Monday, December 12, 2005
The Week Ahead: More Cold, More Snow?
Jason Samenow @ 12:00 AM
Temperatures have been at or below average every day this month, and it's likely temperatures will remain below average for all of the coming week. We've already exceeded our average snowfall (~3") in December by more than an inch (4.5" officially at Reagan National). Will we add more to our snow total?
Daily Details
Behind the front that passed through the area yesterday, cold air will continue filtering into the area today and tomorrow. High temperatures will range from 35-39 degrees today and only 32-36 tomorrow. Both days will be dry -- although there may be a few more clouds today than there will be tomorrow. Bundle up in the morning, as morning lows will be in the mid 20s downtown and near 20 in the suburbs.
On Wednesday, clouds will increase late as overruning precipitation begins moving northeastward from an area of low pressure developing in the deep South. High temperatures should be in the mid 30s. By late Wednesday night, some precipitation may break out and would likely start as light snow.
On Thursday, mixed precipitation is likely as the southern low moves northeastward. An area of cold high pressure to the north should hold temperatures near the surface around freezing, but temperatures aloft will warm, likely changing snow over to sleet, freezing rain and/or rain. The heaviest precipitation may well arrive after the snow has already changed over to sleet or rain. Right now, this does not look like a major snowstorm, although some areas -- particularly north and west of DC -- could see some icing issues. Stay tuned as details are very uncertain.
By Friday, the southern low will likely be off the coast of New England, interacting with a low over the Great Lakes, as we begin drying out. It may be a bit breezy, but with the really cold air lagging a bit behind the departing low, highs may reach the mid 40s or so.
Next weekend looks like it should be dry, but on the chilly side with highs only in the upper 30s to low 40s as high pressure builds in from the west.
The average high for the upcoming week is in the mid to upper 40s, with lows in the low 30s downtown (and about five degrees lower than that in the north and west suburbs).
Snow Lover's Crystal Ball 
Next Chance of Accumulating Snow: December 14-15 (Wed night through Thurs night)
Probability: 30%
Potential Impact:
Commentary: Still a lot of uncertainties with this system. My initial thoughts are that we'll see a period of light snow late Wednesday night into Thursday morning and perhaps a light accumulation. After that, precipitation should change to a mix, with only minor impacts in the immediate area with temperatures at or above freezing. However, some significant icing isues could develop north and west. This remains a low confidence forecast.
Daily Details
Behind the front that passed through the area yesterday, cold air will continue filtering into the area today and tomorrow. High temperatures will range from 35-39 degrees today and only 32-36 tomorrow. Both days will be dry -- although there may be a few more clouds today than there will be tomorrow. Bundle up in the morning, as morning lows will be in the mid 20s downtown and near 20 in the suburbs.On Wednesday, clouds will increase late as overruning precipitation begins moving northeastward from an area of low pressure developing in the deep South. High temperatures should be in the mid 30s. By late Wednesday night, some precipitation may break out and would likely start as light snow.On Thursday, mixed precipitation is likely as the southern low moves northeastward. An area of cold high pressure to the north should hold temperatures near the surface around freezing, but temperatures aloft will warm, likely changing snow over to sleet, freezing rain and/or rain. The heaviest precipitation may well arrive after the snow has already changed over to sleet or rain. Right now, this does not look like a major snowstorm, although some areas -- particularly north and west of DC -- could see some icing issues. Stay tuned as details are very uncertain.By Friday, the southern low will likely be off the coast of New England, interacting with a low over the Great Lakes, as we begin drying out. It may be a bit breezy, but with the really cold air lagging a bit behind the departing low, highs may reach the mid 40s or so.Next weekend looks like it should be dry, but on the chilly side with highs only in the upper 30s to low 40s as high pressure builds in from the west.The average high for the upcoming week is in the mid to upper 40s, with lows in the low 30s downtown (and about five degrees lower than that in the north and west suburbs).
Next Chance of Accumulating Snow: December 14-15 (Wed night through Thurs night)
Probability: 30%
Potential Impact:
Commentary: Still a lot of uncertainties with this system. My initial thoughts are that we'll see a period of light snow late Wednesday night into Thursday morning and perhaps a light accumulation. After that, precipitation should change to a mix, with only minor impacts in the immediate area with temperatures at or above freezing. However, some significant icing isues could develop north and west. This remains a low confidence forecast.
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