Welcoming Winter Again

It's winter again in the Triangle, and the Southeastern United States for that matter! Some of us (like myself) are waiting to embrace the winter weather, and others are doing everything they can to avoid it. We have an interesting set-up which is going to be dumping more wintry precipitation than we've seen this winter season thus far in the Piedmont. The GFS model is showing between 0.4 and 0.5 inches of liquid precipitation between Tuesday late afternoon and Wednesday afternoon.

*For a safe estimate on how much snow this is, multiply amount of liquid precipitation by 10. It could be higher depending on how wet (dense) the snow is, but 10 is a safe number when discussing the S word down here in the Southeast.

Anyway, 0.4-0.5 inches of liquid precipitation is about 4-5 inches. Will we get that much snow? It's hard to say. The temperature is rather warm today so the ground won't be as cold as it was last week. Today the temperature climbed up to 65°F hurting our chances for accumulation. Not too much though!

Below is the WRAL image with AMS certified Meteorologist Elizabeth Gardener discussing possible accumulation for tomorrow and Wednesday:

What is Actually Happening with the Weather Right Now?

Yes, the temperature is warmer today than it has been in the past week. That is because the Jet Stream has moved a bit further north and the high pressure system which was just over us yesterday helped move warm moist air from the Gulf of Mexico up to the mid latitudes.

Now, a low pressure system is located over Wilmington, and another over New Orleans. The low over Wilmington is going to be moving offshore and heading to the Northeast. As a result of the cyclonic (counterclockwise) flow of winds around this system, winds will be coming onshore and from the North, giving us the perfect setup with not only cooler temperatures but also moisture. This system has already begun development but will be developed enough tomorrow (Tuesday) afternoon in order to give us a white not-so-Christmas. Temperatures shouldn't climb too high above freezing tomorrow or Wednesday (IF they do) and temperatures tomorrow night will be in the low 20s but as low as mid teens with wind chill. Wednesday night we should see a low around 10°F so be sure to bundle up!

For all followers in the Northern Midwest:

I am terribly sorry I was not able to post Saturday night concerning Winter Precipitation and wind chill! I thought I was going to have internet access when I went to Wilmington but I was not able to get on. For now though, not too much precipitation coming your way. More wind chill than anything. Be careful outside as temperatures tonight and tomorrow will likely be in the -20s with wind chill and the actual temperature will not rise above 0°F tomorrow. Michigan should see a bit of lake effect snow in the next 24 hours or so but will clear up a bit after that. New York is also receiving a bit of lake effect snow and this should continue as a result of the current cold wave.

NC State Students: Will classes be cancelled Wednesday?

That seems to be the question on everyone's mind around campus right now. I am not sure what the university will decide to do. Typically when there is wintry precipitation it comes in the form of sleet or freezing rain, making driving in Raleigh near impossible due to a widespread inexperience driving in this kind of weather. With just snow though, the roads won't be as slick and walking to class WILL BE POSSIBLE. Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on who you are. I consider it fortunate anyway), it looks like this snow is going to be a more wet snow as opposed to "fresh powder" found on the ski slopes. With this being the case and temperatures dropping to well below freezing overnight (at least for this area), it is highly likely that there will at least be a 2 hour delay, possibly cancelled classes. If you have a class after the 9:15 class though, be sure you get your homework or studying done before then.

Ill be looking to post tomorrow with an update on the beginning of the winter weather here in RDU but for now, enjoy spring!