A Look Into The Storm

Since I already covered most of what is going to happen here in the northwest for the rest of the week, I want to talk about the upcoming severe weather outbreak in the plains.  To start off, here is the day 2 outlook from the storm prediction center (SPC). A rather threatening looking map with a large enhanced risk area in smack dab in the middle of the plains. This is a tornado driven enhanced risk with a hatched 10 % area in Kansas.  Synopsis To take a deeper look into this storm, we will need to analyze the pattern in the upper atmosphere That little bump in the jet stream is the reason behind our severe weather outbreak. The negatively tilted trough is creating plenty of lift and instability, both necessary ingredients for a severe weather outbreak. Another ingredient needed for severe weather, particularly tornadoes, is wind shear. Wind shear for tomorrow looks particularly impressive which has me and the SPC concerned about the potential for strong (EF-2+) tornadoes. Mo...

 As we get closer to November, the days are becoming shorter and we are transitioning to a more winter-like pattern in terms of the weather. The Eastern and Central U.S continues to toast underneath a ridge of high pressure with many places basking in the 70's and 80's!! Thankfully, it isn't the same story for the west as we transition to a chillier pattern for the rest of the week. Areas in the west will generally experience temperatures below average for the rest of the week. Not too noticeable, just more typical fall weather.  After the weekend rain and today's fairly impressive convergence zone showers, we will have a break in the weather tomorrow. Most of western Washington will enjoy their Tuesday under partly cloudy skies with temperatures reaching the low to mid 50's. A great chance to put those final touches on the Halloween decorations before our next storm system on Wednesday. A cold front enters the area on Wednesday afternoon ahead of a trough. Rain and...

 Current satellite imagery provides an ominous view. Two strong storms of our coast with an almost eye like feature! The southern one is our concern at the moment. It will approach the Washington/B.C coast tonight bringing heavy rain and more importantly, strong, damaging winds. As the low pressure system makes landfall tonight, it will cause a sharp pressure gradient bringing strong southerly winds to much of the area. The areas of most concern include: the coast, the Olympics and the islands. It is important to note that small changes in the track of this system could lead to big implications as to which areas receive the most impact. At this time the Seattle and central Puget sound will most likely be spared from the worst of the winds, but if the storm were to take a more inland track then it wouldn't be the same story. Before we get caught up in the wind (no pun intended), let's not forget about the rain. As mentioned earlier this system will bring a lot of rain over the w...

  After the weekend storm and yesterday’s showers, we will receive a break from the active weather. Today will be the only clear day of the week so enjoy it while you can! Going forward, Wednesday will be partly cloudy with temperatures struggling to make it out of the 40’s. Not much in terms of precipitations other than some stray showers. The same can be said for Thursday as well. Friday looks to be a fairly pleasant day , apart from some breezy conditions with temperatures warming a bit, into the mid to upper 50’s. A boring week weather-wise but active weather will get going once again heading into the weekend. On Saturday, the first of a series of fronts enters the area, bringing gusty winds and rain. Rain totals will be a bit more impressive with this system in our area with most places receiving ½ to ¾ of an inch of rain . The second system on Sunday brings another round of rain to the area, once again areas will receive similar amounts of rain. It’s safe to say that the...