Report written by Qingfang Jiang, Monday, April 20
Synoptic overview:
Associated with a developing trough located off the coast of Alaska and a weak shortwave pushing through the coast of California, westerly or northwesterly wind and wave activity were expected in the experimental area.
The plan of operations for IOP 13 on April 19:
1. MAPR: on all the time, one radiosonde launch at 12 UTC 19 April
2. MISS: on all the time, located at Independence Airport
3. MGLASS: two radiosondes launches at 12 and 18 UTC 19 April
4. Lemoore: no activity
Summary of operations and observations:
This event was characterized by moderate northwesterly flow in the valley. Both radiosondes launched at 12z and 18z, April 19 from MGLASS indicated moderate westerly (15-20 knots) between 800 mb and 500 mb. The sounding from MAPR showed northwesterly wind below 600 mb. MISS indicated 10-15 knots northwesterly wind in the lowest 1.5 km and stronger westerlies above. The surface network documented northwesterly gusts up to 39 mph between 0600 and 1800 UTC, April 19 (station 1).
In the valley, it was clear in the morning of April 19, except a small fraction of high cirrus. No wave clouds were observed during the daytime.