Why Fly On Holiday, More Cold Coming

When my kids were younger and we went home to see grandparents for Christmas, my late wife and I always found flying on the holiday was the way to go. We flew to Chicago on Christmas Day and flew back on New Year's Day. Very few folks want to fly on the Holidays, as I rediscovered yesterday coming back from my visit to Oklahoma City to see my Grandson Ethan. The usually filled-up departure pages were blank as airlines cut back on flights.

Ethan wasn't the only one smiling as I sailed through 2 airports with few people and no lines.  The bottom view is my breakfast made by my son Justin.  What a way to start my first day!  We visited the Oklahoma Zoo,  their fabulous Children's museum along with a trip to Top Golf.  Their Zoo has a light show (Like our City Park) that was brilliant.

But alas, I had to come home.  Remember before I left I showed you what NWS said was coming.

The upper pattern has finally flipped with the western trough now over the Great Lakes and eastern states.  That is bringing down the chill from Canada.

With the northerly flow set up, look at the cold over Canada.  Much of it is below zero with the core of the coldest air (35-40+ below) centered over eastern Alaska & Northwest Canada.  As long as the eastern trough remains in place (models say into next week) the cold will keep coming in surges.  This is not record cold (yet), but NWS has posted a Freeze Watch for those who live north of Lake P.

I am not planning on moving any of my potted plants inside yet, but I'm in Metairie where the warmer waters (60s) of the Lake provide some protection.

If you are dressed for it, this weekend looks marvelous with some high, thin clouds along with comfy cold temps.  Dew points have dropped into the 20s & 30s giving the air a dry feel.  But you need some protection as the cold does have a bite.

Later next week, there will be a brief warm-up before more cold plows southward.  Models are hinting there could be a chance for some frozen precipitation during the 10-14 day time frame.  Lots of uncertainty that far out, but it gives you snow geeks some hope.  Will it be a December to Remember?!!!  Enjoy your weekend as I have to watch Michigan (without a quarterback) play the Buckeyes.  Ouch! Stay tuned!