Im not sure, but there may be some book end vortices in this storm.
Anyways, this is what the radar imagery from NOAA is showing around 1:30 UTC (8:30pm). These storms have stormed through the southeast today. It is induced by a strong upper level low that is shown on the 500 mb map above. I didn’t post it, but on the 850mb level, there is strong WAA downstream if this shortwave trough. This, along with moisture advection from the gulf, is helping to provide lift for this storm. Sweat indices are above 300, even at this hour.
I would go into more detail, but I’m too lazy.
Well the spring semester is upon us. Here are the classes I’m taking for my fall semester
Programming in Java
FORTRAN just didn’t do it for me two years ago. I feel that I need better programming skills before I enter graduate school. So I am taking Java to not only reteach myself programming, but also to learn different languages. I am also going to try and learn some PERL on the side as well
Air Quality
Last meteorology class I have to take at Plymouth. It seems a bit dull, but nowadays operational meteorologists issue out air quality reports and warnings out to the public. So while it won’t be as interesting as synoptic/mesoscale meteorology, it is still essential to forecasting, which is where I want to be after graduate school
Technical Communication
Required for meteorologists. We can’t be total nerds and lock ourselves in cubicals all day (even though we want to sometimes). We need to have good verbal and writing skills, which is what this class is all about. I just hope I don’t have to make too many changes to my resume (NOT to be an advertiser or anything)
Time and Money
Integrative class, brings together business and math. This will teach us how to invest with our money. Cause we all want to be millionaires someday.
This has been an amazing week. I have learned so much stuff, and met so many new people. I was invited to the Oklahoma University reception (as a Hollings Scholar), and I have to say that is the best part of the week. I am very proud to be a meteorology major, and I am very pleased with how the AMS coordinated the whole thing. I will hopefully return to the 89th meeting next year, in Phoenix, AZ.
Now it is time to leave New Orleans. But before I go, I have to say that while parts of the city are still in ruins, this is still a great city. I urge everyone to come down not only to enjoy the sights and the entertainment, but also to learn the perspectives on how one storm can change an entire city. 
Traveling back to Boston should be a breeze. There is some rain forecasted for New Orleans, as the jet stream is located north of New Orleans, indicating some upper level divergence in the equatorward entrance region of the jet, and generating precipitation. But I should be able to get out. The flight should be also faster, since the plane will be flying with the jet, and not against it. Also, with 850mb temps around -10 degrees Celsius, I will be returning to a very cold New England
This post comes straight from New Orleans. I have experienced the first three days of the AMS meeting so far and all I have to say is wow. There is a lot going on, and I am learning a lot. Last night I presented my Oklahoma work at the Student Conference Poster session, and I had a great time. I got a bunch of tips and pointers from students and adults, and I enjoyed it very much. Also I like to wear my suit, look at that classy man in this picture.
If you would like information about what I did out in Oklahoma, please visit the research page of my website by clicking here and scrolling to the bottom
Friday I will be traveling to New Orleans to attend my first ever American Meteorological Society’s Annual Meeting. But what is a “weather” related trip without some weather involved?
Looks like Boston is going to get hit with a small storm that will reach the area a little bit after 3am, which could cause some delays. The 0z NAM run tonight shows us on the left that a little bit of precipitation will have fallen by 7am. Also notice that Philadelphia is experiencing some wet weather as well. My lay over is in Philadelphia, so friday could be an interesting day for me. It seems that every trip I go that is being paid by NOAA experiences some sort of weather difficulties. But hey, everyone has these problems.
All is not lost though, because if it’s all rain, then I may be able to squeeze out of both Boston and Philadelphia. The image above shows the zero degree Celsius line right over the Boston area. But keep in mind that is at 850, so if we get some strong winds to mix out, surface temperatures could be warmer, inducing rain. The thickness map on the right tells sheds some hope as well. Usually the 540 meter thickness line is what we call the rain/snow line. And according to this map the 540 line is located about 100 miles to the west of Boston, meaning that Boston should see rain. So according to these maps it looks good, but keep in mind that these maps are what the model is believing to be at 7am. This means that it could be colder before sunrise. The NWS is forecasting snow in the morning converting to rain. So I’m crossing my fingers. Waiting at the airport is no fun.
