Thursday, May 17, 2012

Small scale vortex over west Kansas with changing air pressures.

May 17, 2012
23:31:00Z
UNISYS Enhanced Infrared Satellite of Central Plains USA (click here for 12 hour loop)


There has been a rapid change in air pressure over the country, there is a small scale vortex forming over western Kansas resulting in thunderstorms. It may get worse than that, though.


May 17, 2012
23:30.00z
UNISYS Infrared Satellite USA (click here for 12 hour loop)


May 17, 2012
23:30.00Z
UNISYS Water Vapor Satellite of North and West Satellite (click here for 12 hour loop)


The first Eastern Pacific hurricane of the season is noted 15 degrees north. It is called "Aletta" and is west of Guatemala on the same latitude. The highest wind speed was 40 mph and a Tropical Storm. Aletta is currently a tropical depression with a central pressure of 1005 millibars. Currently, winds are sustained at 30 mph with gusts to 40 mph.


A dissipating Aletta could contribute to higher air turbulence reflected in the change in air pressure over North America.