A Cold Week Ahead with Brief Snow Chances For Some

Sunday Night Forecast Package Update:

As we enter December, the weather across the foothills and mountains has taken a wintry turn, marked by a cold front that swept through the region. This system brought another round of light snow showers to the mountains and has set the stage for below-normal temperatures to dominate the upcoming week. Here’s what to expect:

Monday Night Snow Flurries: A Clipper System to Watch

A fast-moving clipper system is poised to arrive Monday night into early Tuesday morning. Clippers are known for their rapid progression, limited moisture, and potential to surprise with localized snow accumulations. The best chances for snow showers will be along and east of Highway 16, where a dusting may be possible. However, the western foothills may find themselves in a “snow shadow,” a phenomenon where mountains block much of the moisture, leaving lower elevations drier.

While significant snow accumulations are unlikely due to limited moisture availability, clippers have been known to overperform, especially in regions with favorable lift and colder air. For history buffs, clippers earned their name from “clipper ships,” which were swift vessels in the 19th century—much like the speed of these weather systems.

Temperatures Remain Below Normal

Following the clipper, temperatures will stay well below the seasonal averages. Monday’s highs will struggle to reach the lower 40s in the foothills, with overnight lows dipping into the teens and 20s. This week is shaping up to be a classic example of Arctic air seeping southward, reinforcing winter’s grip on the region.

A Brief Moderation Before Another Cold Front

Wednesday and Thursday will bring a slight moderation in temperatures as the cold air mass begins to shift. Highs may climb into the mid-40s to lower 50s by Thursday. However, this reprieve will be short-lived as another reinforcing cold front moves through Thursday night into Friday. This secondary front will knock temperatures back down, keeping highs in the 40s and lows in the 20s heading into the weekend.

Weekend Forecast: Uncertainty Looms

Models diverge in their predictions beyond Saturday. Some suggest a dry pattern will persist, while others hint at the return of moisture, possibly bringing rain or snow back to the region. Such variability underscores the importance of monitoring updates as we move closer to the weekend.

For those unfamiliar with forecasting challenges, computer models rely on atmospheric data to predict weather. When models diverge, it typically means small differences in initial conditions lead to larger uncertainties in long-term forecasts. This concept, known as the “butterfly effect,” highlights the dynamic complexity of our atmosphere.

Fire Weather Concerns Amid Dry Air

Despite the cold temperatures, fire danger remains elevated. Monday’s forecast includes a high fire danger due to low afternoon humidity (31%) and gusty northwest winds of 5-15 mph. With dry vegetation still prevalent, even a small spark could lead to rapidly spreading wildfires. Smokey Bear reminds us all: “Only YOU can prevent wildfires!”

Regional Forecast Highlights

• Northern Foothills (Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, McDowell): Highs will peak around 40°F Monday, with lows plummeting to the 20s. Tuesday’s clipper may bring a dusting of snow east of Highway 16. Any snow melts quickly though Tuesday Morning after sunrise. Do not get your hopes up though. We are only talking about a 20-30% chance of snow east of Highway 16.
• Southern Foothills (Cleveland, Lincoln): Slightly milder, with highs in the lower 40s. A 30% chance of light snow exists Tuesday morning and there could be a dusting of snow in this region too, mainly in eastern Lincoln County.
• Southwestern Foothills (Polk, Rutherford): Cooler conditions with highs in the low 40s. The region remains mostly dry with minimal snow chances.

Did You Know?

1. Why Clippers Are Cold But Dry: Clippers form over Canada and bring Arctic air with them. Their trajectory over land limits moisture, making heavy snow rare, but possible in favored locations where extra lift exists, like the mountains.
2. The Science of Snow Shadows: Mountain ranges disrupt airflow, causing precipitation to fall on the windward side. The leeward side (snow shadow) remains drier and often sees little snow.
3. Cold Air and Fire Risk: Cold air is typically dry, with low humidity levels that increase wildfire risk, especially when paired with gusty winds.

Stay tuned to Foothills Weather Network for updates on this evolving forecast. As always, keep your winter weather kits ready and drive safely during any snow or icy conditions. This week, winter’s grip tightens, reminding us that the season has only just begun!