The latest Pacific storm system pulled out of the Northern Rockies this morning and its strong, counterclockwise winds raked the Front Range urban corridor. Since we were south and west of the storm's path, the winds were out of the northwest. Furthermore, since the air was descending from higher terrain, it was devoid of moisture, producing crystal-clear air across the region.
As the storm proceeds eastward, the winds will shift from the north and then die down. Across the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest, its cold front will encounter warmer air and Gulf of Mexico moisture, igniting thunderstorms.
Here at the base of the Front Range, elevation and wind direction have dramatic effects on our weather. Today, we escaped the brunt of the storm but did lose a lot of colorful leaves from our trees. Then again, that was beneficial as well; we don't want leafed-out trees when the first autumn snows arrive.
