Why I planted the Yakoubian Maters Early

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The first daily record high fell today and I think there will be more to come.  North Little Rock hit 79 breaking the old record of 77 set in 1990.  Records here only date back to the 1970s.  As we first told you here last week, expect this warm weather to set in and even strengthen further.  As I thought, the GFS taking temperatures down by the end of the week was incorrect.   The numbers on each model run keep getting warmer and should stay right around 80 degrees or a bit higher through the weekend and beyond.  We will continue to challenge record highs as a massive ridge of high pressure dominates the central and eastern United States.  Remember, for every action, there's an equal and opposite reaction.  Across the western United States, an incredibly strong trough of low pressure will develop bringing cold and stormy conditions to the west.   Eventually that low will pull out as I have talked about in previous blog posts.  How is still a big question.  Some models are even closing the low off just west of Arkansas.  With the massive ridge in place, the eastward progression of that storm system will be slow and could lead to excessive rain across the plains and even severe weather.   All this is highly uncertain at this point.  I'm trying to make a point here.  This will take us all the way well into next week and going towards the end of March with very much above average temperatures.  The average last frost in Little Rock is April 4th and the average last freeze is March 22nd.  So I am taking a risk by planting early.  However, my garden is only 4 feet by 15 feet which isn't big compared to others.  I have a lot less to loose than others, especially our farmers.  I can also cover them up.  Even if a freeze gets them, I'm out 20-30 dollars.  While I was digging up the garden,  I tilled about 12'' deep and turned the soil.  I felt it and it was not cold whatsoever!

In the back of my mind is April of 2007 when a late freeze wiped out crops all over the state.  I know I speak for everyone, especially the farmers when I say I hope that doesn't happen this year!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Climate Prediction Center is forecasting well above average temperatures in their 6-10 day outlook for much of the central and eastern United States as a massive ridge of high pressure builds into the area.

This is the Climate Prediction Center's 8-14 day outlook showing those well above average temperatures continuing.  This will take us towards the end of March and this could go down as one of the warmest March's in Little Rock weather history.

This may look a little messy, but the Euro shows a massive trough next week across the western United States.  In response, there's a monster ridge across the central and eastern portions of the country keeping us very warm for this time of the year.  That trough will eventually come out, but how is the big question!  This time of year, you always have to keep an eye on these for the possibility of some rough weather.

My azaleas are blooming.  I NEVER remember them blooming this early!