Stormy Saturday Still Likely...

I often mention the neat things I see on the visible satellite pictures.  Today it's the aircraft contrails that moved over us this morning and have since pushed eastward towards Florida.

 

I still don't see any low level moisture returning from the Gulf so Thursday should see some early sunshine before clouds start to increase ahead of our next strong system plowing into the NW coast. We should be windy & warm for Friday & early Saturday with temps approaching 80.

 

 

 

 

Computer models all indicate high potential for a severe weather outbreak late Friday to our west and over us for Saturday.  SPC maps highlight the danger areas.

 

As that front sweeps through during the Day on Saturday, some cooler air will follow, but it will not be a "clean front" as overrunning will keep the clouds lingering with showers returning late Sunday into Monday.  No super cold air is expected next week, but the brutal cold (40-50 below) still lingers over northern Canada & Alaska.  It wouldn't take much to bring it south.

 

Some bloggers are already screaming about a southern snowstorm the week of the 20th, and models are indicating that possibility.   However, lots could change beyond 10 days and I don't want to join the hyping just yet.   Our very mild start to January could flip flop into a really winter-like final 10 days.  It's something to watch unfold after the big storms on Saturday. Focus on the short term stuff first.  Stay tuned!