Two storm systems were clearly evident on the weather map this morning. One storm was well east of the region, over the Atlantic Ocean, south of Cape Cod. This storm was intensifying quite impressively, but will remain too far east to impact the Capital Region.
The second weather make was over the lower Great Lakes. A warm front extended from this second feature across the western half of Lake Ontario. Radar loops indicated the presence of some light snow showers across the lake in the vicinity of the warm front. The system’s cold front was draped south and east through the Virginia’s and into the Tennessee Valley. Some light snow showers had broken out along and ahead of the front from western New York into eastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania.
Cloud cover associated with the advancing low pressure area over the lower Great Lakes will filter the morning sunshine across the Capital Region. Eventually, some light snow is expected to fall across the area later this afternoon and overnight tonight as the system slowly marches eastward. Interplay between this system and the slow moving ocean storm mentioned in the opening paragraph above will lead to the development of a deep trough of low pressure over the eastern third of the nation through the start of the new work week.
Intense low pressure will be over the Canadian Maritime provinces to open up the new work week on Monday. High pressure will be building into the region from central Canada at this time, and the difference in pressure between the two systems will lead to a blustery day across the region on Monday. A snow shower or flurry is not out of the question on Monday either.
As we progress through the coming week, best chances for precipitation look occur on Wednesday as another weak clipper type system grazes the region with a chance for some light snow. As the work week draws to a close, we continue to monitor a potentially more important low pressure area that may impact the region. Enough warm air may be drawn up in advance of the system to ensure that the majority of precipitation that does fall may be in the form of rain though. More on this in future forecasts.
...Below is the official forecast for the Capital Region and vicinity...
Today: Morning mix of sun and clouds, giving way to increasing clouds by afternoon. A chance of light snow late in the day. High near 30. Light and variable winds. Chance of snow is 30 percent. A dusting of snow accumulation is possible.
Tonight: Periods of light snow diminishing after midnight with some partial clearing late at night. Low in the mid teens. West winds 5-10 MPH. Chance of snow is 80 percent. Snow accumulations of an inch or less.
Monday: Residual light snow showers possible in the morning. Otherwise, a mix of sun and clouds and blustery. A widely scattered snow shower or flurry may occur during the afternoon. High in the mid 20’s. Northwest winds 10-20 MPH with some higher gusts possible. Chance of snow in the morning is 20 percent. Little if any additional snow accumulation is expected.
Monday Night: Mostly clear and cold. Low near 10. Light northwest winds.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny. High in the mid 20’s. Northwest winds 5-10 MPH.
Wednesday: Increasing clouds with a 30 percent chance of light snow. High near 30 and low near 15.
Thursday: Mostly sunny. High near 35 and low near 25.
Friday: Overcast with a 40 percent chance of light snow and/or rain. High near 35 and low near 25.
Useful links...
Capital Region Weather Examiner Home Page
Capital Region Weather Examiner Facebook page
Current Surface Weather Map
Wind Chill Calculator
Comments