Dave Melita

Dave Melita was among the first Meteorologists to offer detailed weather forecasts to energy trading groups in the early 1990’s. Up to that point many of the largest trading houses still relied primarily on NWS 6-10 and 8-14 day forecasts. Since then Dave has been producing long range weather forecasts that consistently outperform conventional government and private weather forecast services. His energy weather newsletters are written in a detailed yet understandable format that describe complex atmospheric processes in a clear straightforward manner. His long range forecast accuracy and ability to concisely identify key weather elements of importance to the energy industry have attracted many of the largest trading shops in the business as long term subscribers.

As a working Meteorologist since obtaining a Masters Degree in Meteorology in 1982 he has held public and private sector assignments in both atmospheric research and operational meteorology. Among his former coworkers are several of the most renown and accomplished atmospheric research scientists in the world with whom he maintains a professional working relationship. This collaboration has proved invaluable in enabling Dave to consistently identify and assess key atmospheric features responsible for driving weather conditions on a seasonal time scale. The result is a well known proven track record in which Dave has correctly forecast the degree and manner which important atmospheric signals, such as El Niño and La Niña, will impact an upcoming season months in advance.

Contact us at: david@melitaweather.com.

February 19 - Long Range Summary

The coldest air of the season in place across the central U.S. (35°-40° below average) is quickly spreading south and east into the Deep South and the Northeast with only minor modification (weakening) over widespread snowpack which is also still expanding behind 2 distinct winter storms lined up to track from the Rockies to the mid Atlantic coast through the end of this week. NWS Extreme Cold Warnings and Advisories valid today across nearly the entire Eastern half of the U.S. (including the western and central Gulf Coast) are certain to be extended as all models maintain extreme double-digit below average anomalies through the end of this workweek. While this intense level of cold air at the surface can only be slow to moderate through the coming weekend (Feb 22-23) faster pattern change aloft is certain to intensify above average warmth already building across the Desert Southwest (70s-80s) near record levels next week (90s), and spread this warmth east of the Rockies in a progressively weaker form during the final week of February. In this scenario cold temperatures across the Plains from North Dakota to Texas reverse fastest and greatest, to double-digit above average anomalies by Monday, Feb 24. In contrast slower and far less intense warming across the Midwest and East (mainly 3°-6° above average) peaking later next week will also remain briefest and most prone to periodic moderate cooling into early March under lower heights aloft.  Progressively greater forecast divergence separates extended range models with GFS forecasts currently coldest deep into the Midwest and East especially by the 11-15 day period. Unlike prior extended range modeling which attempted to substantially warm all of Canada all latest runs shifted notably colder north of the border, adding confidence to ultimate establishment of a north-south temperature gradient across the U.S. typical of La Niña. Longer range forecasts of both the CFSv2 model and 30-day MWA ensemble are latching onto this as leading to a markedly colder 2nd week of March featuring winter-like temperatures (highs mainly in the 30s) across the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley, mid Atlantic region, and Northeast strongly suggesting significant delay to the start of spring across the northeast quadrant of the U.S.


If your business or career depends on correctly predicting the weather, you can follow the pack or you can get ahead with MWA’s proprietary models and expert forecasts.
  • Contact Us

    Melita Weather Associates, 138 Northeast
    Circle Durango CO 81301

    david@melitaweather.com
    direct 970.385.8695
    fax 970.385.8398