MOLINE, Ill. — Editor's Note: The video above is an archived forecast that includes an explanation of the Rex Blocking pattern.
We will be experiencing a dry and warm stretch of weather in the Quad Cities this week with our first 80s on the board for 2023. The reason why will be experiencing such summer-like weather is due to a "Rex Blocking" pattern.
A blocking pattern is a type of wave pattern that we see in the atmosphere. A blocking pattern occurs when centers of high- or low-pressure systems are over a region and prevent other weather systems from moving through. They can remain in place or move slowly, causing long spans of persistent weather underneath the systems.
A Rex Blocking pattern is when there is a high-pressure northward of a low-pressure system. A Rex Blocking pattern will stay nearly stationary until one of the height centers changes intensities, unbalancing the high-pressure system over the low.
The reason why it stays stationary is because the strong ridging north of the low causes air pressure to move from high latitudes to low latitudes, moving vertically, causing little west-to-east movement, moving horizontally.
The area near and under the low-pressure system experiences stormy, rainy weather while areas near and under the high-pressure system will experience dry, sunny weather.
If a Rex Blocking pattern stays in place too long, it can cause flooding near the low-pressure system and short-term drought under the high-pressure system.
The pattern will affect us here in the QCA until the end of the work week. The ridging north of the low-pressure system will allow us not to only remain dry, but create temperatures that are 15-to-20 degrees above normal. This is due to the strong southerly air that is getting pulled into the area. The high-pressure system will eventually move eastward, and the low-pressure system will become wave energy affecting the southern portions of the U.S.
Once the Rex Blocking pattern moves out by the end of the work week, there is a chance for showers and possible thunderstorms for the start of your weekend.