A Major East Coast Snowstorm Next Week: What is “Bombogenesis?”
Explosive cyclogenesis, or “bombogenesis,” is the rapid intensification of an extratropical cyclone, defined by a central pressure drop of at least 24 millibars within 24 hours. Often called “bomb cyclones,” these intense winter storms develop when cold air masses collide with warm maritime air, causing rapid, violent rotation and severe weather like high winds and heavy snow.
Often, in late February and March, when the air tries to warm ahead of spring, the combination of warm ocean temperatures and pieces of a Polar Vortex heading south can result in rapid intensification of storms.
This is what I predicted last week for February 23rd-24th—A “bomb cyclone” much closer to the Maryland to Massachusetts coast than most weather models were predicting. It will look something like this.
Some models are now predicting up to 20”-30” of snow here in red and white next week.
While this could be a bit overzealous, it is possible.
If you like to ski, look for the great Northeast & New England ski season to continue.
Source: Stormvistamodels
