A strong cold front, with an Arctic airmass in its wake, was speeding toward the Capital Region this morning from the west. As the noon hour approaches, the frontal system is forecast to be east of the area and Arctic air will begin working its way into the region. Today's weather will feature a round of light rain, changing to light snow this morning with the passage of the front. This will be followed by a marked increase in the winds, as gusty and blustery northwest winds kick up in the wake of the frontal system. In addition, some residual snow flurry and shower activity is expected thanks to plentiful lake response off of Lake Ontario as the blustery cold winds ride across the warmer lake waters.
High pressure will slowly build into the region tonight and bring a chilly Martin Luther King, Jr. day to the region on Monday. Another fast moving clipper system is forecast to pass through the region Monday night and into Tuesday morning bringing a threat for some light snow shower activity to start the shortened work week. This will be followed by a prolonged period of below normal temperatures as the Arctic airmass settles into the region for the remainder of the work week and into the coming weekend.
We continue to monitor the potential for storm development later this week and early next weekend. Indications suggest that a storm may form over the center of the nation and ride just south of our area Friday, with coastal development possible next Saturday. It is far too early to speculate on any snowfall accumulations, however, it does appear to be cold enough at this time for precipitation to fall as snow should a storm materialize. Stay tuned!
...Below is the official forecast for the Capital Region and vicinity...
**National Weather Service WIND ADVISORY in effect until 4 PM EST Sunday afternoon**
Today: A period of snow showers and flurries this morning followed by intervals of clouds and sunshine for the afternoon. Becoming blustery with widely scattered snow showers and flurries for the afternoon. Otherwise, mostly cloudy. Early highs in the upper 30's with temperatures falling into the 20's during the afternoon. Chance of snow is 40 percent. Northwest winds 15-30 MPH with some higher gusts to near 40 MPH possible at times. Snow accumulations of 1-3 inches possible.
Tonight: Lingering snow flurries or showers diminishing quickly after sunset. Becoming mostly clear. Low 10-15. Northwest winds 5-15 MPH early, diminishing to 10 MPH or less overnight.
Monday: Partly sunny with a chance of snow showers late in the day. High near 25. West winds 5-10 MPH. Chance of snow is 30 percent. Little if any snow accumulation expected.
Monday Night: Periods of light snow and snow showers developing. Low near 15. Southerly winds 5-10 MPH, shifting northwest after midnight. Chance of snow is 60 percent. An inch or two of snow accumulation is possible.
Tuesday: A chance of snow showers in the morning, otherwise becoming partly sunny, blustery, and cold by afternoon. High 15-20. Northwest winds 15-25 MPH with some higher gusts possible. Chance of snow is 30 percent. An inch or less of additional snow accumulation is possible in the morning. Wind chill temperatures of 5 above to 5 below zero.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny and bitter cold. High near 15 and low near zero.
Thursday: Mostly sunny and bitter cold. High near 15 and low near zero.
Friday: Increasing clouds with a 30 percent chance of light snow in the afternoon. High near 20 and low near 10.
Useful links...
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Capital Region Weather Examiner Facebook page
Current Surface Weather Map
Wind Chill Calculator
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