The magic numbers

28, 32

Here in KC, we will be getting precipitation tomorrow - but whether we get rain or freezing rain depends upon the temperature. And we are not talking about just a small amount of precipitation, but somewhere between 1.5 and 2 inches. If the temperature today gets up above 28 degrees F, then it is more likely that tomorrow our temperatures will get at or above 32 degrees. Great, this means rain. If not, and the temperature tomorrow stays below freezing - we could get up to two inches of ice. *

So tomorrow, Tuesday, is potentially going to be a really messy day. Or, it might not be. As a result, I have decided to work from home tomorrow instead of driving over the large bridge across the Missouri River** . I don't want to get stuck at work. . . I used to think I was a complete wimp for not going into work on bad weather days. After all, lots of people have to go to work and risk driving in the dangerous conditions. But upon reflection, I am really thankful that, as an academic, I have a job that allows me to honor the limitations imposed upon me by winter weather. I can stay home tomorrow; no one will die or be sick if I am not there tomorrow. But it is more than that - I don't have to worry that my boss will fire me if I don't show up. I don't have to risk life and limb to go to work because I don't have any vacation days left.

Hopefully we will get plain, boring rain instead of ice tomorrow. If we get ice, I hope that people in the area will be safe.

*This is according to my favorite news Channel in KC - 41. Both the of the main meteorologists are terrific. They tell you like it is without predicting gloom and doom.

** Incidentally, I also drive past a landfill everyday to work. Lovely, no. Often the song "Over the river and past the landfill to biology class I go" runs through my head.