¡Buenos dias! A Haiyang satellite pass around midnight measured NW winds around 10 knots over the Sea of Cortez just east of Cerralvo, and all of the most recent numerical model forecasts show similar north background flow will continue today. While it now appears that the background flow will be sufficient to trigger our wind machine today, the big wild card will be the thickness of high cloud cover. Infrared satellite loops early this morning showed an area of clearing over our area, but another patch of thick high clouds was lurking to the southwest and most model forecasts bring it close to or over us this afternoon. That said, there are some indications that some of the models are over-forecasting the extent of the high clouds, so I’ll be optimistic and forecast just enough sun to bring us at least a partial thermal boost this afternoon. Friday will be a close call as well, as several of the latest models now show the background north flow increasing a bit during the afternoon and full sunshine returning, so I’ll keep the positive vibes going and call for another kiteable day. The remainder of the forecast looks on track, as surface high pressure centered over northern Utah will remain locked in place from Saturday through Monday and bring ample north background flow to our region. While we will see periods of high clouds, there should be enough breaks in the cloud cover to allow for at least partial thermal boosts each day. The surface high is forecast to weaken on Tuesday, but just enough north flow should remain to couple with full sunshine and give us another windy afternoon. Long-range models forecasts are in good agreement that the surface pressure gradient will become very weak by next Wednesday, with only light onshore breezes expected.
- Today…Mostly sunny. North wind 16-18 mph.
- Friday…Sunny. North wind 16-18 mph.
- Saturday…Mostly sunny. North wind 18-22 mph.
- Sunday…Mostly sunny. North wind 16-20 mph.
- Monday…Mostly sunny. North wind 16-20 mph.
- Tuesday…Sunny. North wind 16-18 mph.
- Wednesday…Sunny. East wind 8-10 mph.