Current Weather Conditions for Tuesday February 14, 2012

I know it may look and feel like a pretty average day outside. However once you get past the 100 percent altostratus cloud cover and current temperature of 28 degrees Fahrenheit there are actually some pretty cool weather patterns going on. To start off, look at the surface map below and notice all of the different pressure systems and fronts that the contiguous United States is currently experiencing.

Looking at the Unisys water vapor sattelitte image the mixing of air masses is even more noticeable. Take note of the absence of the polar continental jet stream sweeping across the midwest, unlike the image I posted last week. Its absence and the southerly winds we are observing is the cause of today's warmer temperatures.

As we move later into the evening winds will continue to be from the south and temperatures will drop into the low 20's. Tomorrow anticipate slightly warmer temperatures than today and winds from the south again. Moving into the afternoon tomorrow, snow showers are a possibility.