THANKS FOR VISITING!

I'm an Emmy Award Winning meteorologist at Fox 61 in Hartford. For the latest forecast updates (and fun stuff too, like food and family pics), please follow me on Facebook, twitter and instagram. I look forward to interacting with you there!

LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK!

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Meet Andon Allan!


On 12/23 at 1:08 am after 30+ hours of labor I got to meet my son Andon Allan! My big boy weighed in at 8 lbs, 1 oz, 19". And I love him with every cell in my body. 

It wasn't long after we said "I do" that Aram and I decided to embark on the biggest life adventure of all. Being parents.

We giggled after reading the pregnancy test. It didn’t seem real, but 5 additional tests confirmed our lives would change forever.

Were we having a child or a fruit salad? Websites compared our growing baby to a poppy seed and a kumquat (what the heck is that??).  At 15 weeks, it was time to find out if our little apple was a he or a she.  With the rapid weight gain, everyone was convinced the baby’s room would get painted pink.  They were wrong (except Aram and his Grandmother).  I just needed to slow down with the pizza...Maybe next year.

Baby boy was a pleasure to carry all 39 weeks. He never made mommy sick. And despite his natural affinity for Kung foo, he didn’t damage any vital organs. Only one problem…with my constant stuffy nose Aram did have to cope with sleeping next to “Darth Vader”.

We're naming baby boy Andon Allan. The initials AA are a tradition in Aram’s family. Andon means “priceless” and Allan is the first name of my grandfather, Aram’s Dad and my Dad’s middle name

Welcome Andon. We feel overwhelmingly excited and lucky to be your parents and guide you through this wild world.

Friday, December 19, 2014

I'm Going On Maternity Leave!

I'm sorry (and happy) to say today is my last day of work before having baby boy. On Monday I'll be 39 weeks pregnant so he can't be too far away now (at least I hope not). I'll keep you in the loop with baby updates and occasional weather posts. Matt Scott will continue on his regular schedule and Dan Amarante will rock my shift.  I'm hoping for a few big storms this winter that I can enjoy from home with my little bambino instead of running around like crazy at work. Is that terrible of me? 
Baby gifts & card from my FOXCT family.
Feeling lucky to be surrounded by so much support and love!

Not Bad For Last Minute Holiday Shoppers!

Tonight: Partly cloudy. Lows: 20-25.

Tomorrow: A mix of sun and clouds. High: mid 30s to around 40 degrees.

Sunday: Mostly cloudy, chance for a rain or snow shower in spots. High: mid 30s to around 40 degrees.

Monday: Mostly cloudy. High: lower 40s.

Tuesday: Cloudy with some showers. High: middle 40s.

Wednesday: Rain, some heavy with gusty winds. High: lower to middle 50s.

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Nice Last Few Days Of Autumn

Weather Headlines:

  • Cooler but brighter Friday and Saturday.
  • Not so bad Sunday. Chance for a rain/snow shower in spots.
  • Wet and wild Christmas Eve with a rain and wind storm.
Forecast Details:

Tonight: Slowly clearing. Low: 20-25

Tomorrow: Partly cloudy, less wind than recent days. High: middle 30s to around 40 degrees.

Saturday: Sunny and pleasant. High: upper 30s to lower 40s.

Sunday: Mostly cloudy, chance for some light rain/snow showers. High: mid 30s to around 40 degrees.

Monday: Cloudy, chance for a shower in spots. High: lower 40s.

Tuesday: Cloudy, chance for a few showers. High: lower to middle 40s.

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Cooler & Brighter

An early look at the X-mas Eve Super Soaker!
Still 7 days out so a lot can change...
The next several days will trend cooler but brighter.  While some light rain/snow returns on Sunday, I’m not anticipating a big storm. This is great news for people hitting the roads/running holiday errands this weekend.

Anyone dreaming of a white Christmas? Christmas Eve could be stormy. But it looks wet NOT white! Heavy rain, gusty winds...not the type of weather to get you in the mood for the holidays. At least you don't have to shovel rain...

Tonight: Chance for a rain or snow shower in spots. Mostly cloudy. Low: 30-35.

Tomorrow: Partly cloudy, not as mild. High: low to mid 40s.

Friday: Mostly sunny. High: mid 30s to around 40 degrees.

Saturday: Sunny and pleasant. High: upper 30s to lower 40s.

Sunday: Mostly cloudy, chance for some light rain/snow showers. High:  mid 30s to around 40 degrees.

Monday: Cloudy, chance for a shower in spots. High: low 40s.

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

38 Weeks Preggers

I'm really hoping that the best symptom of pregnancy hits me soon.  NESTING!!  What is it like to feel an overwhelming desire to clean and organize your home?  Lately my days consist of waking up, walking to the couch, watching TV, taking a nap and then going to work. OK hormones...we're running out of time. Get it together!

Wet Tonight, Warm Wednesday

Rain develops tonight out ahead of Wednesday’s warm up.  Early morning showers on Wednesday (before 8 am) will give way to a mild afternoon with a mix of sun and clouds. High temperatures will approach 50 degrees in some towns! But the warmth only lasts for one day.  We slowly start chipping away at the high temperature for the remainder of the week.  By Thursday highs are in the middle 40s.  By Friday and Saturday high temperatures will be in the upper 30s and lower 40s.

One Scenario for Sunday (12Z ECMWF)
There is still a chance for some rain and/or snow on Sunday from a wave of low pressure staying well southeast of New England. An easterly wind blowing off the relatively milder ocean means rain is most likely (if anything) for the shore and a mix inland. For now it also looks like a weak storm which means less precipitation.  5 days out this is all still very much up in the air.  The storm could miss entirely.  Or it could intensify more and track closer to the coast.  So take all my latest thoughts with a grain of salt. Every day that we get closer to the event, we'll get a better handle on everything.

Tonight: Rain developing. Low: 33-40.

Tomorrow: Chance for an early morning shower (before 8 AM) and an afternoon shower (after 2 PM). A mix of clouds and sun, mild. High: mid 40s to around 50 degrees.

Thursday: Partly to mostly sunny, not as mild. High: lower to middle 40s.

Friday: Mostly sunny. High: near 40 degrees.

Saturday: Sunny to partly cloudy and pleasant. High: upper 30s and lower 40s.

Sunday: Chance for rain and snow from a coastal storm.  Still a lot of uncertainty. High: upper 30s and low 40s.

Monday, December 15, 2014

Clouds Return. MILD Midweek!

An onshore flow will bring in moisture off the ocean tonight.  That means clouds will thicken up and there is a slight chance we could squeeze out some mist or drizzle in spots.  Normally  I don't care too much about a few rain drops.  But with temps below freezing I worry about a few slippery spots heading into Tuesday morning.  It's a small chance, but worth telling you about just in case.

Clouds will win out Tuesday with a warm front approaching at night.  This will being a better chance for widespread showers (no snow or anything frozen). Behind the front temperatures will soar on Wednesday, climbing into the mid 40s to around 50 degrees.  Cooler air moves in later this week.

We're keeping a close eye on Sunday.  Some of our computer models are hinting at a coastal storm that could bring some rain or snow to the area.  I don't care what you read about this one from other online sources.  It's way too early for specifics.  Most of our guidance shows this storm remaining mainly or entirely out to sea with just a glancing blow possible.  But 5 days out we still need to keep an eye on it!  It's worth watching and we'll keep you posted.

Tonight: Increasing clouds. Chance for freezing drizzle in spots. Low: 25-30.

Tomorrow: Lots of clouds, chance for drizzle in parts of the state. Showers move in late in the day and at night. High temperatures in the lower 40s.

Wednesday: Chance for an early morning shower (before 8 AM) and an afternoon shower (after 2 PM). A mix of clouds and sun, mild. High temperatures in the mid to upper 40s inland, near 50 degrees for the shore.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, not as mild. High temperatures in the lower 40s.

Friday: Mostly sunny. High temperatures around 40 degrees.

Saturday: Sunny to partly cloudy and pleasant. High temperatures in the upper 30s and lower 40s.

Friday, December 12, 2014

37.5 Weeks Preggers

I have to admit, it's getting really hard to focus on work at this point!
  • The baby is in position...head down.
  • The baby's room is all set up.
  • I have read enough baby books to successfully overloaded my brain with contradictory parenting advice!

With Poppy Boo when he visited in September
We had a little scare last week.  During our last ultrasound the Doctor noticed some fluid around baby boy's kidney (which could mean some kind of a blockage or defect).  The fancy term they threw around was "renal pelvic dilation".  My Doctor told me not to worry.  She said his kidneys were working because there was plenty of fluid around the baby and in his bladder (which means they were producing urine).

But immediately after a I left the Doctor's office I found myself frantically searching the internet for the worst case scenario.  My son isn't born yet and I have already had sleepless nights worrying about him. To make a long story short, he's fine!  We saw a specialist who confirmed it was a really mild case and likely just a natural variation that would go away with time. HALLELUJAH! I have never seen my husband so worried and so relieved.  He's going to be a great Daddy.

My Grandfather (Poppy Boo) has flown in from Las Vegas for the second time in two decades. Upon landing he called my cell and said "OK, I give you permission to have the baby now!"

We're all ready for you Baby A. As ready as we'll ever be....

Finally Some Sunshine!

Tonight: Chance for an early flurry. Otherwise, mostly cloudy. Low: 23-26.

Tomorrow: Partly to mostly sunny. High:middle and upper 30s inland, near 40 for the shoreline.

Sunday: Mostly sunny. High: upper 30s to lower 40s.

Monday: Mostly sunny, milder than recent days. High: lower to middle 40s.

Tuesday: Sunshine followed by increasing clouds, milder. High: middle to upper 40s. Chance for showers or a wintry mix at night.

Wednesday: Chance for early showers. Otherwise, a mix of clouds and sunshine. Remaining milder. High: middle to upper 40s.

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Getting Better & Brighter

Slow improvement tomorrow with clouds and some sunny breaks.  Yes, some actual breaks of sun! We deserve it after this week.
 And there's more where that came from this weekend, along with a warm up heading into next week.

Tonight: Few flurries, some clearing. Low: 22-26.

Tomorrow: Mostly cloudy with some sunny breaks. High: middle 30s to around 40 degrees.

Saturday: Partly cloudy. High: middle 30s to around 40 degrees.

Sunday: Mostly sunny. High: lower 40s.

Monday: Mostly sunny, milder. High: lower to middle 40s.

Tuesday: Sunshine with increasing clouds late. High: middle 40s.

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

The Worst Is Over But Remaining Unsetted The Next 2 Days

Tonight: Lingering rain or snow shower. Temperatures will stay above freezing! Low: 33-38.

Tomorrow: Cloudy with a few lingering rain and/or snow showers. North wind at 5 to 15 mph. High: upper 30s to lower 40s.

Thursday: Mostly cloudy, chance for a few light snow showers. High: mid 30s to around 40 degrees
.
Friday: A mix of sun and clouds. High: mid 30s to around 40 degrees.

Saturday: Partly cloudy. High: mid 30s to around 40 degrees.

Sunday: Mostly sunny. High: lower 40s.

Monday, December 8, 2014

Nor'easter: Rain & Wind

A big ol’ rainstorm is on the way.  But before temperatures climb above freezing, a light icy mix is likely tonight with freezing drizzle along with a few snow flakes. A light icy glaze is possible into early tomorrow morning (mainly before 8 am).  While most treated roads should be fine, I’m more concerned with untreated back decks and sidewalks.

After 8 am temperatures should be above freezing just about everywhere (except for maybe a few spots in the Litchfield hills).  Rain will come down heavy at times, tapering off a bit after the evening commute.  1.5-2.5” of rain is likely with a few locally higher amounts. A flood watch is in effect as rivers and streams climb.  Some poor drainage flooding is likely too.  Winds are the other big story howling with gusts to 40 mph inland, and gusts up to 50 mph for the shoreline. A few pockets of power outages are possible.

The storm will get stuck spinning nearby.  So while the heaviest rain is over by Tuesday night, clouds and scattered rain/snow showers will remain in the area through at least Wednesday…maybe even Thursday too!

Tonight: Light wintry mix. Temperatures slowly climbing. Low: 25-30.

Tomorrow: Slick roads for some spots inland before 8 am. Rain, heavy at times. Northeast wind 15-25 mph with gusts up to 45+ mph. High: mid 30s to around 40 degrees inland, lower to middle 40s for the  shoreline.

Wednesday: Cloudy with patchy fog and the chance for a few rain or snow showers.  High: upper 30s to low 40s.

Thursday: Mostly cloudy, chance for a stray rain or snow shower. But most of the state should stay dry. High: Upper 30s to around 40 degrees.

Friday: A mix of clouds and sun.  High: mid 30s to around 40 degrees.

Saturday: Mostly sunny. High: mid 30s to around 40 degrees.

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Dry Day Tomorrow, Rain Returns This Weekend

Tonight: High clouds. Low: 20s.

Tomorrow:  Increasing clouds, cool. High: upper 30s to lower 40s. Rain at night (may start as a brief mix of snow and sleet in spots).

Saturday:  Cloudy with showers likely. There may be a lull in the action for a little while where we stay dry before a steady round of rain returns at night. High: mid 40s to around 50 degrees. (There is a chance parts of northern Connecticut river valley stay much colder than the rest of the state, near 40)

Sunday: Early rain/snow shower, then clearing. Becoming mostly sunny. High: upper 30s to lower 40s.

Monday: Increasing clouds, becoming cloudy. High: upper 30s and lower 40s. Snow/mix possible at night from an offshore storm.

Tuesday: Watching a nearby nor'easter. Rain, snow, sleet and gusty winds are all a possibility. High: lower 40s.

Facebook Fan Of The Day!


All you can do is laugh....

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Colder, Dry Next 2 Days

Weather Headlines:

  • Cool, Dry Next 2 Days
  • Rainy Saturday
  • Watching Possible Winter Storm Monday
Forecast Details: 


Tonight: Clearing. Low: 27-32.

Tomorrow: Colder despite plenty of sunshine. Hig: upper 30s to lower 40s.

Friday: Sunny start with increasing afternoon clouds. Cool. High: Upper 30s inland, lower 40s for the shoreline. Chance for light rain/mix at night.

Saturday: Cloudy with times of rain. High: mid to upper 40s.

Sunday: Chance for an early shower. Otherwise, clearing. High: lower 40s.

Monday: Watching the potential for a wintry mix. Still a lot of uncertainty on the timing and precipitation type.  High: around 40 degrees.

When Will Baby Boy Arrive?

Hundreds of you voted after watching my video on facebook and the results are in.

The majority of you think my baby will arrive the 3rd or 4th week of December (or later)! EEK!  If that's true, maybe we should start guessing the weight. The doc says he's already 6.5 lbs.  By January 1st....oh my!  Labor aside, I do love a chubby baby....

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

More Wet Than White

Roads will remain primarily wet tonight, even though a few slicks pots are possible.  A mix of rain, snow and sleet will change entirely over to rain as temperatures in the upper levels of the atmosphere begin to climb. Even at the ground level, temperatures will remain steady or rise. The only place where icing may be an issue tonight/early tomorrow will be the northwest hills.
How warmer air in the upper levels of the atmosphere
impacts precipitation at the ground

This little taste of winter is ironically courtesy of a warm front.  That will help temperatures rise up around 50 degrees on Wednesday with lots of clouds and the chance for a shower or two.  Thursday and Friday look dry but cooler.  Unsettled weather returns for the weekend with the chance for some showers on Saturday and periods of rain likely Sunday into Monday.

Forecast Details:

Tonight: Snow/sleet changes to rain. Only exception will be the northwest hills where pockets of freezing drizzle are possible. Low: 30s. Temps will hold steady or even rise. 

Tomorrow: Steady rain ends early in the morning. Otherwise, cloudy and mild with patchy fog and scattered showers.  High: Near 50.

Thursday: Sunny, colder. High: in the lower to middle 40s.

Friday: Remaining dry but cool with increasing clouds. High temperatures in the mid 30s to around 40 degrees.

Saturday: Mostly cloudy, chance for showers. High temperatures in the middle to upper 40s.\

Sunday: Cloudy with periods of rain. High temperatures in the middle 40s.

Instagram @RachelFrankCT