The last week has been magnificent, with warmth and sunshine more reminiscent of mid-July than mid-April. And it was a godsend for the battle against COVID, since it encouraged people to get out into fresh air (where transmission is nearly zero) and to open their windows during the day.
While we were basking in the warmth, the eastern two-thirds of the nation has been hit by well below normal temperatures and even some snow. To appreciate the contrasts, here are the temperature differences from normal for the week ending April 20th. Stunningly cold in the central U.S, and today it was even snowing in upstate New York.
It is easy to explain the contacts between the warm West Coast and cold interior. The upper-level pressure pattern was such that there was a major ridge of high pressure over the West Coast and a trough of low pressure over the central U.S. (see upper-level map for 11 PM on Tuesday). Red indicates above-normal heights/pressures and blue below-normal.
This pattern is about to reverse, as illustrated by the same upper-level map but for 5 PM Sunday. Trough of low pressure/heights over the West Coast/
Rain will move into our region on Saturday morning, with the 24-h totals ending 5 PM Saturday being quite respectable (see forecast map below).
Thank you, Cliff
ReplyDeleteWe had four weeks of largely dry weather, which coincided perfectly with our siding replacement project. The last coat of paint went on yesterday, so now bring on the much needed rain. The air needs cleansing.
ReplyDeleteim pretty sure it was only two weeks, the weeks prior to this "heat wave" were pretty wet i thought..
ReplyDeleteWe look forward to the respectable 5pm Saturday! We hope the light rain allows us to enjoy the skagit tulips!
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