Long Term Update

Posted: Tue 5:36 PM, Jan 08, 2013

LONG TERM [Friday through next Tuesday]...
Not much change to the previous thinking this model cycle. The big
story remains the strong ridge in place across Southern Florida that
will prevent a series of weather systems from moving into much of
our forecast area. A decaying frontal system will be across the
western portion of the area at the start of the period. This front
will dissipate by Saturday as the ridge strengthens. The next
frontal system on Sunday night into Monday may make a little more
progress eastward but is still anticipated to stall by Tuesday. Rain
chances will be on the low side but greatest in the northwestern
zones as these areas will be closest to the series of stalling
frontal boundaries.

Unseasonably warm temperatures will be the primary story through the
long term period. Max temperatures could possibly flirt with 80
degrees on Friday and Saturday with lows in the mid and upper 50s
being common throughout the period. This is effectively 10 to 15
degrees above climatology for Mid January. Even though this will be
quite warm, this won`t be record warmth as record highs for mid
January at Tallahassee range from 81 to 83 degrees.