A weak area of low pressure at the surface, which caused some lake effect snow to whiten the ground across the Capital Region yesterday afternoon and evening, remains helplessly trapped between two solid areas of high pressure. The first area of high pressure was located over Kentucky early this morning, while as the second area of high pressure, over the Quebec and Ontario border in Canada, was funneling bitter cold air into our area.
Though the outside chance of a few more widely scattered snow showers or flurries remains possible today, conditions should mainly be dry and bitter cold. Temperatures had dropped to near zero early this morning across the bulk of the region, and high temperatures today and tomorrow will be lucky to make it into the lower to mid teens. Cold, sub-zero readings are expected tonight and tomorrow night. In addition, a light to moderate breeze is forecast during the day today, and tonight. The breeze looks to pick up tomorrow during the day, and thus wind chill temperatures will take a nose dive well below zero at times.
The possibility of a late week storm looks more bleak with time, though still not out of the question. Current data suggest that the storm will take a track too far to the south and east and perhaps graze our region with a dusting of light snowfall on Friday night and into Saturday, though nothing of major significance is anticipated at this point in time. High pressure will build into the region over the weekend, and temperatures will slowly begin to moderate from the frigid cold experienced over the shortened work week.
...Below is the official forecast for the Capital Region and vicinity...
Today: Intervals of clouds and sunshine and bitter cold. A slight chance of a snow shower or flurry. High in the lower teens. West winds 5-15 MPH. Chance of snow is 20 percent. Wind chill temperatures of zero to 10 below zero. A dusting of snow is possible.
Tonight: Mostly clear and frigid. Low near 5 below zero. Northwesterly winds 5 MPH or less. Wind chill temperatures of 5 to 15 below zero.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, breezy, and bitter cold. High 10-15. Northwest winds 5-15 MPH. Wind chill temperatures of 5 above to 5 below zero.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear and frigid. Low zero to 5 below zero. Northwest winds 5-10 MPH. Wind chill temperatures of 10 to 20 below zero.
Friday: Increasing clouds with a slight chance of light snow late in the day. High near 20. West winds 5-10 MPH. Chance of snow is 20 percent.
Saturday: Intervals of clouds and sunshine and breezy with a 30 percent chance of a snow shower or flurry. High near 20 and low near 5 above zero.
Sunday: Mostly sunny. High near 25 and low near 15.
Monday: Mostly sunny. High near 30 and low near 15.
Useful links...
Capital Region Weather Examiner Home Page
Capital Region Weather Examiner Facebook page
Current Surface Weather Map
Wind Chill Calculator
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