March 14, 2018

Another Sunny Day

Current Conditions

Temperature: 39 °F
Dew Point: 23 °F
Winds: 10 mph
Pressure: 1010.8 mb
Visibility: 10 miles

Today was very similar to yesterday. Skies were clear and the temperature reached the high 30s. This morning the temperature was 17 °F with winds SSW at 7 mph. By this afternoon winds had shifted to the west at 10 mph. This wind shift was predicted yesterday with the stationary front moving eastward towards the area. The weather remains uneventful in terms of storms because of the high pressure dome that continues to dominate over the Midwest (figure 1).

Figure 1. Surface map of the United States.

From the surface map one can see the high pressure dome over the Midwest but low pressure systems dominating the east and west coasts. The east coast has been high with the third nor'easter in two weeks resulting in feet of snow. Some tendrils from the current low pressure system are making their way into the Ohio/Indiana region but for the most part the storm is sticking around the coast. The west coast is also receiving some precipitation but in much less amounts. This is shown in figure 2.

Figure 2. Map showing precipitation amounts in the United States.

The green areas denote higher precipitation amounts. The largest green areas are on the east coast in the center of the nor'easter currently plowing through the region. 

Previous Prediction

My prediction from yesterday was correct. Winds started in the southwest and transitioned to westerly winds which resulted in warmer temperatures today.

Prediction

For tomorrow, I predict temperatures similar to today and continuing clear skies due to the high pressure air mass in the area.

Also, FYI in addition to being Pi Day, today is also DressForSTEM Day! Everyone is encouraged to wear purple to promote women in STEM fields.