Good Morning Sailors,
Viewing the MM5 this morning made me seasick. Usually everything in the model moves from west to east. Today's run showed surface features (wind) moving from west to east and upper level features (lows, highs, isobars) moving from east to west. Upper level flow is bring clouds and rain to us from way out east, but surface gradients continue to drive westerly wind.
We have a .11 gradient already this morning under rain approaching from the desert. All the models are having a difficult time resolving this complicated weather. I'm going back to basics and ignoring the models. With a upper low centered over Idaho, I'll say west winds will continue today. However, I believe they'll weaken as the day goes on. Wind quality will be terrible and rain will complicate the conditions.
As best I can tell, tomorrow will have either light wind in the 10 mph range or no wind. The powerful low in the desert, which would normally help power westerlies, will be balanced by a matching low along the coast. Not much of a pressure gradient can develop in this situation. In addition, rain will fall all over the region.
Saturday is a great day to do some windsurfing community service. CGWA is having a work party at the Hatchery around noon. Show up and give an hour or two to help out a good cause.... your beach. No wind means no excuse for not being there.
A similar weather picture on Sunday keeps strong winds from developing in the Gorge.
On a brighter note: if you like to get muddy, take your mountain bike out for a spin. They'll be plenty of mud on the trails.
Have a good day!
Print | posted @ Friday, May 23, 2008 7:17 AM