Winter may finally make an appearance this weekend

Update: The forecast hasn't changed too much over the past 24 hours since we wrote this detailed blog post on the potential winter weather this area, but there definitely have been some adjustments. The clipper system affecting our area Thursday Night into Friday looks like more of a nuisance than anything, with the potential for a coating to less than an inch of snow over the interior..with some snow showers and squalls around the area. The second storm system continues to remain uncertain, with forecast models split between warmer and colder solutions. The warmer solutions would provide the area with a period of snow/sleet followed by a changeover to rain...and no accumulation near the coast or in the city. The colder solutions would mean a more prolonged period of snow...even near the coast. Although accumulations in the city and coast seem unlikely, the colder solutions would definitely make things interesting..and would certainly provide a moderate snowfall over the interior. Our latest forecast discussion video below details all of the possibilities with this storm system, including the processes behind it. Check it out! We'll have constant updates with new information as soon as we get it over the next few days. 




Previous Post (from January 18th, 2012) ...

It certainly has been a good amount of time since we've had to talk about snow in the forecast. And while these upcoming two events aren't going to bring back memories of snowy winters past, they will definitely bring the potential for light accumulating snows...which is something we haven't been able to say much so far this winter season. The first of the events won't near our area until Thursday Night, so we have a few days of fair weather to iron out the forecast. Wednesday and Thursday look fair and somewhat chilly, as new cold air builds into the area. The system approaching later Thursday Night is associated with a low pressure area well to our north, and the moisture associated with the system will barely "clip" our area. However, the potential does exist for an inch or two of snow...most likely away from the shore and city...in the early AM hours of Friday. The snow probably won't be falling hard enough (with surface temperatures near or above freezing) to stick in the city itself and near the immediate shore areas.

The second event, likely to impact our area Saturday into Sunday, features the potential for more steady precipitation...but also comes with a ton of uncertainty. Forecast models are waffling between colder and warmer solutions. The colder solutions could provide an "advisory level" snowfall (3-5") for most of the area, while the warmer solutions would likely bring only a light amount of snow...followed by a changeover to rain. Given the atmospheric pattern settled in place (one generally unfavorable for snowfall), we're edging slightly towards the warmer solutions. However, this event still has the potential to produce a few inches of snow..event in the city...so stay tuned for sure. There is an increasing likelihood of a few inches of snow over interior locations, with the potential for moderate snowfall amounts (more than 3 inches). We'll be watching carefully, and keeping you all informed over the next few days.

Article written by JH. Published January 19th, 2012 at 12:40am. For up to the minute details on forecasts, watches, warnings, and alerts, follow us on Twitter and Facebook.