A relatively quiet week will end with more active weather, as a storm system approaches our area from the west. The storm system is forecast to track so far west, in fact, that temperatures on Friday could reach well into the 50's (to near 60) near and behind an area of moderate to heavy rain. This rain will begin early Thursday as showers, but a period of more steady rain is expected near a frontal boundary later Thursday afternoon and evening. The showery conditions are expected to continue through Thursday Night and Friday morning. With the system tracking so far to our north and west, our area will be in the "warm sector" (area ahead of the cold front with southerly winds) and temperatures will warm into the 50's before its arrival. The frontal boundary will likely bring another period of moderate to heavy rain as well as some gusty winds. Total precipitation values are expected to be between 0.5 and 0.75 inches, although some isolated areas could pick up closer to an inch of precipitation. Behind the front, cooler weather will return once again as we head into the weekend. Pictured right: GFS model showing the storm system (pictured as surface pressure) impacting the eastern US on Thursday afternoon. 

Finally, if you haven't checked it out already, we published a new Technical Forecast Discussion earlier today. Our technical discussions are a much deeper meteorological read than our usual posts (hence the name "technical") and are more targeted towards meteorology enthusiasts or professionals/forecasters in the community. In the article, we talk about the current pattern...where have have been so far this winter...and where we are likely going from here. Check it out, and let us know what you think!

Article written by JH. Published January 25th, 2012 at 11:00pm. For up to the minute details on forecasts, watches, warnings, and alerts, follow us on Twitter and Facebook.