DENVER — From the Pacific coast to the central Plains, then off to the eastern seaboard. Driven by the jet stream, this west-to-east track is the path storm systems typically take as they migrate across the United States. However, this week’s pattern is a little different, and Denver will be a beneficiary of that change.
A big area of high pressure is in the process of planting itself over the middle of the country. It will be sandwiched on either side by two troughs of low pressure.
The jet stream, dipping southward around the two areas of low pressure and up and around the area of high pressure, will take a shape that resembles the greek letter omega. Hence, this pattern is known as an “omega block” in the meteorological world.
When an omega block is in place, storms moving onshore from the Pacific get diverted up and around the area of high pressure. This pattern typically brings locations on the west, north and east sides of the high periods of gloomy, cool weather.
On the flip side, communities under the influence of high pressure will see sunshine and above-average temperatures as warm air spills in from the south. Many people will be glad to hear Denver will be underneath the area high pressure this time. Get ready for a stretch of warm, sunny days.
These omega blocks can sometimes last for long stretches of time as the broad areas of atmospheric pressure have a tough time breaking free of the pattern.
This week’s block won’t last as long as others in the past. Above-average temperatures and abundant sunshine are forecast to stay in the Mile High City through the end of the week before the pattern moves on and rain begins to enter the picture.