June 3 TWISTEX Update

Status: Preparing for Mid-week Deployment
Location: Terril, IA

Both the NAM/WRF as well as the GFS are within range of the next system to effect the plains states mid-week this week. A strong wave expected to come onto the west coast by late Monday/early Tuesday and work across the rockies and into the plains by Wednesday evening. This wave will be responsible for the flow returning to the southwest at mid levels, also in the formation of a potentially significant low pressure system. This low in conjunction with the mid-level wave is going to aid in bringing up good moisture northward, near 70 dewpoints into NE/IA. Low pressure currently forecasted along the SD/NE border, with warm front extending southeastward and dryline expected to the south from SD through KS and possibly into the southern plains. TWISTEX is likely for deployment on Wednesday for areas of NE/KS, with continued chasing through the week. This trip is potentially the first long trip TWISTEX is going to be able to take this year, with previous trips only including 2/3 days of chasing. More details on this trip likely by tomorrow and especially Tuesday as I prepare to travel to Ames and get on the road in the TWISTEX vehicles.

Long range outlook for the project also continues to look promising with no major ridges being shown. Continued active June is a good possibility at this point and thus expect many updates concerning TWISTEX and the next possible deployment.