How about these wonderful temperatures? We're getting an early Christmas gift as temperatures warm some 5 to 15 degrees above average. So why have we seen the pleasant temperatures? 3 main points to consider.......


1. Jetstream Positioning:

Patrick mentioned this in his blog below. We haven't seen any major troughs of low pressure blast through since Saturday, and that has allowed the cold air to stay north of our area. When the pattern is relatively zonal, it's becomes a winning situation if you like the unseasonably mild conditions. Now, there is a trough setting up out west as we speak; however, in the short term, we'll be influenced by a ridge to our West for Wednesday.

2. Warming Aloft:

Under the ridge, warm temperatures have moved north, creating the mild afternoons. Look at the forecasted 850 mb temperatures for Wednesday afternoon. With enough sunshine, these 850 mb temperatures translate into the upper 50s to the low to mid 60s!

3. Dry Atmosphere:

We're taking advantage of a relatively dry atmosphere. Dry air warms and cools quickly, so even though we have a cold start, the lower atmosphere will quickly warm throughout the afternoon.