Aug 21: Unsettled Weather Expected Today

Jonathan Carr
By August 21, 2014 09:52

Aug 21: Unsettled Weather Expected Today

Good morning! The onshore flow will persist today with unsettled conditions across the mid-Atlantic US region. That means you should expect variable clouds, a little bit of sun and possible rain showers that can happen anytime. This evening and through the overnight hours presents the best chance for rain.

Here’s an image of surface wind flow. You can view the full animation by clicking here. You’ll notice the low pressure system still parked about 500 miles east of the Delmarva Peninsula. Since we’re still on the fringe of the NW quadrant (of this low pressure system’s cyclonic flow), winds will remain out of the east today despite whatever moisture and convection approaches from the west.

Weather NJ Onshore Flow

Model guidance allows for showers to happen at any point today. The easterly onshore flow is sending in lots of moisture which will keep dew points and humidity elevated. With such a moist air mass over the region, the slightest lower-level disturbances can ring out precipitation. The short-range high resolution 4KM NAM is highlighting concentrated showers and possibly a few storms later this evening (between 5PM and the early morning hours of tomorrow). Here is the output for midnight tonight from WeatherBell Analytics:

Weather NJ NAM high resolution rain showers

In English: Expect variable clouds, some sun and possible rain showers, especially overnight tonight. While today’s temperatures will not be hot for this time of year, the increased humidity could make it feel quite muggy. I’ll have the full weekend outlook posted this evening. Be safe! JC

Jonathan Carr
By August 21, 2014 09:52