Screen Shot2015-07-14 18_56_35A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued until 1 PM for counties west of Baltimore. A Flash Flood Watch includes counties around the Chesapeake Bay. For starters, this system is not as strong as it was yesterday. Also, much of the energy split west of the mountains. But there is upper level support to provide just enough push tonight, and perhaps tomorrow as well.  However the ground is so saturated, all it takes is a half inch of rain in some spots to lead to more flooding.

Below is an image heavy explanation of the play out. I wanted a slightly different format to cut down on the reading time since the All Star Game is on this evening.  Note that I’ve noticed the radar simulation not working so well today. I will show it anyway, but the modeling is having some trouble with this set up. Also, the wind direction is always important when we watch storms arriving over the mountains. A south to southeast wind can enhance the storms. That has been marginal, but supportive.

SEVERE STORM SAFETY POSTS

Visible Satellite Loop

This animation shows the upper level Low Pressure circulation dropping south from Michigan and the Great Lakes. Ahead of it the bright white line of clouds show the boundaries that flared up with storms.  This circulation will play a role not only in tonight’s storm potential but also tomorrow morning.

Radar:

There has been a few strong squall lines today, but riding the upper level winds they have taken a dive to the south. Now that the upper level Low appears to be getting close, there is a directional shift. The next band of rain should move more towards the east. It will battle the downslope from the mountains, but there is marginal wind support form the south to southeast from the Bay.

Screen Shot2015-07-14 19_52_06

Vorticity-Upper Level Circulation

This appears to slow down as it passed over metro Baltimore tonight. It could linger and spawn nearby and coastal showers tomorrow as well.

VortMaxTrack

 

 

Simulated Radar

The main energy will pass over central Maryland within a few hours of midnight. The action will settle down afterwards, but there is chance for wrap around showers Wednesday if that fort max holds form over the Delmarva

[metaslider id=27059]


More on the back end of this system in the morning.

 

Get the award winning Kid Weather App I made with my oldest son and support our love for science, weather, technology. Our 2 year anniversary of the release is this November and it has been downloaded in 55 countries. With your support we can expand on the fun introduction to science and real weather:

Chip KidWxDevices

 

Also see:

Heart Lightning Discovered Over Baltimore

Top 10 Rainbow Photos From July 6 Storm

July 4th Fireworks Video Over Baltimore: 15 minutes in 48 seconds

Record June Rainfall Recap

4 Inch hail In Baltimore County

27 Flood Photos From June 27 Storm

 

–->Be part of my second 321 mile hiking and biking trek across Maryland this August.

WebPromo1

We still have spots open to join my team for a single day OR Have your company logo on our shirt. Last year I raised $22,000 and the week journey was seen by over 1 million people. See more on the Cool Kids Campaign web site and sign up by July 15th to guarantee your spot. 

[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]