After bringing in May on a generally warm and dry mien, the weather pattern is going to shift to a much cooler and unsettled pattern. Tuesday will be slightly cooler with the passage of a weak and dry cold front, although the skies will be generally clear. A trough of low pressure will continue to dig down from the northwest, resulting in chilly temperatures and a decent chance of showers and thunderstorms from Thursday through the weekend.

Earlier I talked about the dangers of hypothermia in the area rivers. But it isn’t only the rivers that are a concern. The area lakes are about as cold now as they ever get, and boating accidents can happen anytime, especially with equipment that might be a little rusty from lack of use. Before you find yourself in the unenviable position of total immersion a mile or so from shore, please reconsider leaving that life jacket at home. Even if you are a strong swimmer, in cold water it is almost impossible to swim much more than a half-mile, and exhaustion sets in much quicker. More on this tomorrow.