RISING AIR MAKES FOR A GRAY DAY

Written by: Scott Hetsko

Often times Western New York can't shake the clouds even after a storm has passed. You may wonder why we're so "lucky". Most commonly it's due to an upslope flow which forces the air to rise. This rising motion results in low level stratus clouds and occasional mist or drizzle. If the air were a little more unstable, thunderstorms can form. A general rule in forecasting is that if you want clearing skies you need descending air from above which dries the air near the surface. Clouds and precipitation result from rising motion in the atmosphere.