Thursday, March 17, 2011

shower potential is back... (pm.17.mar.11)>

we have a lot of high clouds across the area early this evening, after a comfortably warm high temp this afternoon of 72.5F (22.5C).  there have been a few periods of sunshine, but the thin, high clouds have been the dominant feature today.

our weather pattern is becoming rather complex... and will remain so for the next 3 days.  although mild to warm air is holding on here at the surface, gradual cooling is already taking place in the middle and upper levels of the atmosphere.  that means it is going to become more and more unstable as we head into the weekend.  already this evening i am seeing some lower clouds start to develop over the mountains, and that trend will continue, eventually resulting in some showers and even a thunderstorm or two.

temperatures will still be quite warm tomorrow, but if and when the showers and thunderstorms materialize, some of the colder air aloft will be brought down to the surface... so the jackets might have to come back out at some point over the weekend.  once again, keep in mind that things could turn rapidly cold and wet in the mountains from tomorrow into sunday... so be prepared, and be careful up there.

this potential storminess with be short-lived, as quiet and pleasant conditions will return by late sunday into the middle of next week...

THURSDAY NIGHT: partly to mostly cloudy skies. 
low: 17C (63F)

FRIDAY: a bit of sunshine, in the midst of increasing clouds.  chance of a shower or thunderstorm, mainly after 3pm.
high: 22C (72F)

SATURDAY: partly to mostly cloudy skies with a good chance of a few showers and/or thunderstorms.
high: 21C (70F)

SUNDAY: a mix of clouds and sun.  still a chance of a shower or a thundershower in the area.  not as warm.
high: 19C (67F)

MONDAY: partly cloudy... comfortable.
high: 20C (68F)

TUESDAY: sunny to partly cloudy skies.
high: 21C (69F)