A lot of folks have begun to talk about a drought. The ER even ran a “People on the Street” this Sunday asking about it. The Pacific satellite image above is one I provide for KPAY as part fo the weather services I produce for radio, TV, and newspapers around the USA. I’ve annotated it to show the significant features. Note the High pressure zone that has been blocking pacific storm fronts has now moved East, and the gate is open again. We have a Low just of the coast moving in, zonal flow developing, and another Low a few days out.
Note the zone of clouds just above the blue arrow…while its not all that strong compared to what I’ve seen in the past, its the begininning of a flow pattern called “The Pineapple Express” because it originates near Hawaii…and brings lots of moisture laden air into California. I’ve seen this pattern many times in the past 20 years.
My forecast for this week calls for rain starting Tuesday night and lasting to about Friday on the valley floor, with rain and snow continued in the mountains through the weekend.
Looks like our fortunes are about to change. No pigs were used or injured in making this forecast.
hah! i always thought you were the best weatherman, Anthony…you got right to the forcast, and didn’t bore us with insipid happy-talk or puzzle us with pictures of pigs wearing dresses…