ARISE 09/23/14 Mission Daily Forecast
Tuesday September 23 weather briefing for ARISE, Fairbanks Alaska mission region
** target area of the day: satellite underpass tracks in the area of 72-76N and 125-150W **
Current synoptic overview and short range forecast for the next flight day, Wednesday Sept. 24:
A weak frontal system and associated clouds and precipitation extend along the
northern and western half of the state from Point Hope through Barrow and across
the southern Beaufort Sea. Weak high pressure is building in from the southwest through
the interior of the state. A fairly decent jet stream extends from eastern Russia across
the northern half of Alaska with the maximum winds over the northwestern portion of the state.
There are very few high clouds in the forecast with the exception of an area above
and to the west of the Fairbanks region and an area to the north of Banks Island.
Mid level clouds are a different story with wide spread mid clouds along the way towards
Banks Island and these mid clouds become significantly thicker optically approaching 120W.
(see the QL/QI vertical profile plot at 73N attached)
Outlook for succeeding flight day, Thursday Sept. 25:
The mid-level jet stream energy in central Alaska continues working its way
across the state. A weak elongated low pressure system remains in the South Beaufort Sea.
A high pressure ridge is seen extending northward from the Gulf of Alaska and
at the surface, high pressure dominates the weather picture for most of the state.
High clouds are few and far between in the projected flight area. Mid level clouds
will likely not be encountered until east of 140W and north of 70N. An impressive frontal
systems is approaching from the Bering Sea / Alaska Peninsula region and will likely
impact weather and flying conditions later in the week.
