2012 will close on a cloudy and chilly note across the Capital Region and surrounding areas. High pressure over the Saint Lawrence Valley this morning will drift lazily northeastward today, allowing cloud cover to spill into the region in advance of storm system over the central and southern Plains. The brunt of precipitation from this storm is expected to stay well to the south of the region.
In the meantime, several Arctic intrusions will take aim at the northern tier of the United States through the next several days. The weather will be quite recursive. The first such clipper type low pressure system will drop southward, toward the region, during the day today and pass through the area overnight tonight. Aside from a few very light snow showers and/or flurries, not much fanfare will be made by its passage.
The cold front associated with the system is forecast to stall to our south New Years Day. 2013 will start out blustery and chilly as temperatures are likely not to rise much during the day thanks to brisk northwesterly winds on the backside of the cold front. Any lake effect snow showers or squalls look to stay to the west of the immediate Capital Region. However, some of the chilliest air of the season thus far will penetrate southward, into the area, for the midweek period.
The next chance of precipitation comes on Friday, as another clipper type system sweeps southward through the area, bringing another chance for some light snow, blustery winds, and a fresh intrusion of Arcitc air in time for the weekend.
...Below is the official forecast for the Capital Region and vicinity...
Today: More clouds than sunshine and breezy with a widely scattered snow shower or flurry possible, especially late in the day. High 30-35. West winds 10-15 MPH. Chance of snow is 20 percent. Little if any additional snow accumulation.
Tonight: Variable cloudiness with a light snow shower or flurry possible. Low 20-25. West winds 5-10 MPH. Chance of snow is 20 percent. Little if any additional snow accumulation.
New Year's Day: Mostly sunny and blustery. High 25-30. Northwest winds 10-20 MPH with some higher gusts to near 25 MPH at times. Wind chill temperatures near 10 above zero.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy and frigid. Low near 10 above zero. Light northwest winds.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, blustery, and cold. High near 25. West winds 15-25 MPH with some higher gusts possible at times. Wind chill temperatures between 5 and 15 above zero.
Thursday: Mostly sunny and cold. High near 25 and low near 15.
Friday: A 30 percent chance of a snow shower or flurry. Otherwise partly to mostly sunny, breezy, and cold. High near 20 and low near 5.
Saturday: Partly sunny and cold. High near 25 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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