What is up with this wind?! I mean a little wind every now and then is to be expected but THIS is some serious wind! The forecast models suggest if everything forms just right or just wrong as the case may be, we could see wind gusts approach 75mph! That's right, 75mph would be hurricane strength. If we're going to have winds like that we should at least get a name like Andrew or Hugo and a little storm surge off the Great Salt Lake right?
In simplest terms, the wind is air that moves. Air moves from areas of higher pressure to lower pressure. Today a cold front is passing with an area of low pressure stalling out just to our south. That low will close itself off and just sit to our south circulating counter-clockwise as low pressure does. An area of clockwise circulating high pressure will quickly build in from the north.
This will set up a significant change in air pressure over a relatively short distance. Your "50 cent weather term of the day," pressure gradient. This scenario will set up a steep easterly pressure gradient. Think of it like a hill, the steeper the slope the quicker you can ride down on your bike. A more gradual slope or "gradient" would result in a slower descent. We're going to see a steep pressure gradient tonight and Thursday resulting in potentially damaging wind out of the east.
For drivers it will be the north/south oriented roads noticing the greatest impact. Our wind should begin to ease up by Thursday afternoon but until then be careful. It may be a good idea to bring in things from outside that could be blown around. If tomorrow is trash day in your neighborhood you could find your empty trash can down the street.
Stay safe and stay tuned to ABC4 for the latest forecast information. I'll also keep updates on my
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Thanks for reading
