July 11, 2000

Weather Synopsis...

A wave of low pressure was located over the Tidewater of VA, with a cold front extending both to the east and to the west of the low. A 1021mb high was located over Ontario. The prevailing synoptic wind flow was from the NE.

Seabreeze Analysis...

The seabreeze developed along the NJ coast during the mid-afternoon and remained nearly stationary for the rest of the evening just a few miles inland.

Model Discussion...

RAMS-

The RAMS model products shown below are for the 12Z and 18Z forecasts. The 12Z forecast for winds has a definite offshore flow of wind. Already though a pocket of higher relative humidity exists just offshore.

The 18Z forecast for wind shows an onshore flow. The air temperature image shows a sharp thermal gradient right along the shore as the low level marine air moves inland. Also a sharp gradient in relative humidity can be see right along coastal sections.

MM5-

The MM5 model forecast of surface wind and pressure for 18Z is shown below. If you look closely at the NJ region, you can see NE winds right along the shore and NNW winds in the Philadelphia area.

Analysis of Observation Data...

The data from the Tuckerton Met Tower shows that winds shifted from the N in the morning to a SE wind in the afternoon.

SST Discussion...

There are pockets of cooler surface water along the southern coast of NJ. Particularly near Atlantic City and Cape May.

CODAR Information...

Below are CODAR plots of surface current for 9Z, 12Z, 14Z, 16Z, 18Z, 20Z, 22Z, and 0Z on July 12th. The currents begin SW, then slowly switch to a west bound current, and then by 0Z the current is northbound.