Decaying low pressure was located over the upper Great Lakes early this morning, while secondary coastal low pressure was born off of the mid Atlantic coast. Through the day today, the coastal low pressure area will continue to strengthen and absorb energy from the inland system, bringing the threat for additional mixed precipitation over the Capital Region. Temperatures today will slowly rise into the mid to upper 30’s region wide by afternoon. This will promote more in the way of liquid precipitation types as opposed to the snow experienced yesterday evening and early this morning.
Later this afternoon, and early this evening, as the main low pressure area tracks into the Gulf of Maine, westerly low level flow will predominate over the region, dragging sub-freezing air back into the region. This should change precipitation back to snow before things finally taper off during the late evening hours over the entire region. Some additional snow accumulation is expected through the course of the day today, and those travelling are advised to allow extra time to reach their destinations and to drive carefully.
The midweek period will be quite unsettled, thanks to several upper level disturbances passing in the vicinity of the region. These disturbances, in tandem with intervals of strengthening March sun, will provide the needed impetus for some pop up showers of rain and/or snow on Wednesday. A wedge of high pressure looks to attempt to build into the region by the end of the week, however, the core of the high pressure area looks to remain northwest of the region, over Hudson’s Bay in Canada. It looks as if this blocking area of high pressure may actually serve to deflect a storm system developing over the southern states on the weekend well out into the Atlantic Ocean and away from the Capital Region.
...Below is the official forecast for the Capital Region and vicinity...
**National Weather Service WINTER STORM WARNING In Effect Through 8 PM EDT Tuesday**
Today: Cloudy with periods of snow, sleet, freezing rain, and rain likely this morning, changing to all rain during the afternoon. High in the upper 30’s. East winds 5-10 MPH. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. Additional snow accumulations of 2-4 inches possible, with minor ice accumulations also possible.
Tonight: Periods of light rain, changing over to light snow during the evening, before tapering off late at night. Low in the mid 20’s. West winds 5-15 MPH. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent. Additional snow accumulations of an inch or less possible.
Wednesday: Intervals of clouds and sunshine and breezy. Scattered rain and/or snow showers possible from time to time. High in the upper 30’s. Northwest winds 15-25 MPH with some higher gusts to near 35 MPH possible at times. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. Little if any additional snow accumulation possible.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear and cold. Low in the upper teens. Light west winds.
Thursday: Partly sunny. High near 40. West winds 5-10 MPH.
Friday: Mostly sunny and breezy. High near 40 and low near 25.
Saturday: Mostly sunny and breezy. High near 45 and low near 25.
Sunday: Mostly sunny and breezy. High near 45 and low near 25.
Useful links...
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