Mountain Wave Fest East of the Cascade Crest

 Those living in eastern Washington had quite a treat this afternoon and early evening as an impressive show of mountain wave clouds extended over large portions of the region.

Some of the new wildfire cams really displayed the ethereal beauty of the wave clouds (see below).

Below is a nice visible image this afternoon, with lots of mountain wave clouds downstream of the Cascades.

The wave clouds (also called lenticular clouds) are the result of the greatly increased westerly (from the west) winds that developed last night.  Air from the Pacific was pushed up over the Cascade crest and then oscillated up and down downstream of the terrain (see schematic below).

When the air ascended, clouds formed.

The increased flow over and down the Cascades had another major impact: a major increase in wind energy from eastern Washington (green line below).  Ironically, wind energy is very poor around here when we really need it...during the middle of heat waves. 

____________________________

Want to play tennis but don't know anyone at a comparable skill level?

Someone I know quite well has released a wonderful tennis community application that allows you to find nearby tennis partners.  This community has been flourishing in Los Angeles, and Seattle is next on the list.

A nice way to meet new friends as well.

Check out:   Play Tennis Seattle. 

 
https://www.joinplaytennis.com/seattle