• Sailing is all about the Weather.

    Big into the exploration of Atlantic Hurricanes since Katrina came uninvited into his world, James (Jim) Gurley (JamesG161) has followed every Tropical Storm birthed in Atlantic, Gulf and Caribbean waters since. Being a boater, he knows that we often need more time to prepare than we get from the TV weather folk. Jim relies on the science of storm development to share early warning info with friends and fellow boaters.

    Early in 2018, Jim and John Shepard, (JSSailem) started to chat about the weather data available. John asked Jim to help forecast Pacific NW storms, and this morphed into discussions on weather forecasting.

    For John, sailing in the PNW is sometimes hit and miss. One day is ugly, then a string of beautiful days but no wind, followed by a series of blue-sky days and 12 knot breezes. Being ready for those great sailing days means you need to look to the Pacific Ocean and what is brewing. John has been into Pacific NW Weather since the 1970’s when his first PNW November storm hit bringing more than 40 days and 40 nights of continual rain.

    Together we want to share information, new APPs, safety, and thoughts about letting the weather help you. Identify some of the resources for sailors and help prepare you for your next sailboat outing.

    It is far better to go out on the water knowing what to expect in weather terms, than to be out on the water and see dark ominous clouds suddenly appear, unprepared.

Pacific Northwest considerations for this coming week and Memorial Weekend

jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
22,867
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
Well, the start of Summer Cruising is drawing near. I have just received a long-range forecast from my friend Rufus. If you are not ready to splash, this weekend will give you the weather you need to urge you forward. The water is waiting.

Earlier solutions presented by the wx models had a damp holiday charted, then the dampness shifted a bit to just part of the weekend, however, now the charts indicate a ridge of High pressure building over the entire PNW (BC, too) as the weekend progresses. Furthermore, in our previous discussion, we ’saw’ a heat-up period after the holiday showing on the charts. Well, that continues to be the scenario except that the time of arrival has shifted forward to the Memorial Day weekend. Excellent wx for all outdoor activities honoring those that gave their life for our Nation (and, yes, for the campers and BBQ events, as well).
Bottom line: the sky will clear and the sun will shine as Memorial Day weekend gets going. Temperatures could pop well into the upper 70s to mid 80s (warmest in the southern sector). The short work/school week after the holiday should be warm, as well. Temps also looking up - into the 80s, even low 90s in southern OR. (Mid-level moisture is on the charts, riding north around a Low over NV / UT in the May 28-30 period, which could set off thunderstorms east of the Cascades). Overall, a great ending for May.
June. Trend is for sunny, warm conditions to continue as June opens, as the Pacific High may position favorably for pleasant PNW weather.​
“Don’t take tomorrow to bed with you."
-Rufus​