IEM Daily Feature
Thursday, 16 December 2004

Western Ridge

Posted: 16 Dec 2004 08:43 AM


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16 Dec 2004 500 hPa heights
The upper air flow pattern can give us a good indication of the weather for the next few days. Currently, a large ridge exists over the Western US with a developing trough in the Eastern US. This pattern usually means moisture starved storm systems (dry frontal passage today) and shots of cold Canadian air (this weekend). Computer models are hinting at a change in this pattern next week which would give us an environment for a strong winter storm system.