As is visible on yesterday’s surface analysis and sat pic, we’ve got a weak frontal system that has passed over us and will continue to the east. Behind the front, a weak onshore flow will develop today however it won’t last long as a strong high-pressure system in southern BC will bring a strong offshore flow and cooler temps to the area. This developing ridge of high-pressure will also keep us with one of the driest Januarys ever with less than 3” of rain so far.
There isn’t much going on this weekend as most boaters are anticipating the opening of the Big Seattle Boat Show just one week from today. The interesting feature on today’s surface forecast chart is the 1051MB high developing over southern BC. This will bring a strong outflow with freezing temps through the Fraser River Valley and over the weekend this will also bring a strong outflow through the passes in the Cascades.
The folks in the San Juan Islands will feel the effects of this outflow with winds of 25-35 knts of NE breeze with the possibility of higher gusts. This will spread south over the weekend with the areas below the gaps in the Cascades getting the brunt of this breeze, especially in the south Sound. The central Sound will stay with a light breeze.
You can start planning which seminars to see this weekend as well as get your tickets online. That way when the Show opens you’ll be set.
Have a great 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)