On Monday and Tuesday, a powerful Pacific tornado will strengthen off the northern California/southern Oregon coast. A notable midwinter storm, but very unusual late March.
Below is a chart of the sea level barometric forecast for 2:00 a.m. Tuesday. Also shown are wind prongs near the surface and low temperatures (shade).
Just wow. A very deep low pressure center (985 hPa) with a steep gradient of sea level pressure, means strong wind. It’s almost like it has an eye inside!
A simulated cloud field at nearly the same time is downright terrifying (see below). As you might suspect, the low center is in the middle of the swirling clouds. Looks like something out of a sci-fi movie.
With such a strong pressure gradient (displacement pressure difference) you can expect strong low-level winds. Below is the forecast of gusts at the same time as the barometric analysis above. A ring of strong winds surrounds the lowlands, with gusts strongest west and south of the central low (up to 60 knots, orange).
This structure is classic for strong storms at sea. The area of strong winds is known as the “poison-back arched tail”.
Needless to say, if you’re in the maritime industry, you’re better off avoiding sailing Monday through Wednesday.
What’s special about this low is that it will rotate offshore for a long time, slowing down and weakening over time (later 24-hour forecast map shown below)
As I noted above, such lows off the coast are unusual. The map below provides some information about the degree of anomaly (color). Light pink indicates pressure 4 standard deviations above the mean (normal). That is rare.
As you may be disgusted when I point out, this situation reflects the unusual atmospheric circulation we have “enjoyed” for the last month or so, with the jet stream traveling far south relative to the position. its normal mind.
Finally, with this low moving south of us, so should the weather over the next few days. As a result, there will be very heavy rain in central and northern California (see below). Yes, they are taking our water.
Some were displeased when I noted that the drought was over in California. Friends, the objective evidence is absolutely clear: the drought is over. kaput. You can speculate why some people don’t want to accept this. Take a look at the graphic below if you have any doubts. Normally gray, this year it’s yellow. Just amazed.
