Good Saturday evening to everyone,
A major arctic blast that we have been talking about all week is on the way for the Eastern US and its going to set up the likelihood for a winter storm for some parts of the country that normally receives a snowfall once every couple decades.
The impacts here will be felt as well but it may not be the kind of impacts winter weather fans want to see. Below is an outline of things that we have some confidence on as of Saturday evening.
Cold Wave settles in Monday…
The strongest leash of arctic air so far this winter will move in starting late tomorrow and will persist for several days. Once we all drop below freezing tomorrow evening, some locations may go 72 hours or longer without getting temperatures back above freezing and for those who are lucky enough to reach 33-34 degrees will only see that for a matter of minutes.
Sunday night and Monday, the combination of very cold air and gusty winds will result in dangerous conditions at times. Wind Chill values could reach the single digits Monday morning, below zero in the mountains. Only a slow moderation in “apparent temps” will occur during the afternoon Monday. The actual temperatures Monday will struggle to reach 30 degrees in the Western Piedmont and remain in the 20’s north of Interstate 40.
The public should have already made preparations for the cold air, you will have at least through the afternoon on Sunday before the sudden drop begins…
Winter Storm develops Tuesday, moisture limited for Western Carolinas
Once we get to Tuesday, a wave will develop along the arctic front and will spread moisture over the cold air. For us here in Western North Carolina this would be all snow as the atmosphere is very cold. However, at this time moisture will be very limited as the storm track will be well to our south.
At this time we are anticipating a few snow flurries or brief snow showers late Tuesday and Tuesday night with the best chances being south of US 74.
Summary…
A very cold stretch of weather is coming up over the next seven days. Temperatures well below normal with that being the bigger impact locally as compared to winter precipitation. With all the talk that is going on, we have placed the Winter Storm Index at Level 1. An update on the winter weather will be posted tomorrow.
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