NAM Model showing westerly winds of over 20 knots this afternoon (~25mph).

A very strong pressure gradient across the forecast area will be the trigger for blustery and gusty fair weather winds, which will be the main weather story today. The low pressure system that impacted our area with numerous showers and thunderstorms (some strong) is now passing well to our north over Eastern Canada, and is strengthening. Meanwhile, a high pressure is building in to our south over the Tennessee Valley and extending into the Southeast United States. The result is a strong gradient between the two, and winds will kick up this afternoon as a result of the very tight gradient. In addition, cold air advection (CAA, or the movement of cooler air behind a low pressure system) has begun this morning which will allow westerly winds to strengthen further. Wind gusts over 40 miles per hour are possible this afternoon. The National Weather Service has issued Wind Advisories for portions of the forecast area, for the isolated potential of these winds becoming damaging if any loose objects are blown around or any dead/non stable trees can be toppled. High temperatures today will top out in the lower to middle 60's, but the strong winds will keep it feeling brisk and cool.

THE FORECAST...

Today (Saturday): Mostly sunny, with a high near 65. Windy. Wind gusts may exceed 45 miles per hour at times. Otherwise, west winds 20 to 30 miles per hour.

Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low near 50. Windy early, with west winds 15 to 25 miles per hour. Wind gusts may exceed 35 miles per hour. The wind should calm overnight.


Article written by JH. Published October 15th, 2011 at 10:51am. Looking for a forecast? See New York Metro Weather's Long Range Forecast for the weekend, or view our Technical Forecast Discussion for the more serious weather enthusiasts. Also, check out our new Forecast Overview tab. For up to the minute details on forecasts, watches, warnings, and alerts, follow us on Twitter and Facebook.