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RUC model analysis of Θ shown

Mixing down

20 May 2009 06:22 AM
The featured map attempts to show why some locations in Iowa were able to reach the mid 90s while others only the lower 80s. The plotted values were the high temperature for Tuesday while the contour shows the potential temperature of air at 850 hPa (around a half mile above the ground). Given the higher potential temperature air in Northwest Iowa, strong winds were able to help mix down warmer air allowing for rapid warming and the warmest temperatures. One more day of really warm air is expected before a cool front places us back in the 70s for the end of the week.

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7 PM sounding from Omaha on 19 May 2004.

CAP, CAP, CAP

20 May 2004 06:59 AM
Most of the multitude of storm chasers in Iowa yesterday were thwarted by a warm layer of air about a mile up in the atmosphere. The plot shows this warm layer (+12 C at 700 hPa). Updrafts have a tough time acquiring enough energy to punch through this layer to form storms.

Tags:   upperair   cap