textproduct: Gray - Portland

SYNOPSIS

Warmer conditions are expected for today through Friday. Thereafter, rain is in the forecast once again for the weekend with improving conditions for early next week.

NEAR TERM /UNTIL 6 PM THIS EVENING/

Valley fog will quickly burn off early this morning with the onset of mixing. 20 to 20 MPH wind gusts should be common today. Otherwise, a fair weather day today with highs around 80 at most locations. A weak short wave trough approaches this afternoon. Forcing for ascent will be limited, but a couple of spot showers are not out of the question.

SHORT TERM /6 PM THIS EVENING THROUGH 6 PM THURSDAY/

Short wave trough passes across the region overnight. Most locations will remain dry, but there may be an increase in clouds. Those in the mountains may experience a few brief light showers.

A cold front moves through on Thursday with little fanfare. Highs will still be well into the 80s most locations.

LONG TERM /THURSDAY NIGHT THROUGH TUESDAY/

Quicker moving high pressure means the potential for aided return flow come Friday night and Saturday. While earlier trends supported this high suppressing southerly moisture, the split high now reinforces IVT into northern New England to start the weekend. Thus increased rain chances on Saturday. Overall zonal pattern aloft remains with a strong jet, so passing disturbances are progressive. Deeper southerly 700mb flow fails to materialize and larger values of QPF look to be off the table for now.

Remainder of the high built north of the Great Lakes looks to shift east Sunday. This would bring drier air with it and lesser chances for rain. Unsettled weather could return as this high exits and return flow allows moisture back into a period between systems early next week.

AVIATION /12Z WEDNESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY/

Short Term...Other than valley fog the next two nights, conditions will feature VFR. Gusty westerly SFC winds of 20 to 25 kt will be likely today.

Long Term...VFR Thursday with some lingering MVFR ceilings near the CAN/US border in the morning. West winds become gusty during the day up to 20 kt. These subside overnight. Ceilings likely thicken and lower Friday night into Saturday with -RA.

MARINE

Short Term...Marginal SCA conditions later today and tonight but inversion should keep stronger low level winds above the SFC.

Long Term...Conditions remain below SCA into the weekend. High pressure passes to the north, but may not be strong enough to keep rain suppressed to the south.

GYX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

ME...None. NH...None. MARINE...None.