Will California get rain?

The absense of the vortex west of the California coast in the water vapor satellite below is a little unusual. It could be due to higher level water vapor in the troposphere that causes and absense on the radar. At any rate, there my be relief coming to California in the way of rain. It might be torrential in its manifestation and that could cause mudslides, but, it might help with the fires. Let's hope there is relief on the way.


August 20, 2009
1630z
UNISYS Visible Satellite Image (click title of entry for 12 hour loop - thank you)




August 20, 2009
1630z
UNISYS Water Vapor Satellite

Two 'interesting' aspects to this satellite image. The first is Bill nearing the USA coastline and in closer proximity of the air masses of "Claudette" and that over Arkansas. The second is the black hole off shore of California. It really isn't absent of water vapor though. If one looks at a 'visual' satellite image it is quite dense with clouds.


August 20, 2009
1517 gmt
Tropical Atlantic Ocean Satellite

"Bill" is tracking more north than west. After it left latitude 20.70 with a central pressure of 945, the hurricane started to slow with a centeral pressures rising and currently is 951. I said it would and it has. The reason is the lack of water vapor once leaving the area of the Intertropical Convergence Zone.

"Claudette" still remains a diffuse air mass over the Gulf States. It is meeting with a cold air mass currently over Okalhoma, Arkansas and Missouri creating turbulent and wet weather.