Answer the following questions about the weather map and data in Salem, Oregon from May 6th to May 7th.

Question

• Describe the location of air masses around Salem, Oregon from May 6th to 7th.
• What type of weather is typically associated with the air pressure system located near Salem?
• If this was the weather pattern over the last few days for Salem, how would you compare the weather to what a friend that lives in Dallas, Texas is experiencing?
Use the information above to write a weather forecast for 8am, Friday May 8, 2020.
Date
Predicted
Temperature
Predicted
Relative
Humidity
Predicted
Cloud Cover
Predicted
Precipitation
Friday
May 8, 2020

Use the data to explain your reasoning.
• How did you determine the forecast?
• What was the most difficult part of making the forecast?
• Do you think your answer is the only right answer? Explain why or why not.

Answer 1

Air Masses around Salem, Oregon (May 6th to 7th)

From May 6th to 7th, Salem, Oregon, was likely influenced by maritime polar air masses typical of the Pacific Northwest. During this timeframe, there may also have been fluctuations from continental or high-pressure air masses moving in from the interior. As a result, cooler and wetter conditions would dominate, with onshore flow bringing moist air from the ocean.

Typical Weather Associated with the Air Pressure System

The air pressure system near Salem during this period would likely be characterized by lower pressure, resulting in cloudier weather and precipitation. These conditions can lead to overcast skies, scattered showers, and generally mild temperatures typical of spring in Oregon.

Comparison with Weather in Dallas, Texas

In contrast, if Salem is experiencing typical springtime weather with cooler temperatures and rain, a friend in Dallas, Texas, might be experiencing warmer temperatures and potentially more severe weather, such as thunderstorms. Dallas typically has a more unstable atmosphere in May, leading to higher chances of severe weather, including heavy rain, hail, and tornadoes.

Weather Forecast for 8 AM, Friday, May 8, 2020

| Date | Predicted Temperature | Predicted Relative Humidity | Predicted Cloud Cover | Predicted Precipitation | |------------------|---------------------|-----------------------------|-----------------------|-------------------------| | Friday, May 8, 2020 | 60°F | 80% | Overcast | 0.25 inches |

Explanation of Reasoning

1. Forecast Determination: I based my forecast on historical data for Salem in early May, where average temperatures are typically around 60°F, coupled with expected moisture from maritime influences. The presence of cloud cover and precipitation is aligned with the low-pressure system, indicating a likelihood of rain.

2. Difficulty in Making the Forecast: The most challenging aspect was accounting for any sudden changes that can occur in weather patterns, particularly with the possibility of transitioning weather fronts or localized phenomena that can affect Salem’s weather unpredictably.

3. Is This the Only Right Answer?: No, the forecast is not the only right answer. Weather predictions can vary depending on multiple factors, including the specific dynamics of air masses, fronts, and local climatic variations. Moreover, changes in the current weather or shifts in the forecast model could lead to different predictions. Forecasting is inherently uncertain, and while I based this prediction on available data, new information could change the forecast significantly.