A wetter pattern for the U.S.

Over the past few days the large scale weather pattern over the nation has shifted away from the semi-permanent West Coast ridge and East Coast trough. That prior setup has created severe drought conditions in California while opening the floodgates for repeated dry and frigid Arctic air invasions over the eastern half of the U.S. Now, things are a bit different as shown in this Weather Prediction Center graphic:

This is a 7 day forecast of potential precipitation totals. Note the moisture from northern California up into British Columbia...that is quite a switch from recent dryness. Also note the west to east "belt" of moisture across the center of the nation. The current pattern is allowing more of a "zonal flow" (west to east) for the northern branch of the jet stream to transport Pacific moisture across the country. The higher precipitation over the East Coast is due to the southern branch of the jet stream pushing Gulf of Mexico moisture northward.

So what does this mean for Santa Rosa Beach and Casablanca on 30A? The swings in temperatures during January's cold air incursions have dampened - literally! - as the chances of rain have increased. The thermometer will top out in the mid-50s to the upper 60s over the next week with chances of rain most of those days. However it won't be a total washout as the sun will pop out for a while every day except Friday and Saturday. And another point to consider...no frozen stuff as low temperatures stay well above the freezing mark down here!!

Overall it's a great time to head south for some late winter relief, so c'mon down and enjoy the beach!