Annual Orionid Meteor Showers

Annual Orionid Meteor Showers

Reports of fireballs falling from the sky have been coming in around the nation over the past few days and it's no coincidence. It's an annual event that takes place at this time each year. Halleys Comet, which last passed through this part of the Solar system back in 1985/86 (I was 3 1/2 yrs. old) left a trail of ice and tiny rocks. On October 21/22 each year the Earth passes through this tail of ice and rocks, which burns up rapidly through our atmosphere causing fireballs to rain down. These fireballs are known as shooting stars, but when the are grouped together, they are known as a meteor shower. The annual Orionid Meteor Shower will continue over the next couple of nights so keep your eyes open - now you know, that green streak of light you see passing through the night sky isn't extraterrestrial (Hopefully we'll clear out enough to see some of those meteors). You can report those meteors here: These are the all the reports received by the IMO already - keep them coming!!! By the way, Halley Comet won't be back until 2061 (I hope I'm alive to see it!


Weather Headlines

Wet Wednesday - Latest BUFKIT computer runs show nearly 1.13" for the Twin Cities through 7pm Wednesday.

Temperatures may be cold enough for a little light snow in central Minnesota late Wednesday - early Thursday morning. Here's the weather map at 5pm Wednesday, the blue coloring indicates snow:

The darker blue indicates heavier snow, which is located in the Arrowhead of Minnesota and this is where the National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory until noon on Tuesday for the potential of UP TO 5" of snow in spots along the the North Shore.

Unsettled weather conditions continue through the rest of the week/weekend as storms continue to bounce across the International border. Here's the next 10 day precipitation animation:

Todd's Outlook for the Twin Cities

Today: Windy and raw with periods of rain, moderate at times. Turning colder by afternoon with falling temperatures - a brief period of wet snow is possible by late afternoon and evening, maybe a coating to 1" of slush on lawns and fields, especially north of St. Cloud. High: 46 (falling through the 30s).

Tonight: Rain/snow mix early, then mostly cloudy and cool. Low: 35

Thursday: Partly cloudy and chilly! High: 46

Friday: Breezy and cold for October - persistent clouds, sprinkle or flake possible. High: 41 - that's it!

Saturday: Intervals of sun, better day of the weekend. High: Around 50

Sunday: Getting cloudier, PM showers of rain mixed with wet snow. High: Around 50

Monday: Autumn-like with a slight chance of showers. High: 47

Halloween Outlook: Mostly cloudy and chilly with a few sprinkles or flurries. High: 39 (Trick or Treat temperatures may be near freezing). Plan on a few extra layers under your kid's costumes - I have a feeling you're going to need them this year.