On Tap - Unusual Heat Across Western US

Both the GFS and the ECMWF forecast models have a strong 500 mb ridge over the western U.S. over the weekend and into next week. Above is the ECMWF 500 mb forecast valid at 5 pm MST next Monday afternoon. The ridge is forecast to extend from northern Mexico, across the Four Corners region and on into Canada. Most interesting is the concurrent forecast of temperatures at 850 mb (below). The +20C isotherm (in red) extends northward across the border into Canada, A large area with 850 mb temperatures of +26C and higher is forecast from northern Mexico into Utah. It won't surprise me to see some 100+ highs in the Southwest before the ridge shifts eastward. Both global models now forecast the shortwave along the west coast to be more progressive, and no longer have this feature cutting off from the westerlies. Finally, while the  West heats up, the ECMWF forecasts what could be Spring snow for the Northeast.