Thursday, March 17, 2011

sun through high clouds... (am.17.mar.11)>

skies are partly cloudy before sunrise, with an early morning low temp of 61.2F (16.2C).  the satellite pics show numerous patches of high clouds to our west... heading in our direction.

we're in the midst of a gradual transition out of our recent idyllic springtime weather pattern.  although temperatures should remain pleasant (and even above normal for this time of year), clouds are going to be on the increase as we head into the weekend, with shower and thunderstorm chances on the rise, starting late tomorrow.  all of this is thanks to a strong jetstream and upper-level disturbance which are already knocking down and effectively "flattening" the massive high pressure ridge which had been in place during the first part of the week.

there is little moisture currently available with this system, but as temperatures aloft cool significantly, the atmosphere will become unstable, leading to some convective shower/thunderstorm development.  please be alert if you are planning to be in the mountains from friday afternoon through sunday... conditions could deteriorate rapidly.

THURSDAY: a mix of sun and high clouds.  pleasant temps.
high: 22C (72F)

THURSDAY NIGHT: partly cloudy and mild.
low: 17C (62F)

FRIDAY: increasing cloudiness... with a chance of a thunderstorm after 3pm.
high: 22C (72F)

SATURDAY: partly to mostly cloudy skies, with some scattered showers and a thunderstorm or two possible.
high: 22C (71F)

SUNDAY: more clouds than sun... a few showers and/or thunderstorms in the area. 
high: 21C (69F)

MONDAY: partly cloudy skies... comfortably mild.
high: 20C (68F)