 THANK YOU VETERANS... For those who have served, and to the spouses and families who have made sacrifices and continue to do so, may God bless you. I think of those in my family who served and fought in wars from the Revolution through Vietnam as I write out this post this morning. I appreciate each of you, and thank you again. A CHILLY DAY FOR PARADES, so bundle up whether you are marching or watching. The northwest wind is expected to increase with gusts of 20-30 mph (elevations 30-45+) as the storm intensifies on its way to Labrador. The cold air intrusion will lower the ambient temperatures, knocking 5-15° off the actual. Temperatures start mild over eastern Maine, but will drop in the afternoon.  SNOW SQUALL WATCH FOR THE AFTERNOON: I am going to nerd out a bit here and present what is known as a SKEW-T diagram, which provides a horizontal view of the atmosphere from the surface to the stratosphere. This is from the HRRR model run from 7 AM (12z) Monday. This illustrates the key ingredients for snow squalls, including sufficient "convective spice" as indicated by surface-based, mixed-layer, most-unstable, and downdraft versions of convective available potential energy (CAPE), along with steep temperature lapse rates and sufficient moisture aloft to produce snow. The steep temperature lapse rates increase wind gust potential, using it as a playground slide to deliver wind aloft to the surface. The ingredients are there for potential squalls all the way to the coastline. With the early sunset, this raises concern for the evening drive on the major roadways. Gusty winds, a quick hit of snow (upwards of 1"), and reduced visibility and/or sudden whiteout conditions are all possible. If you get caught in a squall, reduce your speed, find a safe place well off the road, turn on your four-way hazard lights, and wait for conditions to improve. STORM WATCH SUNDAY INTO MONDAY: It's too early to nail down specifics, but there is a chance for interior snow and coastal rain. There is wide disagreement with ensemble ideas, with roughly 25% of 150+ ideas showing no impact at all. The doubt is coming in has to do with an upper-low forming later in the week that drifts into the Canadian Maritimes and retrogrades back towards Maine ahead of a ridge approaching from the west. It's a somewhat unusual setup. Stay tuned! It's time to get ready for ski season! The PTW Weather Wall updates 24/7 Your financial support keeps the lighthouse lit |
Mike Haggett
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