds at hurricane force. Have not seen straight lines winds like that since Sandy. The low top squall line sounded like a freight train before hit - reminded of the tornados back in the 1980's in the MId-South. Over 28,000 residents without power at 11 pm in Lehigh County at one time. I spent 35 minutes just picking up tree limbs around the house that I could see. It was sleeting and snowing when I was cleaning but has now stopped. The power flashes was the dominoe effect from the fuses blowing all at the same time after talking to PPL guys near my house.

Mike, I feel that many in the forum will be shocked how quickly the temps will drop by 1 am. I must admit I called for the squally moderate rain weather as the sun never showed its face. Nice downpours but brief. We need every ounce of the liquid sunshine right now. The next round in an hour or so will bring brief but destructive downdrafts with the frontal passage. many will be discussing the straight line wind issues. However, the big talk will be the huge wet snowflakes to follow about an hour after the frontal passage as the cold air is finally catching up to the actual front now. I expect an inch or even more on the grass surafces by sunrise here in the LV.

I agree mIke. Anything from the midwest deep LP storm means business. Let see how much those southerly winds increase tomorrow afternoon.

Yes I agree, the clody maritime SE fetch is going to destroy the instability factor east of the Blue Mts. No sunshine = no severe weather. The race is on if the sun comes out before the storms hit our area. I see a duration of light to moderate rain until late in the afternoon as the best bet. Rumbles of thunder and heavier downpours tomorrow evening with squallywinds at frontal passage . Anyone west of York/Lancaster, watchout. Tornado watches west of Berks county a good bet

I guess the point I am making, is all of the years were either were going in or out of an el nino. It really does not matter until late october or early November anyway to call the upcoming winter. SST and the SJS controll the el nino anaywat. The best way to know is wait until late Novmeber and if Baja LP go to the 4 corners- watch out baby for Miller A's. The place that gets hosed the worst in the US is the mid south- some of the worst winter tornadoes in the country occur in November and December in the Memphis area in a raging el nino. I have experienced that too-- the infamous W Memphis Tornado in 1987 with massive flooding right after. The only time I witnessed 18 wheelers stacked on the second floor of a hotel after the tornado hit the truck stop and the huge I 40/55 interstate overhead signs twisted like licorice. What gets me is in all of those years above, I also had to shovel out in every one of those storms - el nino or not. To make outragous predictions this far in advance is complete stupidity. I guess that is why he is on TV In the case of our Oceanic Niño Index (ONI), there was one really oddball El Niño episode that maximized during the late summer/early fall in 1987. This El Niño is also unusual because it spanned two consecutive winters (1986-87 and 1987-88). https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=850325316247225