Oh look, marine clouds. Oh look, it's windy again. Ok look, the North Pacific High is still off the coast, even if the highest of the high (1034mb right now) isn't quite close enough for epic conditions (oops... Sorry Shannon. I think that's copyrighted by Weather Channel, isn't it?). Oh look, I guess Temira is feeling better today and can put some effort into the forecast!
Unfortunately, UW isn't cooperating with my better health. The MM5 is down this morning, leaving me to forecast based on current marine penetration, surface pressures, forecast discussion, and predicted temperatures. These are all good, and sometimes the MM5 is useless (it called for east winds yesterday), but it's my favorite model.
It's another happy windy day in the Gorge. Marine clouds found their way back to Portland last night, after being beaten back by Sol. He'll be back this afternoon, to send the marine layer packing again. Until then, though, Portland clouds stick around long enough to give The Dalles a heating advantage. Lackluster gradients of .06 drive winds this morning, but that's really ok. Why? Oh look: it's windy already! Watch out your window (or from a road bike/mountain bike/running trail/Doppio coffeeshop) for increasing whitecaps. Winds will climb quickly into the 22-25 range, and hang out all day. Busy in the morning? Doug's and Rowena are your ticket for the evening.
Monday? I hate to be blithe, but "ditto" is the ticket here.
Tuesday? Same.
Wednesday brings something to talk about. Tuesday night and Wendesday morning see a front pushing into western Oregon. Fronts bring clouds and colder temperatures. Weather 101: A front is where two differing temperature/humidity pools of air meet. A cold front brings colder air pushing into a warmer air mass. Where they meet, clouds form from uplifiting (the cold air pushes the warmer air up). Why do we care? What drives Gorge winds, my dear students? Cold air in Portland, right? Right! So, before the front passes us, bringing cold air, winds will rip. Stay east of the frontal boundary (clouds) and you'll be blasting along on a small sail.
Coast winds keep going as well. Waves continue for another 48 hours. Gorge winds blow all week long.
Thanks to everyone who played the golf/cookie game. The rounds of golf have been claimed. Would anyone else like to get rid of something in exchange for cookies? This is your venue!
Today's PSA: If you don't already do so, please consider wearing a helmet. We've already lost one windsurfer this summer to a head injury, and I would hate for us to lose another valuable member the wind gang to a preventable injury.
Have an awesome day on the water!
Print | posted @ Sunday, August 05, 2007 8:05 PM