An inch of rain here, an inch of rain there, it all adds up proving once again that November is the wettest month of the year and while it’s only the 5th of November we are already 2.33” of rain ahead for the month. Plus there is just a steady line of fronts headed our way bringing wind and more rain.
November 5 500 MB 
November 5 Surface Forecast 
November 6 Surface Forecast 
November 7 500 MB 
November 7 Surface Forecast 
November 8 Surface Forecast
Today’s surface analysis chart and sat pic show the front that went through earlier today along with nine other areas of low pressure. For the most part, they seem to follow the pattern we discussed last week with the low-pressure systems weakening and dissipating as they hit the coast. A weak ridge of high pressure builds behind the front and that tends to drive the next system to the NW, N, or NE. It’s only temporary as the zonal flow of the jet stream will continue to supply us with more systems bringing cooler temperatures, more rain, and more wind through much of next week. Also, note the 48-hour surface forecast chart which shows a 12 on the Roser Low Index Scale which is pretty high for this early in the year. It definitely is November.
It will be a great weekend for sailing especially in the Central Sound where both days should have consistent southerlies of 15-25 knots with some higher gusts, especially on Saturday afternoon.
If you’re not going out sailing it might just be a good idea to head on down to the marina and check those mooring lines and fenders not just on your boat but maybe your neighbors as well.
Next week we’ll have a delivery forecast on Wednesday for those heading up to Round the County and a Race Forecast on Friday. Could be a great one.
Enjoy the weekend!
Bruce has raced and cruised the Pacific Northwest his entire life. He earned a Bachelor’s of Science from the University of Washington in Biological Oceanography and learned meteorology “to keep from getting kicked around on the race course.” Bruce spent nearly two decades as Associate Publisher for Northwest Yachting Magazine, retiring in mid-2015, and was the chairman of the board of trustees for the Northwest Marine Trade Association in 2014. (photo of Bruce driving Playstation is a bit dated, but cool)