Although this winter has not offered much snow or cold air thus far, it has been fairly active with storm systems moving through the area every couple of days. The end of this week will be no different, as an arctic cold front will sweep through the area Friday afternoon. With it, will come a drop in temperatures and more notably a dramatic increase in winds. The pressure gradient between a departing storm system and a new high pressure, coupled with the strength of the cold front itself, will set the stage for an afternoon characterized by very strong wind gusts out of the west-northwest. In fact, the winds could reach over 40 to 50 miles per hour at times. In addition, showers will be around in the morning near the frontal boundary. Generally, not a pleasant day at all to close out the week. Highs will be in the low to mid 40's, but will fall throughout the day. With winds gusting near 50 miles per hour at times, it will feel raw and generally nasty outside at times even with some sunshine. By evening, temperatures will fall into the 20's throughout the entire area.  Pictured right: NAM model showing sustained winds over 20 knots throughout the area on Friday.

The weekend, although sunny, also looks cold...and windy to start. The breezy conditions will continue through Friday Night and into the first half of Saturday. Highs will struggle to reach above freezing, and Saturday Night, low temperatures will fall into the single digits and teens throughout the forecast area. Sunday's highs will be in the mid to upper 20's throughout most of the area. So although precipitation isn't an issue this weekend (other than maybe a stray snow shower on Saturday or Sunday), the cold arctic air will certainly be a shock to the system.

THE FORECAST AT A GLANCE... (or see the overview)

Today (Friday): Mostly cloudy early, with a chance of showers. Then becoming partly cloudy. Very windy, with west-northwest winds between 20 and 30 miles per hour, gusting to near 50 miles per hour at times. High near 44, dropping throughout the day. Chance of precipitation is 40% early. 

Tonight: Mostly clear and windy, with a low around 27. West wind 15 to 25 miles per hour, with gusts near 40 to 45 miles per hour at times.

Saturday: Sunny and breezy, with a high near 33. West winds 15 to 20 miles per hour, gusting near 30 miles per hour at times.

Saturday Night: Clear and cold, with an overnight low near 14. Northwest winds 10 to 15 miles per hour.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 32. Cold.

Article written by JH. Published January 13th, 2012 at 1:52am. For up to the minute details on forecasts, watches, warnings, and alerts, follow us on Twitter and Facebook.