1231:00z
UNISYS Enhanced Infrared Satellite of the USA Central Plains (click here for 12 hour loop)
In the 12 hour loop it is easy to discern the two air masses converging their boundaries.
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1231:00z
UNISYS Enhanced Infrared image of USA
1230:00z
UNISYS Enhanced Infrared Satellite of North and West Hemisphere
It is noted how there is a stronger formation of straight line winds from the Pacific System. However, there is the convergence. Now, if the winds are high enough in velocity it will literally push the convergence areas too fast to form tornadoes.
03.02.2012
1230:00z
UNISYS Water Vapor Satellite of North and West Hemisphere (click title to entry for 12 hour loop - thank you)
I think it is clearer in this image of the North and West Hemisphere to see the effects of the Pacific System. It has a pushing dynamic that will result in increased movement of the two air masses.
About three years ago or so I was crossing the coastal plain of North Carolina from the coast heading west when there was an Emergency Warning on the radio for tornado activity. It was dark. There isn't much lighting the coastal plain of North Carolina in areas except stars and the moon, so it was difficult for me to visualize the activity of the air overhead. What I did see from moment to moment were faint funnel clouds overhead. There were many of them, BUT, the upper winds were moving so fast they didn't have the opportunity to form into strong enough systems that would touch down and none of them did. There was no damage to NC that night.
I am hoping the Pacific System has mixed enough hot and cold air to neutralize turbulence and to produce only straight line winds or better yet winds strong enough to move the two air masses across the country to prevent the possibility of tornadoes. It is looking way so far.
