Pattern change coming?

Another brutal winter week has ended.  Winter storms, cold, and drought continue to plague the nation.  However, there does seem to be a glimmer of hope; a light at the end of the long dark tunnel.    A pattern change in our weather is beginning to take shape.  




Most of the winter, we have had a large High pressure on the west coast that was blocking weather systems from coming in.  They had to ride over the top into Canada and plunge back down into the US, bringing with it, bitter arctic air into the eastern 2/3 of the country.  This amplified weather pattern allowed winter to even invade the deep south this year.  Relief is on its way.


A weather pattern known as the pineapple express, because it brings a moisture stream from the Hawaiian Islands to the west coast, is taking shape.  From Seattle to San Francisco we are seeing the moisture pump in.  This is breaking down the high pressure and allowing more storms in and flattening out the weather pattern for the rest of the country.  For the eastern 2/3 of the country, it will mean a return to more normal type temperatures.


It is too early to tell if we will get a flip flop, meaning the east gets a warm high and the west gets cold, but many in the Midwest and east might get at least a temporary shot of some nice weather. 

This year, Spring will also mean flooding.  There is a lot of water stored up in the heavy snows.  Expect it and be prepared for it; especially if you live in flood prone areas. 



During the week there was a significant ice storm that left hundreds of thousands without power in Pennsylvania and Maryland.  Other areas to the south and west of there were affected as well.



Folks in the west are still dealing with drought.  At least some relief will be coming for the Northwest and central west, but the southwest will remain dry.



Other parts of the country, this might be the best way to get around.




We could still have it worse.  This is a video from Slovenia, which was devastated by a ridiculous ice storm.