Dec 8: Blowtorch Detected

Jonathan Carr
By December 8, 2015 19:38

Dec 8: Blowtorch Detected

I took this photo just a few hours ago and it reminds me of blowtorch fire—which is what this weekend’s temperatures will feel like for December. First, hats off to Sunset Wx for calling another great sunset…these guys are good! They do sunrise and sunset models and so far I’ve found them to be very accurate.

It appears that high pressure will set up near Bermuda this Saturday-Monday. The anti-cyclonic flow of that high pressure’s western side should help bring very mild temperatures for this time of year to the region…hence the blowtorch. Here’s some supporting model guidance of the developing east coast ridge (latest GFS showing 850mb (~5000ft) temperatures in degrees C)…a snapshot of Sunday afternoon:

gfs

Temperatures should gradually increase each day heading into the weekend but should peak in the Saturday-Monday period. Eventually a cold front should come through by Tuesday but until then, blowtorch from the south. Notice the 989mb low in NE Missouri? That will assist the blowtorch from the south with the eastern side of its cyclonic flow, working in-tandem with with high near Bermuda.

In English: Expect daily temperatures to slowly climb heading into the weekend. Then expect very mild conditions Saturday through Monday. Highs should easily get into the 60s for most. The mild temperatures should then recede on or by Tuesday but still likely above average. Be safe! JC

Jonathan Carr
By December 8, 2015 19:38