Monday, March 13, 2023

Nor'Easter Is Driving Cooler Air Into Gulf.

Our Heat Streak finally ended at 21 days as today's highs will stay in the 60s. A robust upper trough is racing down over the Great Lakes and that energy is fueling a developing surface low off the Carolinas.  That, in turn, is driving northerly winds deep into the Gulf cooling us down and drying us out.




The upper energy (red arrow) is entering Ohio and this storm system will cause major air travel delays over the Northeast Tuesday into Wednesday.  For us, the temperatures are 20-25 degrees cooler along with dew points in the 30s & 40s making for good feeling air IF you're dressed for it.




The upper flow this week will be very progressive (moving) as the current low over Ohio (top 2 graphics) is followed by another deep low for Friday.  We'll see a brief warm up for Thursday & Friday before the cool down returns for next weekend.





In the short term, brisk northerly winds will keep the cooler & drier air coming.




Even though we will be cooler this week, i don't see any freeze threats coming as the computer guidance does not dig down the Polar Vortex over the eastern states.  In addition, the higher sun angle & longer days are having an impact on the cold air over Canada.  Gone are the 30-40 below readings.


Finally, you've heard about all the rain & snow that has clobbered California?  As Lee Zurik oftens says..."but there's more!"




The "Atmospheric River", that extends out over the Pacific north of Hawaii (yellow circle), shows no signs of changing in the next 2 weeks.  Many mountainous locations have already topped their all time snowfall records.  Since this current pattern is driving warmer Pacific air inland, the snow melt coupled with more rain will cause additional serious flood problems.  Both coasts will be hammered while we enjoy a break from the recent heat.  Stay tuned!

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