Weather Headlines
Dodging showers today, but not a washout
Severe storms possible later Sunday
An unsettled & cool week ahead
Special Note
Some of you have been concerned about the out-of-control Chinese rocket that will be coming to Earth today. That is of very little concern, as it will more than likely land in ocean waters….whatever is left of it after burning up in our atmosphere. Wear a helmet if it makes ya feel better? 😉
There is a rocket launch this evening in Virginia that we may be able to see from here, due to the unique nature of the gasses that will be released from that launch. Unfortunately, I’m afraid clouds will block the view. This would take place around 7:00 this evening, central time. I’ll do a special post if I think we might be able to see it. More info on this launch can be found at https://www.nasa.gov/wallops/2021/press-release/nasa-wallops-may-8-rocket-launch-visible-in-eastern-united-states.
Meteorologist Mark’s Wx Vlog
Seven-Day Forecast

Forecast Summary
Today’s showers will be hit-n-miss and definitely not a washout. Just be ready to dodge a drop here and there. By Sunday, we may see a morning shower but the main action comes later in the day. That’s when a line of storms could pack a punch as it crosses the plateau. I’ll keep an eye on that.
By Monday, showers should move out by the afternoon and that will leave us with a nice Monday night and a decent Tuesday. More unsettled arrives by mid to late week. Right now, Sunday evening looks like the only good chance for severe weather over the next seven days.
Meteorologist Mark’s Wx Concerns
There remains a chance for strong to severe storms in the afternoon to evening hours of Sunday, with timing moving closer to the evening hours with each new round of guidance. The Storm Prediction Center is now highlighting our area in the marginal risk for severe storms. I’ll keep an eye on things!

Almanac for Yesterday

On This Day in Wx History
1981 – The Dallas/Fort Worth area experienced its worst hailstorm of record, as baseball to grapefruit size hail, accompanied by 100 mph winds, caused nearly 200 million dollars damage. Hail accumulated to eight inches deep at Cedar Hill, Texas.
Yesterday’s National Temperature Extremes
High: 106° at Death Valley, California
Low: 18° at both Minot Air Force Base and Rolla, North Dakota
Today’s Tennessee Weather
It’s an unsettled day across the state. The best chance for thunderstorms will be across West Tennessee, with the rest of us just seeing a chance for showers. The least chance for rain will be across the northeast portion of the state. Many of us are just going to be dodging a shower here or there.

Map created by WeatherWX.com
Wednesday’s Weather 101 w/ Meteorologist Mark (Coming May 12th!)
Drought Monitor
The drought monitor is updated each Thursday.

Weather SnapShots (NEW!)
My friend Dakota Maynard (MattMapMaker) took this picture of a tornado a few miles north of Crowell, TX on 4/23/2021. “There’s a lot to love about this picture! Probably my favorite picture I took on 4/23,” Dakota. I agree…it sure is a beaut!

NASA Nerdology
This week….they landed the Starship. No explosions. No fires. It ascended and then came back. This is the vehicle that will take up to 100 people at a time to the Moon and possibly to Mars. Great work by SpaceX and NASA!
Starship SN8: Explosive landing
Starship SN9: Explosive landing
Starship SN10: Hard landing, post-flight explosion
Starship SN11: Explosive flip maneuver
Starship SN15: Perfection

Mark, I miss your moonrise data. Thanks, Reb Ivey
Thanks for letting me know, Reb! I’ll bring it back tomorrow!