Storm Forecast
Valid: Sat 05 Feb 2011 06:00 to Sun 06 Feb 2011 06:00 UTC
Issued: Sat 05 Feb 2011 03:19
Forecaster: VAN DER VELDE

SYNOPSIS

The pressure distribution over Europe shows high pressure in SW Europe and low pressure over Scandinavia. A strong WNW-ESE-oriented gradient exists in between (at 45°-60°N) which causes strong westerly winds through a long stretch of Europe. Also at higher levels a strong jet exists in the same area and a frontal zone moves almost parallel to the flow, with the strongest winds just to its south. Over Denmark and Baltic region it behaves as a cold front, mainly in mid levels. Over Ireland, central UK and northern Netherlands the surface front is initially stationary and subject to weakening at low levels by ridging in the afternoon and no deep convergence, after 00Z a new wave arrives from the Atlantic and the front will turn into a warm front.
In the cold airmass around Iceland, Faroer and western Norway very steep temperature lapse rates allow plenty of convection and probably one or more comma clouds. Since available moisture is very low, only few lightning strikes may occur (can be triggered more easily in these conditions by tall towers/windmills/airplanes).