Satellite Pictures Paint the Portrait...

While I was working, one of my favorite things was to point out features on satellite loops. Alas, very few broadcasters do that anymore instead opting to show computer models. 

 

 

The bright clouds off the east coast in the top photo is the strong cold front that has pushed all the way down into Cuba & the Yucatan.   Notice how the textured cold air clouds form over the warmer waters of the Gulf Stream off the Carolinas and similar looking clouds down over the Gulf and off our coast.  The streamers coming off the east coast and the cloud streets in the Gulf align themselves to the surface wind flow, the pouring of the surface cold air plunging off the coasts.  Love to look at such features.  In addition, while we currently have a NW upper flow over us, you can see the next SW flow of moisture developing off the Pacific coast that will bring us our next chance for rain next Tuesday into Wednesday.

 

Tonight will be the coldest in our current chilly spell and I expect 28-31 on the North Shore with 32-36 south of Lake P.  With clear skies and light winds, widespread frost is likely so protect any of you tender plants.   You can see the coldest air is to our north and east with a slow warm up to our west.

 

Friday should be 60-65, Saturday 65-70 with Sunday 70+.  Monday & Tuesday will be 75-80 as we enter "Meteorological Spring".  It doesn't mean we are done with cold air.  Note the chill lingering up in Canada & Alaska.

 

While much of the eastern U.S. has enjoyed a mild Winter, I read Fairbanks has endured their 3rd coldest winter since the late 70s.  Food for thought.  Stay tuned!