Another week of summer shower and storm patterns is likely to keep Pensacola Beach Air Show organizers on their toes, with wetter weather more likely toward the weekend.
An upper-level low is moving moisture into the area, setting the stage for scattered showers and storms Monday through Tuesday before more stable weather attempts to build, according to the National Weather Service’s latest forecast discussion.
Smaller disturbances could prevent the more stable ridge from developing, giving way to an uptick in showers and storms from midweek into the weekend, just as the Blue Angels gear up for the four-day air show at Pensacola Beach.
The silver lining is that storms will follow the typical summertime pattern of developing during the morning time over marine zones and along the coasts, and pulse-type storms developing during the afternoon hours along the sea breeze.
Pulse storms are typically single-cell thunderstorms that are short-lived and non-severe, according to the NWS.
Blue Angels fans may have to dodge summertime storms during Pensacola Beach Air Show
Blue Angels week, officially dubbed Red, White and Blues Week, starts with a special “Breakfast with the Blues” event over Pensacola Beach on Wednesday, which could be impeded by a 40% chance of thunderstorms.
Thursday’s practice show could also be impacted, with thunderstorm chances reaching 50%. Friday and Saturday’s shows both have high chances of thunderstorms at 60% and 50%, respectively.
The good news is that, should the NWS’ forecast hold up, any thunderstorm activity that does occur could come in short bursts, leaving some wiggle room for the show to go on with only minor interruptions.
Will the Blue Angels still fly if it rains?
Anyone who has watched the Blue Angels perform has a good idea of the precision required by the team’s high-speed maneuvers. Having a clear sight of the air space and surrounding landmarks is crucial and inclement weather can pose unnecessary risks.
Still, the Blue Angels do everything in their power to ensure fans get a show when it’s possible. That means grounding other acts and holding out for clear enough skies to perform, even if it’s limited.
In 2019, Tropical Storm Barry barreled into the area, forcing the Blue Angels to make some last-minute changes.
During the Friday show that year, the U.S. Coast Guard cutter that normally anchors near the Pensacola Beach Pier and serves as the center point for the Blue Angels’ beach show was unable to be part of the show.
In a rare instance, the Blue Angels performed a “risky,” limited 20-minute show at their normal time. The jets flew past the beach with their smoke on multiple times, and the solo jet was able to get in a sneak pass.
Where is Tropical Storm Chantal?
Chantal is now a post-tropical cyclone. It will continue to pose flash flood risks across portions of the Delmarva, New Jersey, and eastern Pennsylvania.
It will also bring life-threatening surf and rip current conditions at beaches along the East Coast from northeastern Florida to the Mid-Atlantic states over the next day or so, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Pensacola 7-day weather forecast
Here’s a look at 7-day forecast for Pensacola, Florida, according to the National Weather Service office in Mobile.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Pensacola weather radar
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Pensacola Beach Air Show could be impacted by weeklong showers, thunderstorms
Reporting by Brandon Girod, Pensacola News Journal / Pensacola News Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
