Here We Go Again, A Southern Weekend Ice/Snowstorm, Zack Podcast Tuesday

 One of the things I've preached for years is the UNCERTAINTY of the models beyond 3-5 days.  But since everyone now has access to model data, all weathercasters show future model solutions a week ahead of time.  I don't have a problem with that as long as the weathercaster advises you about the uncertainty and that things are likely to change.  So here's the early prediction for this coming weekend.

A band of heavy snow will fall from Oklahoma across Arkansas into Tennessee & the Virginias with sleet/ice to the south.  The frozen precip. line is likely to shift farther to the south in future forecasts. If you plan any travel later this week going north, you need to pay attention to the forecast as you don't want to drive into a snow or ice storm.  I'm sure local weathercasters will be all over the daily model runs.  You snow geeks, don't give up hope yet as the pattern for the last 7-10 days of January look well below normal/average meaning very cold.

In fact, I was watching TWC and saw these graphics.

Yikes! 4 degrees in Oklahoma City for Monday morning.  Then I did a closer look and saw WIND CHILLS.  I don't mind showing wind chills, but only after you show the expected temperatures.  Don't overhype the cold air.  With the northerly flow coming straight out of Canada, the Arctic air will keep coming into the lower 48.

The super cold (40-50 below) has moderated and drifted over central & eastern Canada.  Still 20-30 below is no picnic.  The Great lakes snow machine will be in full force this week. All the cold is pouring southward due to a lobe of the Polar Vortex.

Look how that changes this week.  the top is Wednesday morning followed by Friday & then Sunday.

The upper flow doesn't change much, however, note the little red spot off of California.  That could be something to watch IF it comes over us early Next week.

Clearly, the core of this current cold is up north & east.  The question for Sunday & beyond is...will the Arctic air sink farther to the south as that west coast disturbance approaches Sunday & next Monday.  Humm?!!!

Keep your plants covered again tonight before we see a warm up for Wednesday-Friday.  Don't forget, my next podcast tomorrow is with Zack Fradella.

To see & hear Zack, go to bobbreck.com to subscribe.  For $2/month, you'll get to find out about your favorite CH. 8 personalities.  Stay tuned!

Freeze Next Two Nights, Slow Warm Up

 The Current Arctic Blast has pushed deep into the Gulf and that shows up nicely on the visible satellite view.  With clear skies tonight and light winds, most areas will dip to freezing or below and the usual precautions should be taken.

The only thing showing up is a big fire SW of Alexandria.  Here are the morning low forecasts from the NWS for the next two nights.

If your want your tropical plants to survive, they'll need full protection.  The warm up will be slow as another surge of Arctic air is heading into the lower 48.

Even though we warmed well above freezing, dew points are very low and that should allow temps. to crash after dark.  I don't think we need to worry about running water on the South Shore, but spots on the far North Shore will be below 28 for several hours.  I'd drip my faucets just to be safe north of Lake P.

Coming up on my next podcast this Tuesday will be FOX 8 morning meteorologist Zack Fradella.  For you to see or hear Zack, you'll need to subscribe at bobbreck.com.  The cost is only $2/month.  Until then, stay warm and stay tuned!