DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Happy Friday eve, race fans! We’re still pinpointing our next approaching frontal system to arrive sometime on Sunday but as of this morning, and within the last 24 hours, we’ve seen some very interesting model trends we wanted to immediately bring to your attention.
Earlier in the week, between Sunday and Tuesday, computer models were adamant our next cold front was dropping in during the first half of Sunday and then clearing out as the sunset. That has since been modified.
According to our latest GFS and European model output, it seems there’s a bit of a lag with our cold front, which could delay the onset of our showers/storms.
This could be a good thing or a bad thing!
If the front slows down ENOUGH, we could get the race off without a hitch pending sprinkles or pre-cursor rains in what’s called the “warm sector” or warmest air out in front of the cold air.
What we’re hoping DOES NOT happen; the wind and rain settle in as the race is ongoing.
With a slower-moving front, we’ll see a longer lasting bout of heavier rainfall, which could halt the race entirely and postpone for the very next day. While this doesn’t seem to be the most likely outcome as it stands now, it’s still a doable solution.
Of course, there still remains the best case scenario on the table, which involves the front stalling out so much it loses it’s “punch.” This results in the rain or storms along its leading edge to dissolve as it comes down across our peninsula.
Again, best case scenario, but with the cool down we’re anticipating behind this thing, it seems we’ll get an increase in rain regardless. We’re patiently awaiting the arrival of our higher resolution models, so we can pinpoint Volusia County specifically, and drill down timing as best we can.
For the time being, it would behoove you to have a couple of back-up plans in place. Also bring with you the rain gear to be on the safe side. Maybe do a quick sanity check as to what your Monday after looks like just in case they do have to postpone the race due to a wet track!
We’ll keep you posted every step of the way leading up to the green flag waving!
