National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Analysis and Comments on a March 1998 Wedge Event

The following 500/850 mb synoptic charts cover a 36-hour period beginning at 0000 UTC March 15, 1998. A split flow pattern is evident at 500 mb as the northern trough moves off the New England Coast while the southern stream upper low lifts northeastward. Notice the strong southerly flow at 850 mb over the mid-Atlantic states by 0000 UTC, March 18. The warm southerly flow actually helps sustain the wedge by creating an inversion above the colder air below.

 

500 mb analysis at 00 UTC, March 15th.
500 mb analysis at 00 UTC, March 15th.

 

850 mb analysis at 00 UTC, March 15th.
850 mb analysis at 00 UTC, March 15th.

 

500 mb analysis at 00 UTC, March 16th.
500 mb analysis at 00 UTC, March 16th.

 

850 mb analysis at 00 UTC, March 16th.
850 mb analysis at 00 UTC, March 16th.

 

500 mb analysis at 00 UTC, March 17th.
500 mb analysis at 00 UTC, March 17th.

 

850 mb analysis at 00 UTC, March 17th.
850 mb analysis at 00 UTC, March 17th.

 

500 mb analysis at 00 UTC, March 18th.
500 mb analysis at 00 UTC, March 18th.

 

850 mb analysis at 00 UTC, March 18th.
850 mb analysis at 00 UTC, March 18th.

 

 


 

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