A Weather Quiz And Changes
Things this afternoon are progressing somewhat according to plan with temperatures now pushing into the 60s. Overall it’s actually a rather nice day and the winds have actually struggled to increase because we’re having a problem with mixing the air aloft down towards the ground. That’s because of the cloud cover that was plaguing the area during the first part of the day. The winds between 4-6K feet are blowing at close to 30-40 MPH now, so the breeze may actually pick up some as the afternoon wears along. So we may actually see temperatures pop into the middle 60s before the day is done.
Before we get more involved, I saw this satellite picture yesterday and thought of you guys. I thought it would be a good quiz for you. The answer will be at the bottom of the blog. Take a look at the satellite picture below and tell me what the what lines are that you see in the middle of the Eastern Pacific Ocean. I’m focusing your attention off the CA coastline. Click on that image to make it larger.
Again, the answer will be at the bottom of the blog.
Back to weather. You know how I like to be able to give you weather perspective. I thought today would be a good day to look and see how the winter has been doing. Simply from a below and above average standpoint. Remember that us dorky weather people consider Winter starting 12/1 and ending on 2/29 this year.
That graphic says it all I think. Today is also the 31st day this winter season with highs 50°. We average, through the end of FEB with 24. In the last 2 years combined we’ve done it 17 times. Again some great winter perspective for you as we all wonder just how warm it’s been thus far. This will not even be close to a record for the warmest winter season. It will be in the top 15 though I believe.
From a temperature standpoint, readings will max out today, then go back up I think on Sunday. Tomorrow, while starting out in the 40s, we’ll actually struggle as colder air moves in through the atmosphere during the course of the day. It also will be rather windy, so despite highs around 50°, it will feel chillier than that as winds gust to near 30 MPH during the day while we fight some cloud cover. Friday will be even cooler with a decent breeze as well.
Over the weekend, after a cold start SAT AM in the 20s, we should start rebounding. As a matter of fact, there is potential for Sunday to be back into the 60s with gusty winds ahead of another decent cold front that will be moving into the region later SUN. the timing of that front is still iffy. A faster movement and we’re be cooler on SUN, slower and we’re warmer. There would also be a chance of maybe some showers or t/showers IF the front waits till late in the day or night, allowing a bit more moisture to sneak into the region.
Finally let’s answer the quiz question above concerning the satellite image. Those lines that you see are contrails. They are not PLANE contrails, but instead they’re SHIP contrails. That’s right the exhaust from the various ships traveling through the ocean. Here is the way it works. Within the ships exhaust there are tiny aerosol particles that act as “seeds” allow moisture to condense on them. this results in contrails developing given the right atmospheric conditions. Here is another satellite picture showing the same thing taken yesterday.
Have a great afternoon!
Joe
