By Doug Schneider
There was quite a bit of rain that fell at Watkins Glen yesterday and overnight (1.32 inches to be exact), but this area of rain has moved away. Here's a look at the big picture radar early this morning (5:30 am):
Watkins Glen is located at the red dot. The L marks the location of an upper level low pressure center that will track northeast through the day. The yellow arrow marks the location of the jet stream in the upper levels of the atmosphere. As you can see from the radar image, there will be a dry period for several hours this morning. This dry area is due to the jet stream. Most of the time, significant rainfall does not occur directly beneath the jet; more often, it occurs on the periphery of the jet. This is what is called the dry slot, and it should help keep most of the measurable rain away this morning. However, there will still be overcast low clouds and a few light sprinkles possible at times.
The northeast movement of the upper level low pressure center will bring it over Watkins Glen this afternoon, and it will likely bring a little more significant rain than just sprinkles. Light on and off rain showers will be possible at any time in the afternoon. It could make for some interesting conditions and race strategies in the later stages of the race. Rainfall amounts will be light, most likely less than a tenth of an inch. Winds will be shifting from northeast this morning to southwest by late afternoon, but should remain fairly light around 5 mph. Temperatures will be quite cool under the cloud cover and light rain, with highs only in the mid 60s.
The northeast movement of the upper level low pressure center will bring it over Watkins Glen this afternoon, and it will likely bring a little more significant rain than just sprinkles. Light on and off rain showers will be possible at any time in the afternoon. It could make for some interesting conditions and race strategies in the later stages of the race. Rainfall amounts will be light, most likely less than a tenth of an inch. Winds will be shifting from northeast this morning to southwest by late afternoon, but should remain fairly light around 5 mph. Temperatures will be quite cool under the cloud cover and light rain, with highs only in the mid 60s.
