



Think about the luxuriant warmth. The ability go outside in a short-sleeve shirt and be comfortable.





The chance to build an honest sweat while working in the garden or going for a run.









After one of the most impressive late-season cold waves in years, it now appears that a major warm-up is near certain.



To the dismay of many, the cooler than normal temperatures have continued, with the last few days even cooling a bit. Our daily highs have been 5-10F cooler than normal. You won't have to imagine it soon.After one of the most impressive late-season cold waves in years, it now appears that a major warm-up is near certain.To the dismay of many, the cooler than normal temperatures have continued, with the last few days even cooling a bit. Our daily highs have been 5-10F cooler than normal.

Fortunately, virtually all the major global models indicate a change in atmospheric circulation with a major warm-up occurring late next week.





Take the European Center's ensemble forecast of surface air temperatures for Seattle: 59F next Sunday and 63F on Monday, March 18th. We are talking about ABOVE AVERAGE TEMPERATURES (the normal high is about 54F at that time).









The National Weather Service ensemble (GEFS) is going something similar, with all members predicting a substantial warming.



Why the big change? Because there will be a substantial reconfiguration of the atmospheric circulation. For weeks we have had a situation with a ridge offshore and northerly flow bringing cold air into our region. Plus a trough of low pressure near us (see below)



But by next weekend the ridge of high pressure aloft will be on top of us, a MUCH warmer situation (see below) and the forecast models keep the shift in place out into the future.



Looks like real relief from the persistent cold.





Because there will be a substantial reconfiguration of the atmospheric circulation. For weeks we have had a situation with a ridge offshore and northerly flow bringing cold air into our region. Plus a trough of low pressure near us (see below)But by next weekend the ridge of high pressure aloft will be on top of us, a MUCH warmer situation (see below) and the forecast models keep the shift in place out into the future.Looks like real relief from the persistent cold.

Imagine 60 degree temperatures.