Winter Has Arrived

Today’s Discussion:

The calendar says no … but really is the 21st of December magical?  No. Winter didn’t arrive until January last year, but this year, it’s a whole month earlier. So, the stage is set for some wintery weather. And we have several things to look forward to:

First, we have the cold, the wind and the flurries/snow showers for Fri and Sat. There will be heavy lake effect, but that very rarely extends into our area. So maybe a coating to 1” IF we get into some snow showers. Mostly breezy and seasonally cold is about it. (Map #1)  

Second, we have our first winter storm of the season to contend with on Sunday night/Monday. Right now, it looks like a few to several inches of snow, along with some ice is possible by the time it ends late Monday. A low-pressure area will be lifting E-NE into the Ohio River Valley by early Mon. This will allow for warmer air to override the cold air at the surface giving us accumulating snow to start. The low looks to make it to Cleveland, but a new one will likely form near Delaware and then move E-NE and strengthen. This path keeps the cold air in place for a while and can give us a light to moderate snow and some ice on top. It is possible that a little rain could mix in right at the very end, but that is uncertain.  (Map #2)

Third, another wintery weather event impacts us on Wed. This looks like all snow right now. (Map #3)

Four, an arctic blast of very cold air looks to visit after Wed’s system. And then maybe there will be another wintery storm sometime over the weekend, but that is getting ahead of ourselves.  (Map #4)

(Please note that the maps are only for illustration. I don't totally agree with all that is on them. I only put them out to give you a visual of what I think is coming.)

Winter has arrived. I hope you enjoy it.