Hello Low
A strong low pressure system, the remnants of a Typhoon will deepen quickly as it approaches offshore.
Here it is this morning, near the centre of the picture “L 986” which means it is a low pressure centre at 986hPa (millibar and hectopascal are equal) or 98.6kPa.
By 8PM tonight it has dropped more than 10mb to 973.
By 2AM tonight it will drop another 10mb to 962. Notice the tightening rings which means strengthening winds. The rapid descent in barometric pressure is known as “bombing”
Bombogenesis – What?
The NOAA explains this odd word.
Bombogenesis, a popular term used by meteorologists, occurs when a midlatitude cyclone rapidly intensifies, dropping at least 24 millibars over 24 hours. A millibar measures atmospheric pressure. This can happen when a cold air mass collides with a warm air mass, such as air over warm ocean waters. The formation of this rapidly strengthening weather system is a process called bombogenesis, which creates what is known as a bomb cyclone.
As we can see from the maps above, the low is expected to drop from 986mb this morning (11AM) to 962mb overnight (2AM). That’s 24mb in just over 12 hours. More than fast enough to qualify for the “Bomb” title. Even though the low is very far from the coast, and will not come too much closer to Vancouver Island, because of its very low pressure and rapid intensification we should expect plenty of wind and rain.
The low will continue approaching Vancouver Island early Thursday before turning north around noon and beginning to weaken. However, it will remain very intense. We will feel that intensity from a distance all day.
Wiiqsiwit̓asʔiš ! It is going to be stormy!
Wind warning today for West Coast – Other regions Likely
EC issued a wind warning for the West Coast of the Island
Strong southeast winds ahead of an intense low pressure system will develop near midday Thursday and ease Thursday evening.
Wind speed: Southeast 80 km/h gusting to 100.
The strongest winds are expected around 8-11AM Thursday morning.
You can see they get up to around 40-50knot (80-90kph) around Tofino and 30knot (70kph) in Georgia Strait. I would expect wind warnings to be issued for the East side of the Island later today.
Port Alberni might see gusts up to 40-50kph.
Rain too
We’ll also get plenty of rain over the next two days. Wednesday will feature rain most of the day but the main rain will come with the wind on Thursday late morning and afternoon.
Expect heavy rain to impact the entire Island in the 11AM-2PM period and lasting into Thursday evening.
The fall storm season is here!
About The Author
