Monday, December 7, 2015

a week of transition... (pm.07.dec.15)>

Monday's stats:

Low temp: 49.8F (9.9C)
High temp: 57.7F (14.3C)
Rainfall: none

There are very few clouds overhead just after dark this evening, but we're dealing with a moderate amount of haze in the air.  The haze was fairly thick off and on throughout the day, with a mixture of sunshine and a few clouds otherwise.  Humidity averaged 45-50%, with temperatures still running a bit above normal for this stage of December.

A transition period is underway, and will probably deliver a rather dramatic change in the way our weather looks and feels as we head through the rest of this week.  First, the high pressure ridge in place for the last week is breaking down, as an upper-level low pressure circulation located over western Iran starts to push eastward.  Right now it seems that there is going to be a considerable increase in cloud cover during the coming day or two, and then a risk of some rain shower development by Thursday.  The upper-level system itself is projected to weaken considerably by the time it reaches north India on Friday, but much colder air will be accompanying it, and what little moisture is available is going to be forced up against the mountain slopes.  That means we stand a good chance of seeing some wet, windy, and considerably colder weather between Thursday and Saturday -- with the best chance of rain (and snow above 8000ft/2400m) during the Thursday afternoon through Friday evening period.  It would not be a good idea to be heading into the higher elevations/passes anywhere in Himachal Pradesh after Wednesday night.

Temperatures will drop considerably, especially by Thursday night into Friday, though we should rebound a bit by Sunday into Monday.

THE 7-DAY OUTLOOK located on a tab above is where you can find forecast details.