Today marked the official beginning of meteorological winter (December 1st), and right out of the gate it was a fitting start to the season. A strong cold front passed through the region this afternoon, ushering in a cold airmass, but not before temperatures warmed up into the mid 60's. With this cold frontal passage comes the entrance of some of the lowest upper level heights and coldest air of the season, with 850mb temperatures lowering to near -10 C this evening. This cold airmass is entering our region as a result of both the strong cold front, but also the upper level pattern. A strong -NAO (North Atlantic Oscillation) block to the north is acting in tandem with this cold air to ensure that the air stays in our region for the foreseeable future.


That leaves the snow lovers (and even those who dislike it) wondering how long it will be until the first real snow of the season. The answer remains up in the air at this juncture, but one thing is for sure: the possibility will be there as long as the cold air is over our area and on this side of the country. Currently, most model guidance seems to indicate that the cold air will overpower the potential storms and moisture. That being said, a strong shortwave in the mid levels of the atmosphere, or maybe even the right timing, could lead to a potential snow threat. We have our eyes peeled on a potential storm this weekend that is currently modeled to be suppressed to our south.


Stay tuned here over the next few days and weeks for the potential snow discussion. We will be sure to keep you updated as things change (as they inevitably will). For now, get ready for winter, and bundle up!