Science of non-thunderstorm high wind events
Monday has been filled with calmer winds and above average temperatures as much of the Mid-Missouri areas has seen highs into the lower 80s. This looks to change into Tuesday as a cold front looks to move back into the region cooling Central Missouri down and leaving the region with increasing gusty winds.
Winds no related to thunderstorms are typically tied to atmospheric pressure. When an area sees a large change in pressure over a short distance, winds are expected to increase drastically. The map above shows conditions on Monday evening. Notice how there is on one white line over Mid-Missouri. This line represents equal values of pressure and is called an isobar.
Following the cold front Tuesday morning, a steep increase in these isobars can be observed over the region. These isobars are grouped closer representing the increased pressure gradient resulting in the forecasted wind increase.
The atmosphere is constantly trying to reach an equilibrium just like water falling down higher elevations until it reaches the lowest point or the sea surface level. Winds flow from areas of higher pressure to areas of lower pressure filling a void that is created by low pressure centers ejected winds upward in the environment.
This change in pressure over a shorter distance will caused Tuesday's increased winds. Wind gusts will range up to 25 mpg with sustained constant winds anywhere from 10-15 out of the north creating a cooler breeze.
