It's November. The protecting ridge is gone. And the first of a line-up of storms just went through.
A modest low center is moving across southern BC now (see surface map for 8 AM this morning), a low that has enhanced the north-south pressure difference across the region. That means winds from the south over western Washington.
The first blow of the year is always a very special one, with trees being very susceptible to branch failures, with power outages an expected outcome. Many trees still have leaves, providing more area for the wind to work on. Substantial growth since the last wind season,provides lots of untested vegetation. And like all living creatures, there is decline and decay.
There were plenty of power outages today. Puget Sound Energy had about 12,000 customers without power, mainly around central Puget Sound.
And Seattle had even more...around 14,000. My power went out for a few seconds, but thankfully came back on. Forecast models had indicated the potential for winds, so Seattle City Light was undoubtedly ready.
This system was associated with a very wet frontal band, which brought substantial precipitation. Twenty-four hour totals were impressive, with some sites to the west and southwest of the Olympic receiving 4-5 inches. The western side of the north Cascades was drenched as well. Some rivers are approaching flood stage, but I don't expect any flooding from this event.
But what really got my attention was the warmth, particularly after our below-normal temperatures over the past week. Some locations rose into the 60s, some in the mid-60s (see high temperature through 2 PM below). The warmest areas got an assist from air sinking off the Olympics, which warms by compression. And sinking air is generally cloud-free that provides lots of sunshine.
My tomatoes are not dead yet....will this revive them? I doubt it.
Enjoy the fine weather the rest of today and Friday.....it won't last. Another wet front will approach on Friday and Saturday morning.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThe wind forecast today was incredibly inaccurate. The forecast from predicted winds of 10-20 knots in the morning for the Puget Sound / Hood Canal area. However, the actual wind reached over 30 knots, with gusts up to 38 knots, reaching Gale Force conditions. I was astonished to find no Small Craft Advisory when I checked the website around 8 am. 10.0.0.0.1
ReplyDeleteThe wind forecast for today turned out to be significantly inaccurate. The forecast from (https://a.atmos.washington.edu/data/marine_report.html) had predicted wind speeds of 10-20 knots this morning for the Puget Sound / Hood Canal region. However, the actual wind has exceeded this forecast, reaching more than 30 knots and gusting up to 38 knots, which qualifies as Gale Force. I was taken aback by the absence of a Small Craft Advisory when I checked the website around 8 am.
ReplyDelete10.0.0.0.1
The wind forecast for today was significantly inaccurate. It predicted 10-20 knots this morning for the Puget Sound/Hood Canal region, but the actual wind has exceeded expectations, reaching over 30 knots and gusting to 38 knots, which qualifies as Gale Force. It was surprising to find no Small Craft Advisory when I checked the site around 8 am.
ReplyDelete10.0.0.0.1
One think I don't understand is how unprepared this entire area is regarding any kind of wind and/or storm events, it's mind - boggling. Coming from the Midwest, you must have a hardened energy infrastructure to guard against potential loss of life over an extended period. I experienced the week - long power outage over most of Chicago during an unprecedented heat wave, and it resulted in hundreds of individuals who lost their lives as a result. The PNW undergoes this kind of weather on an annual basis, yet the power issues still remain.
ReplyDeleteRemember, if hundreds of people die to an entirely predictable and mitigatable event, it's just an opportunity for the Seattle Times to blame their favorite boogeyman I stead of the people responsible. So there's no incentive to fix anything.
DeleteIt's called wishful thinking in spite of all evidence of weather patterns from previous years. If we don't think it will happen, maybe it won't. I check the forecast each morning before going for a walk so that I can dress appropriately--and after over 25 years of living the PNW, I still DO use an umbrella. Always amazed when I see (mostly young) people inappropriately dressed, especially when it's cold out. Wishing won't make it so, folks.
ReplyDeleteThis has been my experience, too. The icing on the cake is when I'm the one, apparently, who is committing a faux pas by being ready for the weather -- not the people whose shoes are filling up with water as they trudge home in a downpour.
DeleteSometimes it dawns on me: "Idiocracy" was a documentary, not a comedy.
Most of the pnw is still in a drought according to the latest drought monitor which is very concerning for next summer so hopefully we can make up for it as soon as possible.
ReplyDeleteDrought monitor is totally unreliable.
DeleteNot a lot of wind up here in the valleys near Mt Baker, but rainy (eegads). 1.19" yesterday morning Nov 3 at 7 am, and I just reported 1.13 at 7 am on the dot (and it's still coming down steadily). I set out a dry gauge set on days like these to keep observations precise. 'Wonder how and when the drought map will change, if at all.
ReplyDeleteCliff, I grew up in Seattle and attended WSU, graduating in 1997. Met my wife at WSU and we moved from Seattle to Spokane in 2000. I really missed home for the longest time. I’ve never responded to your blog but have followed you from day one - I appreciate your perspectives and respect your insights on climate, weather and topics. I can’t agree with you more…. To be blunt the left coast is ruining our country enabling the weak to be weaker. We need change in that great city of Seattle I grew up in. I want to be proud to show that beautiful city off to my kids and feel safe to come visit. Not now for sure…I hope the great people of Seattle are able to vote for change that will be of benefit for the long term change to peace, cleanliness and prosperity in Seattle.
ReplyDelete