Staying Cold, But Not Cold Enough...

I know many of you would love to see snow here since it doesn't happen very often.   It actually is very pretty right after it falls like this picture of St. Ann's church in Wilmington, Delaware sent to me by Marni Grossman.

As the next graphic shows, the expected snowfall for the next 7 days just nips NW Louisiana.  Doesn't mean the chances in SE LA are zero.  But if you have been following the models, they have been consistent in keeping any frozen stuff just to our west & north.

Our first opportunity will come on Monday, but as both (Euro & GFS) models show, the sleet/freezing rain areas get close but not quite here.   It would take a shift in the track of the Gulf low slightly to our east for us to have any chance.  But that's not our only chance.

The top graphic is valid for next Thursday, but you can see the surface low goes right over us keeping us in a cold rain.  Both storms are expected to produce a widespread area of freezing rain which will likely cause massive power outages and traffic crashes.  Note how that area goes from Texas all the way into the Northeast.  

Right now, the main weather news continues to be the bitter Arctic cold which has modified a little up over Canada.  Below zero temps. cover the northern Plains with the freeze line almost down to Houston.  In fact, you can see the cold air low clouds have plunged well down into Mexico.

.There is a weak wave moving along the front to our south making for a very wet day along our coast.  I had another 1.26" overnight into this morning with a two day rain total of 3.32".  What I will be focusing on as we get closer, is how cold after the rain ends on Monday night?

It appears the North Shore will see a head freeze possibly into the upper teens.  The South Shore will be in the mid to upper 20s requiring full protection for all tender plants.  I will finish moving my plants inside my shed on Sunday.   

Satellite views see the widespread clouds blanketing most of the South except Florida.  Without sunshine, it will be difficult for highs to break above 50 at a time when our average/normal high is 65.  I do see a big warm up coming for the last week of February.  Until then, bundle up, snuggle up, cover up or drink up.! Whatever makes you feel better.  Stay tuned!