Seattle's Climatic Interplay

Seattle's Climatic Interplay

    Due to the unique geographical position of Seattle, weather outcomes are incredibly dynamic. This makes weather forecasting for Seattle a formidable task. The two most prominent attributes creating Seattle’s climatic composition are the direct interplay between topography and oceanic systems as they interact with the regions air masses. Arguably, the most significant components impacting the area are the Olympic and Cascade ranges, in the west and east respectively. These massive geologic formations largely dictate the direction, duration, and dynamic of all air systems afflicting the region. (The Weather Prediction)

Image cursitoy of Topo Creater
http://topocreator.com/index.php

    As previously mentioned, Seattle is situated in a seaport position along the Puget Sound, within the greater Pacific Northwest region. As a direct result of the regions coastal orientation and latitude, the mild temperate climate is created by two major air masses. Western Washington is predominately influenced by Maritime Polar (mP) air masses a majority of the year, which originate in the Gulf of Alaska. However, Maritime Tropical (mT) and Continental Polar (cP) air masses also play a key roll in the regions weather in summer and winter respectively.

The Pacific Northwest Region
Image curtsey of Wikimedia Commons & USGS data
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Pacific_northwest-relief.png

    During the summer months, Maritime Tropical air penetrates the region brining wet warm air that interacts with the ever-present Maritime Polar air masses. This interaction helps maintain the wet mild temperate nature of the regions climate. Occasionally during summer months, Mid-Latitude cyclones originating in lower latitudes can reach the region, resulting in more turbulent weather outcomes then typical (i.e. heavy rain). However, due to the nature of cold air interacting with warmer air systems, occluded fronts are the most common with respect to Mid-Latitude cyclones. The cold occluded front dominates, with warm occluded fronts rarely occurring. These Mid-Latitude cyclones typically die in the region due to cooler water temperatures that are characteristic of the Pacific Northwest Region. (The Weather Doctor)

Image curtsey of The Weather Doctor
http://www.islandnet.com/~see/weather/elements/airmasses.htm

    The current weather outlook for the greater Seattle area can be deduced from the image below (time specific). It looks like a cold front is moving in off the coast and has created an occluded front just Northwest of the US/Canada boarder. Likely, rain and cool temperatures will dominate the region. Snow is highly likely in high elevations.

Image curtsey of The Weather Channel
http://www.weather.com/

    One very interesting and magnificently beautiful atmospheric occurrence can grace the eyes of greater Seattle residents. On the raising mountains just outside Seattle, Mount Rainier hosts the rarely occurring   formation of linticular clouds. These clouds are formed if moist air is gracefully sent aloft, where it cools and condenses. In order for theses clouds to form around Mount Rainier, the air temperature, speed and wind direction must be just right. That's the reason these are so special! Take a look at how magnificent linticular clouds appear with Mount Rainier!!! (Scott Sistek, Komo News)

Image curtsey of Scott Sistek
http://www.komonews.com/weather/blogs/scott/35631614.html

Image curtsey of Scott Sistek
http://www.komonews.com/weather/blogs/scott/35631614.html

Image curtsey of Scott Sistek
http://www.komonews.com/weather/blogs/scott/35631614.html

Image curtsey of Scott Sistek
http://www.komonews.com/weather/blogs/scott/35631614.html

Image curtsey of Scott Sistek
http://www.komonews.com/weather/blogs/scott/35631614.html

Image curtsey of Scott Sistek
http://www.komonews.com/weather/blogs/scott/35631614.html

    These pictures are incredible sights to see, not only is the majestic Mount Rainier so captivating, the linticular cloud formation galvanizes the overall beauity!