Fireball reported, ISON and Orionid updates

Widespread reports of a fireball, seen streaking through the sky last night around 830pm, continue to funnel in this afternoon. The American Meteor Society says they have recieved 71 official sighting reports of the meteor. Based on those details, they have concluded that the meteor entered the skies over New Jersey at 8:25pm, moving north-northwestward and eventually landing somewhere in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The data remains preliminary and the investigation into the event continues. The heat map, pictured below, shows the frequency of reported meteor sightings throughout the Northeast US.

Heat map of reported meteor sightings from October 14, 2013. Courtesy American Meteor Society.

Heat map of reported meteor sightings from October 14, 2013. Courtesy American Meteor Society.

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Forecast: Unsettled, cooler pattern not far away

Despite the fact that pleasant weather has essentially dominated late summer and Autumn thus far, the pattern of late has trended a bit more unsettled. This is fairly typical for this time of year, as the first signs of wavelength changes are beginning to be seen in the atmospheric pattern and jet stream. However, a more dramatic pattern change is being forecast by most models in the medium range — with noticeable wave amplification throughout the Northern Hemisphere. In the short term, unsettled weather will begin to impact the area as early as Wednesday with a weak system meandering offshore beginning to back towards a coast slightly. Another frontal system back to our west will eventually approach and cross the area around mid-week, bringing in the first of several shots of cooler air.

NAM model showing multiple disturbances in the mid levels (500mb) of the atmosphere later this week.

NAM model showing multiple disturbances in the mid levels (500mb) of the atmosphere later this week.

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