Posted by Gerry Smith on September 28, 2000 at 08:48:37:
In Reply to: Thanks to all, good explanations + posted by Eins on September 25, 2000 at 22:58:38:
The primary cause of the Santana airflow is the difference in pressure between the "mid-continent high" over the Great Plains and a low over the central pacific. In Winter this low moves South to an area off the California Coast. When it is pronounced, and the continental high is also strong, the airflow (always from high to low) becomes strong, and we get the winds. In the Summer, this low moves North toward the Aleutian Islands, breaking up the "system".
FWIW
GS