Windy and Dry!
A brief, but classic, Santa Ana event is upon us. Earlier today the tail end of a weakening front brought us some clouds, and even some light showers in San Diego County. Behind the front, strong mid-level winds are blowing from the northeast. Earlier this evening, I was just out in Lake Forest, and I could feel the winds start a-blowin’. Even down here in Irvine, my blinds are rattling a little from some light nighttime gusts. The dew point has already dropped significantly — to about 25F or so. The air temperatures remain relatively high – upper 60s – but are falling quickly. This is a very COLD offshore (Santa Ana) event, so expect a very chilly morning, and below normal temps tomorrow (high 60s to near 70). Mountain regions are heading for the teens (!) tonight.
The setup is fairly classic, as the trough digs very far southward and drags some substantial upper-level support with it. Offshore pressure gradients aren’t that impressive, and so winds, while they will approach advisory strength, will probably not reach hurricane strength.
However, as quickly as they came, the Santa Ana winds and the accompanying cold, dry desert air, will leave us Thursday. In their wake, we will get a gradually warming, dry airmass. Humidity levels should return to normal late Thursday.
-Mike
Stay moist!
yay new post!