easterly flow

[jim]

I noticed last may we had many days of east wind, and it seems we are back in a similar pattern.Does this type of wind happen during months of transition in weather like spring/fall, or is this one now associated with the tropical disturbance off the carolinas? I never really noticed this wind pattern as much during the winter months nor the hottest months of the summer. It also seems fairly consistent windy in morning, dead during middle of day, pick up in evening. No seabreeze develops during this wind pattern either, but we still get afternoon storms. Are these storms blowing over from east coast ?
I dont really understand this???

[popeye]

Seems like the weather patterns have been changing a lot over the past couple of years... it used to be fairly predictable but lately things have been really mixed up!

[bayflite]

The meteorologists in the Tampa Bay area say it's our normal summertime weather pattern. Actually, the movment of storms is more southeast to northwest. may and october give us stronger east winds as well as stronger seabrezes.
-bryan

[Skyway Scott]

I don't pay too much attention to anything except observed patterns. Evey year the pattern is different. I kind of view wind a lot like I view fishing. Some general patterns exist from year to year, but every year has different forcing features laid on top of these primary drivers of the fish (and weather). How much bait is in the bay? Wast there red tide? Is there an ounce of ozone left!
The best way to get a good handle on where the fish is to be on the water as much as possible. That's why fishing guides are so good and sometimes seem magical. In reality, they are just very observant and know "where to place their bets".
I think the wind is the same, and best way to get a feel for the wind is to pay attention on a daily basis. We are lucky and have stuff like Doppler, wind sensors and this forum to help us figure out patterns.
Just like fishing, you never really know what each day is going to hold until you go out. You sure can increase your odds of catching fish though if you noted the tide etc. associated with your last "slam".
Also like fishing, if you ever watch the "Florida Fishing Report" on Catch 47, it gives you a general feel for what species are biting, but never exact locations and times for where to catch them.
The forecasts for wind we get are pretty much the same deal (broad range and generalized). Since wind is a very localized phenomenon, like a school of fish, forecasts are more of a general overview of possibilities, imo. Especially this time of year.
Josh Linker is KING though!

[Sean B]

If Linker is king Scott....then you are heir to the royal throne! :p

[Skyway Scott]

An honor I will accept with a smile. (see pic)

[Sean B]

rotfl!!

[H]

I noticed last may we had many days of east wind, and it seems we are back in a similar pattern.Does this type of wind happen during months of transition in weather like spring/fall, or is this one now associated with the tropical disturbance off the carolinas? I never really noticed this wind pattern as much during the winter months nor the hottest months of the summer. It also seems fairly consistent windy in morning, dead during middle of day, pick up in evening. No seabreeze develops during this wind pattern either, but we still get afternoon storms. Are these storms blowing over from east coast ?
I dont really understand this???

The days of East wind that were good were due mostly to Tropical Depression Gabrielle (although at the time it was simply called investigation 99) It sat out in the Atlantic rotating counterclockwise while a high pressure system in the Gulf South states rotating clockwise helped to funnel the wind down to us.

There is a seabreeze in the summer, it's just not strong enough to ride most of the time. It does cause storms and in the mid to late afternoon is enough to take the prevailing Easterly down a notch or two which is why easterlies are stronger in the morning and at night.