This level of detail is possible because the 32-km Eta resolves the narrow inlet between the coastal mountains and hence can allow marine air to enter the Central Valley. Note also the dry PW values east of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Owens Valley and Death Valley. The BUFR Model Sounding Files provide high resolution vertical model data at single point locations with hourly temporal resolution. These files can be critical to a forecaster because of improved information about the vertical structure of the model atmosphere. The directional shear at 0000 UTC on the 11th is much stronger in the BUFR plot.
Directional shear is critical in determining the nature of convection.
Values in inches are indicated by the color bar. 1200 UTC for Boise, Idaho. Figure 2a displays Relative Humidity and winds in knots. Figure 2b displays vertical motion in microbars per second, dashed lines indicate rising motion.