By WeatherFlow Forecaster

Just caught a good example in the VA area of conditions that reflect two of my staple bullet points in synoptic setups such as the one we are seeing today.  (*Heads up for fluky conditions / shifty directions as each synoptic feature changes position / gains and or loses influence) and (*Showers and or thunderstorms possible which can induce some instability / inconsistency into the winds)

First, take a look at the observations from 9:10am, 9:20am and 9:36am.  Large variations in speed and direction can be seen in a very small area.  First thing to check is the radar… yup a small storm did dissipate overhead with more on the way from the W.

ScreenHunter_04 Oct. 23 09.14

 

ScreenHunter_04 Oct. 23 09.27

ScreenHunter_04 Oct. 23 09.38

ScreenHunter_04 Oct. 23 10.05

However, the radar did not quite tell the whole story.  Surface map check;)  Sure enough there is a center of low pressure and a boundary overhead.  More consistent W / NW winds are expected this afternoon once the coastal low forms and makes it far enough out into the Atlantic.

ScreenHunter_02 Oct. 23 09.13

 

Prepared by WeatherFlow Meteorologist Dave Breckenridge