Weather Wise

April is typically known for its increasing occurrences of thunderstorms. And although the month started with a severe weather outbreak that spawned the Sussex county tornado, much of the month has featured stretches of sunny days and abnormally warm temperatures. Chief Meteorologist Rich Wirdzek and Meteorologist Ulises Garcia discuss the worsening drought conditions across Delmarva and how other variables are coming together to increase the fire risk on the peninsula. 

The recent weather pattern has brought sunny days and late Spring and Summer-like temperatures to much of Delmarva, with the exception of the coast - where cold waters have dramatically cooled the air a few miles inland. Meteorologist Ulises Garcia and Chief Meteorologist Rich Wirdzek recap the big temperature differences on Delmarva that are common this time of the year, including nights that can still generate frost and freeze conditions. They also discuss the latest drought monitor for Delmarva.

On Saturday (4/1/23), a supercell thunderstorm produced a violent EF-3 tornado carving a 14.3 mile path across parts of northern Sussex county in Delaware. The tornado became the 2nd strongest and 2nd fatal tornado on record in the state of Delaware, claiming one life and leaving behind a trail of destruction. Chief Meteorologist Rich Wirdzek and Meteorologist Ulises Garcia discuss the unique atmospheric setup that supplied the ingredients for a severe weather event more typical for the Midwest than for Delmarva. They also examine the damage survey data released from the National Weather Service.

Meteorologist Ulises Garcia and Chief Meteorologist Rich Wirdzek discuss an increasing rainfall deficit that is prompting early stages of drought conditions across parts of Delmarva. While the Mid-Atlantic weather pattern has been fairly quiet, areas in the deep south are coming off of a deadly tornado outbreak.

Spring started at 5:24pm EDT on Monday and for Delmarva the upward temperature trend has been right on cue with the new season. Chief Meteorologist Rich Wirdzek and Meteorologist Ulises Garcia are in for this week's episode to talk about the changing weather pattern for the late part of March. With severe weather season just around the corner, Delaware is gearing up its preparedness efforts with a week long look at severe weather safety and preparation.

With the start of Daylight Saving Time this past weekend, Chief Meteorologist Rich Wirdzek and Meteorologist Sloane Haines talk the pros and cons of the newly adjusted time. And with the start of Spring just a few days away, Sloane and Rich discuss how the weather pattern has finally shifted to a more normalized stretch for late winter, with little signs of change in the immediate future. And on a bittersweet note, Meteorologist Sloane Haines signs off in her final Weather Wise Podcast as she reflects on her time at 47abc WMDT and on Delmarva.

Chief Meteorologist Rich Wirdzek is joined this week by Ulises Garcia to recap another month for the record books. Following one of the warmest Februarys on record for the Salisbury area, the start of March has followed suit with the first thunderstorms of the season across some parts of Delmarva. 

Meteorologist Sloane Haines joins Chief Meteorologist Rich Wirdzek this week as they recap a weekend that teased snow lovers with a brief period of wet snow across parts of Delmarva that had yet to see any flakes this season. Severe weather was the story in parts of the Midwest and Ohio Valley, where damage was reported due to numerous instances of straight line winds and tornadoes. Sloane and Rich discuss why this late February severe weather event was unique both for the time of the year and for the type of storms that occurred. 

Chief Meteorologist Rich Wirdzek and Meteorologist Ulises Garcia discuss a late week warm-up that could break some records. With the talk of warm air, they also look at a powerful Typhoon on the other side of the world. And in the continued search for signs of snow, Rich and Ulises discuss how some climate signals may be shifting towards a more winter-friendly setup in the weeks to come.

Meteorologist Sloane Haines is back this week with Chief Meteorologist Rich Wirdzek as an exceptionally mild February continues into the mid-month time frame. With recent record high temperatures they take a look at long range patterns to see if there's any hope for cold and snow lovers for later stages of winter.