“High” on a Milder November
Ξ November 4th, 2009 | → | ∇ Weather |
It would seem as if nature is trying to make amends for the unusually cool, damp autumn that we’ve had to endure. Apology accepted. As an upper level ridge builds in the wave of warmer air is truely extensive with climbing temperatures from the prairie provinces of Canada all the way to Texas.
To lend some perspective, temperatures in the teens are possible this time of year as far south as central North Dakota, but during the next couple of days they will be warming into the 60s with 50s across the border into Canada. Certainly unusual.
So what is this ‘high pressure ridge’ that is responsible for this turnaround?
A high pressure ridge is an elongated region of high atmospheric pressure occuring both at the surface and with altitude. It can influence weather over a long period of time and is characterized with generally cloud free skies, dry conditions and warmer temperatures. Air tends to sink to the east of a high pressure ridge suppressing cloud development while conversely to the west it rises, promoting cloud formation and precipitation.
Usually considered a fair weather pattern, a ridge in summertime may have a different connotation than one in late autumn, producing dry conditions with oppressive heat and poor air quality. Conversely, in late autumn and winter it usually means milder conditions and relief from the cold.
October 2009 was the second coldest on record but with our current setup, November is opening up mild. With 70s forecasted for Friday I figure it will be worth the wait.
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