5/9/10 DISC: Mexico

[Bill Hark]

As it was becoming clear about the potential outbreak for May 10, I was also concerned about a "day before the day." Moisture was limited and nothing much was seen except for some isolated hail reports in the States. I did find by accident this beautiful landspoutish tornado from May 9, 2010 that was filmed near Toluca, Mexico. I don't think this storm has any relation to the approaching system for the 10th but don't know of any good Mexican data sites.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cM0GABGCy9E


Toluca is in the southern part of Mexico
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toluca

Bill Hark

 

[David Conaway]

Bill

Thanks for the info and link. I have several in laws that live in Toluca. We usually go down there 2 or 3 times a year. Toluca is located about 50 miles Southwest of Mexico City and its elevation is quite high.

The climate this time of year through September is similar to what you would get in the Mountains of Northern New Mexico. I will usually start off cool in the morning and gradually warm up by noon or so. Then the convection will develope throughout the afternoon and evening. The steering currents are usually week so the storms will propogate more so that actually move. The surface winds are strong at times and this may aid in the upslope development and possibly shear in the lower levels of the storms. The dry season is usually from November through mid April and the warmest times are from March through April.

I have been in some intense storms down there and have on several occasions seen hail up to the size of half dollars. According to my in laws, they had been experiencing some very warm temperatures leading up to 5/9/10. This may have contributed to some stronger updrafts and resulted in some land spouts/tornados. I know that from May through September it will usually rain everyday and I will wear a sweater/jacket because of the cool temperature during the afternoons.

I'm not sure where one can get good weather data down there. Most people down there do not pay attention or have any idea at to whats going on with the weather unless it is happening. Anytime there is unusual weather in that region, they blame the non active Nevada de Toluca volcano.

My in laws down there believe I'm crazy because I will always stand outside to watch the storms and always ask questions about their weather.

I would like to grab my brother-in-law and have him with me to chase the Supercell storms that develope in Northern Mexico on the other side of the Texas border. This way I would not have any problems that might arise from being a "Gringo" out there. However, it is probably too far for them. From Laredo to Toluca is about 18-20 hours when Driving. I have driven it once but every other time, we will fly to Mexico City.

I apologize about the lengthy reply but this in interesting. I will send this link to Mexico to get their thoughts.

David Conaway

 

[Terry Kern]

I've always wondered what it would be like to chase them supercells that fire up just south of the Rio Grande in northern Mexico. They look pretty impressive on radar and I've heard they sometimes produce large tornadoes. Too bad you'd be too busy dodging bullets to be able to watch the storms. I would assume them armoured chase vehicles are bullet proof, they ought to go down there and give it a go.