Bruce’s Brief: Weather for 15, 16, and 17 March. South Sound Series Islands Race

The Ides of March and clearing over the Salish Sea.

The really interesting weather this week occurred over the Central US where there was a bombogenesis event. To have such an event means that you have a low-pressure system that drops 24MB in 24 hours. This low-pressure system rapidly intensified dropping 24MB in just 13 hours and brought hurricane force winds to most of the central plains along with blowing and drifting snow. The central pressure in that low dropped to 956MB. The lowest pressure we’ve seen in the central pacific so far this winter was 954MB in early December.

Unfortunately, we won’t have any where near that this weekend. It will be a lovely weekend to be on the water with temps maybe getting up into the low 60’s with the bad news being that there won’t by much wind for the Islands Race. The surface charts show the problem with a weak ridge of high-pressure setting up over central BC and extending south into the US. This will also act as a nice barrier keeping any low-pressure systems well offshore and directing them into SE Alaska. This pattern will persist into early next week with the 500MB charts showing the jet stream remaining in pretty much the same place. The good news is that this will help bring warmer temps to the Pacific NW just in time for spring!

For the Islands Race at least the current will, as usual, be going the right way in Colvos which will help the fleet get north to the turning mark where maybe the race will be finished. From the start you’ll want to find the axis of the current and ride that as you drag race from hole to hole. Then it will be a race to get to the Tides Tavern and then on to the Yacht Club for what is always a great party.

Enjoy the weekend!

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