The latest edition of the ABC 33/40 Weather Xtreme Video is available in the player below, and on iTunes.
If I were inclined to go for a record on the shortest Weather Xtreme Video Blog post, I could do it with one sentence. High pressure will keep the weather hot for the next couple of weeks with minimum daily threats of isolated afternoon showers. Of course, I could just say “It’s going to stay hot!” But I won’t even though that is the substance for the forecast for the next couple of weeks.
The upper ridge is gradually shifting eastward to become a near-permanent part of the overall weather pattern through the entire forecast cycle of the latest GFS model run to August 18th. The ridge will get a bit stronger from time-to-time with an ebb and flow which should keep afternoon highs in the mid and upper 90s for the foreseeable future.
The weak low in the Gulf along the trough axis from North Florida westward across the northern Gulf of Mexico remains in place, but as you’ll see from the satellite imagery, there is no sign of any development in that area of disturbed weather. And the small disturbance moving through the Caribbean actually saw a decrease in thunderstorms yesterday afternoon, but it is still maintaining itself as it continues moving briskly along on a track toward Central America.
I also wanted to show the latest QuikSCAT satellite derived wind information which clearly shows the absence of any circulation. The Hurricane Hunter aircraft yesterday was unable to find any kind of closed circulation either. Looks like the disturbance will bring some heavy rains to southern Cuba and the island of Jamica as it continues westward. Nearly all the tropical models are pretty consistent with a track into Central America in a few days. With the large ridge over the eastern half of the US, that westerly track looks good.
Just a quick reminder with the heat and the heat index values climbing to 100 or slightly above, be sure to drink lots of water and stay hydrated. The effects of the heat can sneak up on you if you don’t take it easy while playing or working outdoors.
I should have another Weather Xtreme Video posted by 8 or 8:30 Saturday morning. I’ll be filling in for Ashley this weekend as she winds up her week of filling in for James Spann who should be back from vacation next week all refreshed and re-charged. Have a great Friday and enjoy the hot weekend. God bless.
-Brian-
PS Don’t forget to listen to the latest Weather Brains podcast which can be found at www.weatherbrains.com.
