I (Matt) have been asked this question a lot lately. As a meteorologist, I should expect that, and I should have an answer handy, so I figured I would just put it on the blog.
Why has it been so hot?
Normally, this time of year we are cooled off every few days by a front. These fronts usually originate from low pressure systems that develop off the Northwest Coast. They bring rain and cooler temperature, along with some gusty winds (the "fall breeze"). However, this October started with the jet stream basically blocking the colder temperatures. The western portion of the US was under the "trough" of the jet stream bringing cooler temperatures, while the central and eastern portions of the US were under the "ridge". Basically the jet stream went from a "U" shape over the west to an upside down U over the east (like a sine curve). This allowed abundant sunshine and moist gulf air to influence our fall. Temperatures in CS this October are 5.5 degrees above normal.
When is Fall going to come?
Good question. It appears a decently strong front is going to move through CS the end of this weekend. Slight rain chances and cooler temperature should be expected beginning of next week. It might be a good time to get your coats out. Lows will be in the 50s, with highs in the mid-80s.
Is this because of global warming?
That is a very hard question to answer. Global warming is not a quick process, but the ice melt in the Arctic could be having an effect. This winter should be very interesting since ice cover in the Arctic ocean reached an all time low (in fact about 30% less than the lowest extend previously). The temperature difference between the poles and the equation is the cause of the jet stream, which is the cause of much of our "weather", so there is the potential for a warm winter.
That is all for now. Just thought I would use my degree for something. Also, as with most meteorologists, I could be wrong :-) !
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3 comments:
Sweet! Thanks for the info. I happen to be a weather stalker since lots of my shoot (ALL to be exact) are outside. This answers lots of questions.
Fall....sigh! I love you. Where are you?
On another note, e-mail me (since I don't have either of yours). Kramerswife@hotmail.com
I have a random question about your wedding pics.
Thanks peeps!
Your saying that the winter could be hot made me cuss in my head. That makes me so mad.
On the flip side, I'd like to be the first to welcome this weekend's cold front to the Station. You can stay at my house.
hey, having a meteorologist (altho hard to spell) friend is cool! thanks for the info. i have been wondering if it is really october based on the weather. bring on the cool!!
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