Pattern Change Will Bring Warm Up Then Storms...

For the past 4-6 weeks there has been a persistent upper ridge over the West Coast with a trough over the Great Lakes & Northeast.  This has brought several snow storms to the eastern states while it hasn't rained out west since December.  That is changing as an upper trough is diving over the west flattening the high bringing some moisture to the Pacific NW.

That upper trough is predicted to quickly move across the country bringing the threat for some severe storms Wednesday & Thursday.

The top satellite view has the current upper trough with the arrow pointing out the main energy (vorticity) center.  The next view is valid Wednesday morning with that energy entering the Plains.  SPC has issued 2 outlooks for severe weather potential.  The first is for Wednesday with the second valid for Thursday.

In the short term, a cold front has pushed down into the Yucatan cutting off the Gulf moisture for now.  That will change as the surface high shifts to the east and south winds return.   Look at the huge warm up coming for the next 3 days.  We should be 70+ so I moved all my plants back outside.   The next cold blast on Friday doesn't look as strong.

Once again MSY was not as cold as my temp. this AM.  Frost was on cars & rooftops so I'm confident my reading is correct.

Only the far North Shore might get that chilly tonight.

Enjoy the next 2 days before the storms arrive on Thursday and the cold returns for Friday. Finally, a salute to FOX 8 for being # 1 ,,,at least according to this post on FB!.  Bravo!   Stay tuned!