Impressive Autumn Cutoff Low
By Quincy Vagell on October 17, 2012, 3:30pm Last modified: October 19, 2012, 6:01pm
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It may only be October, but an impressive early season cutoff is developing.
A cutoff low is a storm system that becomes "cutoff" from the general atmospheric flow. This causes a cool "pool" of air to develop and the storm may move slowly or remain stationary for an extended period of time.
Discussion:
With the system currently developing, forecasts project a sub-534dm cutoff low moving towards the western Great Lakes. Cold air like that is more typical of a late autumn/early winter storm, although it's not completely unheard-of.
In fact, some season snow is likely for the portions of the upper Midwest.
Thunderstorms, more humidity:
Ahead of this low, strong to severe thunderstorms are expected across the eastern United States. The clash of warm air to the east and colder air draining in from Canada will set the stage. Although the worst of the storms should stay southwest of Connecticut, there could be some rumbles of thunder around here on Friday. Not to mention that it will feel a bit on the muggy side, as the wind flow shifts around to the south.
The NAM 850mb forecast shows warm air surging up ahead of the low and cold air from Canada being drained down into the upper Midwest on Thursday.
For snow lovers, you'll want cutoff lows further east once winter gets here.
Since warm air surges up ahead of these systems, a storm like this in the middle of the winter would still cause mostly rain across Connecticut.
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