Good Thursday Morning. Clear skies greet you this morning if you are headed out but clouds will rapidly increase this afternoon as a short wave system advances toward the area. Snow chances remain in mountains with just light shower chances out over the foothills tonight.
As of 10:00am skies across the area are clear with temps in the mid and upper 40’s already. We will add on a few more degrees before clouds rapidly increase. If you want to see snow you will have to check out these webcams from Nashville or the mountain cams later tonight. Here is a link for some Downtown Nashville Cams https://fox17.com/news/local/fox-17-news-nashview-city-cam-network? . The shortwave is advancing faster than models had indicated and with the low pressure passing overhead, we will not get the cold air that we need to support winter weather outside of the mountains. Clouds are already moving into the Blue Ridge and should start to move into the foothills between 11am, starting in the western foothills, to 1pm in the eastern foothills. There is not going to be much rain with this at all. This system isn’t nearly as dynamic as Sunday Night’s and Monday’s. 2 – 4 inch snow is expected in the mountains, mostly from northwest flow. Some of the highest peaks may receive up to 6 inches.
What this system will do is drop temperatures in a big way. If you check out our forecast graphics here you will notice a sharp drop tonight. By Friday Morning many areas will be waking up to temperatures around 20°. Don’t look for those to rebound much either Friday. Highs will likely only be in the mid 30’s along I-40, and upper 30’s along Highway 74. It will be a sunny but windy day. Northwest winds from 10-20 with gusts to 25 will make it feel like we are in the 20’s all day. Wind chills will be dangerous in the mountains tonight and Friday, sometimes dipping below zero.
Saturday the winds will subside and it will be a partly cloudy day. It will also be a little warmer with highs in the 40’s. Saturday Night our next weather system will approach from the west. It will bring the chance of rain for Saturday Night and Sunday. Unfortunately temperatures will be too warm for any winter mischief, even in the mountains.
The remainder of the period looks dry through Tuesday with temps in 40’s for highs.
Long range the pattern that is shaping up for the middle of the month is more favorable for winter weather. That isn’t saying that it will snow or ice. Just that the pattern is better for it. It is something we will watch.