The Puget Sound Convergence Zone (PCSZ) is a unique meteorological phenomena typical to the climate of Seattle. It is one of the most fascinating characteristics of Seattle weather, which occurs over the regions of Puget Sound in Seattle. The Puget Sound Convergence Zone occurs when the northwest winds of the upper atmosphere is split by the Olympic mountains and again re converge over Lake Puget Sound. It is marked by heavy showers or sometimes turbulent weather.
The Puget Sound Convergence zone in Seattle has been the center of many research activities of the weather forecasters. Through the years, the fore casters have developed some sort of understanding of its physical causes. It has been observed that the Puget Sound Convergence Zone works best when wind flows in the north west direction in the upper strata of the atmosphere. The north westerly winds bump into the Olympic mountains, obstructing their flow.
It is split into parts, one part gets deflected to the east towards the strait, while the other part is steered to the western side of Olympic mountains. Eventually, the
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north flowing and the south flowing branches converge and the air rises up, which leads to convectional rainfall accompanied by the formation of cloud and storm.
Puget Sound Convergence Zone Episode in Seattle
A classic episode of PCSZ developed over Seattle on May 14 and remained active till May 17, 2003. This particular convergence episode was carefully investigated by the meteorological department. It was marked by heavy showers, thunderstorms, snow fall and hail.
Weather may fluctuate according the the varying wind components of PCSZ. In Seattle the path of this convergence zone is usually east-west line including south Snohomish county suburbs like the Lynwood, Edmonds and Everett. The zones have often shifted proving the forecasters wrong. Everything depends upon the strength of the wind component.
The Puget Sound Convergence Zone of Seattle is a unique phenomena, which causes unprecedented rain and thunderstorm.
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