Forecast Discussions mentioning any of "HRRR" "RAP" "RUC13" "RUC" "RR" received at GSD on 12/11/24


Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Buffalo NY
946 PM EST Tue Dec 10 2024 .SYNOPSIS... Rain this evening will taper off to drizzle, with some fog developing tonight. Another round of rain arrives Wednesday which will change over to wet snow from west to east with some minor accumulations across the higher terrain possible by Wednesday evening. Locally heavy lake effect snow will then develop east of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario Wednesday night and continues through early Friday, before another warming trend arrives over the weekend. && .NEAR TERM /THROUGH WEDNESDAY/... A weak impulse tracking northeast towards the Lower Lakes is bringing a period of light rain to the region this evening. Once this impulse passes through the area we will see a brief break in the steadier precipitation. However...with plentiful low- level moisture in the boundary layer, there is the potential we could see a period of drizzle and fog tonight before more precipitation moves into the region by early Wednesday morning. A mid level trough will quickly dig and sharpen over the Mississippi Valley and then become negatively tilted as it swings into the mid- Atlantic region tonight. In the process...a tightening of a baroclinic zone on the eastern flank of the trough will set up from NY/PA to MD/VA. An elongated frontal wave is then advertised to move north along this boundary on Wednesday, with widespread `rain` spreading back across the area early Wednesday morning and continuing throughout the day. Strengthening CAA on the western flank of this front will begin the process of changing rain over to wet snow, first across the higher terrain east of Lake Ontario and then everywhere before lake effect snows fire up east of both lakes. Where precipitation changes over to snow first (higher terrain), some accumulations (1-3 inches) will be possible. Winds will also pick up by late Wednesday afternoon/evening, with gusts up to 30 mph. It will also turn much colder with temperatures falling over the course of the day. Expect mercury readings to fall into the 30s to upper 20s in spots by sunset. Overall...rainfall amount will be on the order of 0.33 to 0.50 inches from the Genesee Valley west across the Niagara Frontier and the Southern Tier. East of the Genesee Valley, amounts will range from 0.50 to 1.00 inch, with slight higher amounts in spots. Taking a look at Hydro guidance (GEFS/NAEFS/HEFS), creeks and rivers will `likely` see some measure of rises given what still remains in the snowpack. More on this in the hydro section. && .SHORT TERM /WEDNESDAY NIGHT THROUGH FRIDAY NIGHT/... ...HEAVY LAKE EFFECT SNOW WEDNESDAY NIGHT THROUGH FRIDAY... The pattern will briefly amplify across North America, with a strong ridge building over the Rockies and a strong, deep trough digging into the east. This trough will deliver a very cold airmass to the region, supporting strong instability over the lakes and another heavy lake effect snow event. Lake induced equilibrium levels will peak at around 15K feet Wednesday night and early Thursday as the coldest mid level air crosses the region, then steadily lower later Thursday through Friday as the cold airmass becomes more shallow with time. Prior to the start of lake effect snow, rain will still be in the process of changing to wet snow from west to east across the area Wednesday evening. Expect some minor, slushy non-lake effect accumulations across the higher terrain with this, and perhaps a slushy coating for lower elevations. Off Lake Erie... A band of lake effect snow will quickly develop late Wednesday afternoon or evening on the heels of the departing synoptic precipitation. Expect initial band development well south of Buffalo across the western Southern Tier and southern Erie County. The band will begin to strengthen in this area, then start to move northward through Erie County overnight. Both the GEM and HRRR suggest backing low level flow ahead of a shortwave moving through the base of the mid level trough will carry the band all the way north to near or over Buffalo and Batavia briefly late Wednesday night and early Thursday morning before settling back south a little towards central Erie County and the Wyoming/Genesee County border by mid morning Thursday. Latest guidance suggests the band may creep back north towards the immediate Buffalo Southtowns and possibly South Buffalo and some of the eastern suburbs for a time later Thursday through Thursday evening, before moving back south again Thursday night. The band will generally remain across Southern Erie County and the western Southern Tier from later Thursday night through Friday, where it will steadily weaken as inversion heights lower. The Lake Erie band should reach peak intensity later Wednesday night through Thursday, when snowfall rates may reach 2-3" per hour. Expect a weakening trend Thursday night and especially Friday. As far as storm totals go, expect 2-3 feet in the most persistent bands. The bullseye is most likely to be in southern Erie County, with 1-2 feet over western Chautauqua, far northwest Cattaraugus, and western Wyoming counties. The more immediate Buffalo Southtowns (that are located in the northern Erie zone) and southern Genesee County may see 10-20 inches if the band persists long enough that far north. This is another extremely close call for the City of Buffalo, with South Buffalo possibly accumulating 1 foot or more while North Buffalo has very little. Conditions seem supportive of strong inland penetration with this band, with moderate accumulations possibly extending into the western Finger Lakes. Also included an Advisory for Livingston County, with 4-7" possible in a narrow band across central or northern Livingston County. This could potentially extend into portions of Ontario County as well, but confidence is lower that far from the lake. Snow showers will occasionally peel off the eastern end of the band and make it all the way into Oswego County and the southern Tug Hill. Off Lake Ontario... Expect lake effect snow to develop later Wednesday evening as the synoptic precipitation is exiting. Initial lake enhanced upslope regime across the Tug Hill Plateau will evolve into a more pure lake effect band later Wednesday night, with the band of snow moving north towards Watertown and Fort Drum by Thursday morning. The band may not be particularly strong at first, with some shear still located in the boundary layer. The band should strengthen Thursday as boundary layer flow becomes better aligned. The band should spend most of Thursday over or near Watertown and central Jefferson County. Boundary layer flow will then veer more westerly Thursday evening, carrying the band a little south to center more on the northern and central Tug Hill region. The highest snowfall rates are likely to occur Thursday night, when the most favorable convergence is forecast over the lake, and when lake effect snow will begin to intersect terrain. Friday, lake effect snow should remain near the Oswego/Jefferson County border and extending inland across the Tug Hill Plateau. Inversion heights will steadily lower and the airmass will dry out, resulting in a weakening of the band later in the day, and will also force it to shrink back towards the lakeshore. The Lake Ontario band will likely reach peak intensity later Thursday through Thursday night or early Friday, when snowfall rates may reach 2-3" per hour. Expect a weakening trend later Friday as inversion heights lower. As far a storm totals go, expect 2-3 feet in the most persistent bands. The bullseye will most likely be found across the northern Tug Hill to just south and east of Watertown. This will be surrounded by a larger footprint of 1-2 feet of snow including Watertown and central Jefferson County, central and northern Lewis County, and far northern Oswego County. Finally, it will turn very windy later Wednesday night through Thursday evening. Winds may gust up to 40 mph at times, resulting in considerable blowing and drifting snow where lake effect snow occurs. Outside of lake effect areas, expect mainly dry weather and even some sunshine Thursday through Friday. It will be quite cold, with highs in the mid 20s for lower elevations and around 20 for higher terrain Thursday and Friday. Lows Thursday night will be in the teens, with wind chills in the single digits. && .LONG TERM /SATURDAY THROUGH TUESDAY/... Surface high pressure over NY/PA and New England Saturday morning will move east and off the New England coast later in the day. This will provide mainly dry weather, and after a chilly start, a notable warming trend will develop. Highs will reach the upper 30s to near 40 in Western NY, and upper 20s to lower 30s for the North Country. The warming trend will continue into Sunday, with highs well into the 40s for most lower elevation areas. A weakening mid level shortwave will cross the eastern Great Lakes later Saturday night through Sunday night. This system will produce some light rain across the region, which may mix with wet snow at the start and across higher terrain. Another trough and surface cold front will approach Tuesday, with increasing chances of showers. Temperatures will continue to run above average early next week, with much of the precipitation falling as just rain. && .AVIATION /03Z WEDNESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY/... A weak wave moving through northeast towards the Lower Lakes with rain overspending the area. This will bring lowering cigs and vsbys from southwest to northeast across area TAF sites. The steady light rain will then taper off to drizzle late this evening, some fog will also be found across area terminals overnight. This will produce a mix of MVFR to IFR conditions areawide. Outlook... Wednesday...MVFR/IFR with rain changing to wet snow from west to east. Wednesday night...MVFR/IFR with wet snow tapering off, then heavier lake effect snow east of the lakes with local LIFR. Thursday through Friday...Local lake effect snow with LIFR east of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. Close call for KBUF, heavier snow may remain just south of the airfield. VFR/MVFR elsewhere. Saturday...Mainly VFR with a chance of rain or snow showers. Sunday...MVFR to IFR with rain showers. && .MARINE... Quiet marine conditions expected through most of Wednesday as a weak pressure gradient across the lower Great lakes maintains relatively light winds. A strong cold front will sweep across the eastern Great Lakes late Wednesday and Wednesday night leading to increased westerly winds. Sustained speeds of 30 knots are likely from Wednesday night through Thursday afternoon with the potential for gale force winds, especially behind the cold front Wednesday night into Thursday over the eastern basin of Lake Erie and all of Lake Ontario. Gale Watches have been issued on both lakes during this time frame. Conditions will improve on Lake Erie and Lake Ontario Friday as high pressure nears the region and winds lighten considerably and turn more southerly. && .HYDROLOGY... Another round of rainfall with 0.25"-0.50" expected through Wednesday from the Genesee Valley west. Higher amounts will be found east of the Genesee Valley ranging from 0.50" to 1.0", slightly higher amounts will be found east of Lake Ontario (Tug Hill region). These rainfall amounts, combined with ongoing snowmelt, will bring within-bank rises on area rivers and creeks through midweek. Official forecasts from the RFC along with ensemble forecasts continue to suggest a low chance of flooding. The Black River basin, with more snow to melt and higher rainfall amounts, will see the most significant rises later this week, and a low chance of reaching minor flood stage. && .BUF WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... NY...Lake Effect Snow Warning from 7 PM Wednesday to 7 PM EST Friday for NYZ006>008. Lake Effect Snow Warning from 10 PM Wednesday to 1 PM EST Friday for NYZ010-011. Lake Effect Snow Warning from 4 PM Wednesday to 1 PM EST Friday for NYZ012-019-020-085. Winter Weather Advisory from 7 PM Wednesday to 4 AM EST Friday for NYZ013. MARINE...Gale Watch from Wednesday evening through Thursday afternoon for LEZ040-041. Gale Watch from Wednesday evening through Thursday afternoon for LOZ042>045-062>065. && $$ SYNOPSIS...AR NEAR TERM...AR SHORT TERM...Hitchcock LONG TERM...Hitchcock AVIATION...AR MARINE...AR/TMA HYDROLOGY...Hitchcock/TMA
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Cheyenne WY
231 PM MST Tue Dec 10 2024 .KEY MESSAGES... - High Wind Warnings issued for the southeast Wyoming wind prone locations Tuesday afternoon until Wednesday evening. Wind gusts up to 65 MPH possible. - Isolated snow showers in the NE panhandle and east-central Wyoming may result in a coating to an inch of snow on Tuesday afternoon and evening. - Seasonably cool temperatures are expected to persist through the remainder of the week into the weekend. && .SHORT TERM /THROUGH WEDNESDAY NIGHT/... Issued at 219 PM MST Tue Dec 10 2024 Yet another surface cold front is progged to push through the CWA later this afternoon and through the evening hours. Unlike Monday`s front, this front will likely have a little less precipitation associated with it. Hi-Res guidance like the HRRR shows sparse coverage of snow showers this afternoon ahead of the front. Behind the front, some light stratiform precipitation will be possible, mainly for the northern zones and into the Nebraska panhandle. Current visible satellite imagery shows a large swath of stratus clouds to the north, moving into Converse and Niobrara Counties. Ground observations from northeast Wyoming show light snow falling across these areas as well. Stratiform precipitation will likely make its way into the northern zones late this afternoon and continue through the evening hours. Snow accumulations will be minimal, anywhere from a dusting to an inch in these areas. High Wind Warnings still look on track for the southeast Wyoming wind prones. This gradient driven wind event is the result of the incoming cold front which will produce a surface trough east of the Laramie Range, and a strong surface high over the Colorado Rockies. This scenario will set the stage for a strong MSLP gradient over the CWA, leading to high winds. Winds aloft will max out around 55 kts with strong subsidence, so these winds will likely make it down to the surface. High winds will continue through the day Wednesday, but gradually weaken through the afternoon as a weak upper-level ridge over the Great Basin shifts further east. This will cause MSLP gradients over the CWA to relax a bit, but remain elevated enough to still cause blustery conditions over the wind prones Wednesday night. Aside from winds, expect warmer conditions on Wednesday as the exiting upper-level trough ushers in warmer 700 mb temperatures. Uneventful weather is expected for the day Thursday. Winds by Thursday will ease, but clouds will increase throughout the day ahead of an incoming shortwave. Precipitation is not expected, however some snow showers may begin to move into the mountains overnight. Despite the cloud cover, most locations can expect to see slightly above average high temperatures in the 40s. && .LONG TERM /THURSDAY THROUGH MONDAY/... Issued at 219 PM MST Tue Dec 10 2024 A more active synoptic weather pattern will take over late this week into early next week, but it remains unclear whether this will translate to any snowfall for our area. Model guidance is in fairly good agreement showing the next shortwave trough passing through the area from west to east around Friday. While the upper level presentation of this system looks decent, and with a favorable track for precipitation, a secondary upper level low positioned just to the north of the main along with very limited column moisture will prevent widespread snowfall. Westerly flow will still produce some snow showers in the mountains Friday, but probabilities of Advisory criteria (6+") are less than 50% at this time. Elsewhere, expect something similar to the last few events with a few light snow showers or flurries scattered about but minimal impacts. This system will knock down temperatures a touch, with near average high temperatures expected on Friday and breezy to windy conditions returning to the wind prone areas. This could be a marginal high wind event for the I-80 wind prone areas, but probabilities of criteria gusts is about 40% or less at this time. Temperatures will warm up again for Saturday to perhaps 5-10F above average. This ridge aloft looks fairly transient, with another stronger upper level trough on its tail for the Sunday/Monday time period. Sunday`s high temperatures have considerable uncertainty depending on the timing of the frontal passage. Ensembles are split into two camps, with the GEFS and ECMWF ensemble systems showing distinct separation. The GEFS mean shows a faster, weaker trough that passes through Sunday, leading to much colder highs on Sunday, light mountain snow, and widespread strong winds. This scenario would also warm up faster on the tail end, with moderating temperatures by Monday. A majority of ECMWF ensemble members fall into a slower, stronger cluster that would deliver another mild day for Sunday, followed by much colder conditions on Monday and a better chance for widespread light to moderate snowfall. Even though the high end precipitation amounts are not too impressive (ensemble 90th percentile is in the 0.1" to 0.25" QPF range for the plains), strong winds on the backside of a departing cyclone could increase the relative impact in this scenario. With little insight into which scenario will be favored, opted to make minimal changes from the NBM consensus. && .AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z WEDNESDAY/... Issued at 1036 AM MST Tue Dec 10 2024 Another round of light snow developing this afternoon and evening may bring periods of MVFR to IFR conditions to the NE panhandle terminals, but confidence is fairly low. Otherwise, expect gusty northwest winds across the board today, with gusts lingering into the overnight in Wyoming. LLWS may develop tonight at KCYS and KLAR. && .CYS WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... WY...High Wind Warning until 5 PM MST Wednesday for WYZ106. High Wind Warning until 5 PM MST Wednesday for WYZ110-116-117. NE...None. && $$ SHORT TERM...SF LONG TERM...MN AVIATION...MN
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Goodland KS
416 PM MST Tue Dec 10 2024 .KEY MESSAGES... - Flurries/sprinkles remains possible through tonight, generally favoring NW Kansas and SW Nebraska. There is a 10% chance for a stronger shower to produce a dusting of snow. - Mild Wednesday and then a more progressive pattern with periods of above normal and below normal temperatures. Forecast remains dry for now. && .SHORT TERM /THROUGH WEDNESDAY NIGHT/... Issued at 1206 PM MST Tue Dec 10 2024 The main focus for this period will be on the potential for brief but intense snow showers favoring eastern portions of the area this afternoon. After the downtrend of guidance with the environment not looking as supportive as typically is the case in conditional events guidance has begun trending back to a more supportive environment for these snow showers. RAP has been consistently showing this morning strong lift in the form of omega in the dendritic growth zone along with a fairly pronounced 850mb frontogenesis band quickly moving through the area this morning. As what was seen yesterday negative values of EPV* that shows convective potential continues to be seen along with some favorable values seen in the bottom layer of the dendritic growth zone. RAP isentropic lift has also returned as well in both the 285K and 290K levels which would further support lift. With all of this combined the scene appears to be set for a period of heavy snowfall with the potential for snow rates up to 1 inch per hour. The caveat to everything is will the low levels be to dry to maximize this potential at the surface and will snow even make it to the surface? Continued dry air advection throughout the day is forecast to keep dew points in the upper teens to low 20s along with temperatures rising into the upper 30s to low 40s which would yield dew point depressions of nearly 20 degrees which is where my concern lies. With this in mind I capped the chances for precipitation at 24 percent keeping the slight chance wording as this is appearing to be a low confidence high impact event this afternoon. Should the snow potential come to fruition what would the impacts be? As mentioned above there is the potential for 1" per hour snowfall rates which would lead to a quick accumulation but with how quickly this area of snow is forecast to be moving overall snowfall amounts would likely be fairly minimal in general but would come down hard enough to quickly cover roads. Within the snow shower, a drastic reduction of visibility may occur due to the snow rates and the fact that winds will already be gusting 30-35 mph leading to some concerns regarding blowing snow as the snow is falling and perhaps some brief whiteout conditions. Slick spots on roadways as well will also be a concern as road temperatures according to the Nebraska Department of Roads is currently in the mid 30s across Hitchcock county which will lead to the assumption that other roads will be fairly similar. As for timing, fairly decent agreement on the potential entering northern portions of Hitchcock and Red Willow counties around 21Z(3pm CT) and moving fairly quickly to the southeast reaching portions of Sheridan and Graham counties around 23Z (5pm CT). The concern with this is that this will be around the time that schools release which would further lead to impacts should this materialize. As for coverage however, its not appearing that this will be a large area of snow as it may only be a single cell or two so the coverage in impacts would be fairly limited. All in all my confidence in this occurring is around 15-20% which is similar to yesterday but would be higher if it wasn`t for the dry air at the surface which may lead to this event not occurring. As mentioned above this event is a conditional low confidence high impact. Through this evening across the remainder of the night additional mid level moisture moves into the area from the north which may lead to the development of additional snow showers or flurries. I wound up adding in a corridor of around 25% chance of snow showers again roughly along and north of line from Benkelman to Hill City. The same parameters are in place this evening and overnight for intense snow showers but this time the low levels are more saturated which has increases my confidence that this round should reach the surface; this could also a case of the first round this afternoon doesn`t reach the surface but it helps saturates the low levels for this evening? Timing for the evening round currently is around 8pm CT entering Dundy county and is forecast to be around Graham county around 11pm CT. The overall amount of people out may be less and its not impacting any school releases but again the potential for a quick dusting to an inch of snow due to snow rates around 1 inch per hour will remain. With the drop in temperatures overnight to below freezing when this occurs this increases the concern for more roadway issues as most roads may be below freezing allowing for better sticking of snowfall to the roads and slick spots and may lead to some slick surfaces for the morning commute. Wednesday, this system finally moves out and winds become more southwesterly and less breezy as high temperatures warm into the 50s under mainly clear skies. && .LONG TERM /THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY/... Issued at 1206 PM MST Tue Dec 10 2024 The extended period will feature a more progressive pattern which will be a change from the northwest flow that we have been in for nearly the past month. Guidance currently does suggest that this progressive pattern will continue through at least the next week. For the most part mild temperatures are forecast to continue however whenever these quick moving systems apart of this progressive pattern move across the area then some near normal to potentially below normal temperatures may occur for a day or two before warming up again. The first of these quick cool down days looks to be Friday as GEFS ensemble members more favorably show a chunk of the Arctic air mass east of the area breaking off and lingering over the area. Overall there are discrepancies on exactly how cold it will be but with 850mb temperatures ranging from 0 to 10 below linger over the area throughout the day on Friday there is potential that the entire area may struggle to get above freezing for the day. As a result I have started trending high temperatures down due to more ensemble and deterministic guidance suggesting this. For precipitation chances overall the forecast remains dry for now but there are some conditional chances if everything can come together perfectly. Based on ensemble clusters towards the latter portion of the period if a compact enough shortwave can move across the area then our precipitation and snowfall potential may increase some more at this time my confidence in this only around 20% as only one of the cluster shows this potential with a less compact system and even others with more split flow feature to it which is less favorable for precipitation. && .AVIATION /00Z TAFS THROUGH 00Z WEDNESDAY/... Issued at 409 PM MST Tue Dec 10 2024 For KGLD... VFR conditions are forecast for the period. We are watching for another round of rain/snow showers this evening (between 02-09Z) as a final surge of moisture moves in. Currently have a PROB30 from 03-06Z as this would be the best chance for a rain/snow shower to move over the terminal. Otherwise, flurries will be possible until about 13Z. Winds are forecast to be around 08-12 kts through the period. Winds will start the period from the northwest, and then shift to out of the southwest after 12Z. There is a 10% chance for LLWS between 01-06Z if a mini 35kt jet can form as the upper trough axis swings to the east. For KMCK... VFR conditions are forecast for the period. Virga and flurries will remain possible through 13Z, but the best chances for showers are forecast to be away from the terminal. Winds are forecast to be around 10 kts or less through the period, with a chance for winds to go calm/variable after 12Z tomorrow. Winds will start the period from the northwest, and then shift to out of the southwest after 12Z. There is a 10% chance for LLWS between 01-06Z if a mini 35kt jet can form as the upper trough axis swings to the east. && .GLD WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... KS...None. CO...None. NE...None. && $$ SHORT TERM...Trigg LONG TERM...Trigg AVIATION...KAK
Area Forecast Discussion...Updated
National Weather Service Lincoln IL
755 PM CST Tue Dec 10 2024 .KEY MESSAGES... - Winds out of the west to northwest will gust 30 to 35 mph Wednesday afternoon and evening. Scattered snow showers (40-50% coverage) will accompany the strong winds, and wind-whipped snow could reduce visibility to under a half mile at times. Snowfall looks to be generally under an inch. - Temperatures will fall into the single digits and teens Wednesday night into Thursday morning with wind chill values zero to 10 below zero, mainly north of I-72. - Additional snow is possible again Thursday afternoon and evening, mainly north of I-72. Snowfall looks to be around an inch or less. - There is a slight chance (20%) for light freezing rain or freezing drizzle briefly Friday morning before precipitation transitions to rain. && .UPDATE... Issued at 755 PM CST Tue Dec 10 2024 Latest surface map shows the Arctic cold front back across South Dakota, while water vapor imagery shows an upper wave advancing across Iowa and northwest Missouri. This latter feature is resulting in some snow showers, which the latest HRRR suggests could reach west central Illinois by 3 am and I-55 toward 7 am. The front itself is progged to move across the forecast area mid to late morning, with a line of snow showers behind it. HRRR and RAP guidance continue to point to around 100 J/kg of surface CAPE, which would enhance some of the heavier showers. Concern remains for squalls, with high snow squall values, HRRR visibility below a mile in the heavier showers, and wind gusts increasing to around 30-35 mph with rapidly falling temperatures. On average, snow amounts around a half inch are expected, locally heavier depending on where the showers track. Some adjustments have been made to the starting time of the snow chances, but the overall trend is on track. Geelhart && .DISCUSSION... Issued at 248 PM CST Tue Dec 10 2024 Lows look to reach the mid 20s tonight as a cool air mass remains over central IL, with another cold front, currently moving into the northern Plains, approaching overnight. This front should bring potential for scattered snow showers across the area Wednesday, with a potential transient linear frontogenetically forced band. Winds should gust to around the 30-35 mph range Wednesday afternoon along with the snow showers, while surface-based CAPE of around 50 J/kg to possibly 100 J/kg could promote some briefly intense snow showers. The NAM snow squall parameter continues to show values of 1 to 5 in this regime. Light snowfall amounts are likely, under an inch in general, but HREF ensemble system indicates a few showers could result in localized maximum snowfall corridors exceeding an inch. Likewise, modeled visibility indicates some localized under 1/2 mile visibility in the more intense showers. Highs look to range from around 30 in Galesburg to 38 in Lawrenceville. Bitter cold air will continue to flow into the area Wednesday night into Thursday in northwesterly flow, with lows reaching the single digits north of I-72 to teens to the south. Winds will be diminishing Wednesday night, but 5-10 mph continuing into early Thursday morning should result in below zero wind chills mainly north of I-72, and single digits to the south. Models have become fairly consistent with developing a frontogenetical band of snow Thursday across central or northern parts of IL, and have increased PoPs to as high as 60 percent north of I-72 Thursday afternoon. Amounts could exceed an inch if this band stays stationary enough for a long enough time. Temperatures should remain quite cold, with highs upper teens to lower 20s north of I-72, ranging only up to lower 30s south of I-70. Another upper level trough looks to cross the Plains Friday and slowly move across the Midwest Friday night into Saturday night, as it deepens a surface low. Rain looks to develop on Friday, likely late enough that warming temperatures keep precipitation type as all rain across central IL, but this will have to be watched as an early arrival could result in some initial freezing rain. Rainfall looks to be widespread, and model consensus brings amounts of half to 3/4 inches across central and southeast IL at this point. Highs look to trend upward to upper 30s to mid 40s Friday, 40s Saturday and Sunday, and around 50 by Monday. 37 && .AVIATION... (For the 00z TAFs through 00z Wednesday Evening) Issued at 530 PM CST Tue Dec 10 2024 Some lingering ceilings below 2000 feet continue over eastern Illinois early this evening, but will be moving out of KCMI through 01Z. Main aviation concern will be with the arrival of an Arctic cold front Wednesday morning, producing strong westerly winds gusting 20-30 knots through the afternoon. Ceilings expected to lower to just over 1,000 feet by mid morning at all sites. Scattered snow showers will accompany the cold air, locally intense but short lived. HREF probability of visibility below 2SM with these showers runs around 30-40%, focused on the 14-19Z time frame. However, it will be difficult to pin down exact placement this far out, so a PROB30 group for IFR ceilings/visibilities was included at all sites. Clouds should scatter out mid to late afternoon. Geelhart && .ILX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... None. && $$
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Chicago/Romeoville, IL
857 PM CST Tue Dec 10 2024 .KEY MESSAGES... - A strong arctic cold front will move through Wednesday afternoon and evening, likely accompanied by gusty snow showers/squalls. Brief but sudden drops in visibility and a quick coating of snow may result in hazardous travel during the PM commute. - Temperatures quickly plummet behind the front with widespread -10 to -20F wind chills expected by midnight Thursday morning. - Confidence is growing in a brief period of snow Thursday afternoon and evening, primarily south of I-80. Snow accumulations will be possible. - A storm system will move across the region late Friday into Saturday bringing rain, snow, and even some freezing rain to the area. There is quite a bit of uncertainty regarding this system. && .UPDATE... Issued at 857 PM CST Tue Dec 10 2024 Made some minor changes to the going forecast into Wednesday morning, mainly to add flurries over the City this evening, and area-wide into early Wednesday. Evening upper air analysis and GOES vapor imagery depict a deepening long wave upper level trough across the central CONUS/NOAM. Several smaller scale short waves were noted within the trough, including a shearing mid-level vort lifting northeast across MO/IL/LM/MI, another wave tracking ESE across IA and adjacent parts of MN/MO, and a digging wave crossing the International border into eastern ND/northwest MN. AMDAR aircraft soundings, 00Z RAOBs and RAP initialized soundings depict a rather shallow moist/cloud layer across the region this evening, roughly between 2000-6000 ft. While no organized precip was occurring from this deck locally, we have been noting what appears to be aircraft-induced flurries near and downwind (to the ESE) from O`Hare, as the top of the cloud layer is near -10C for ice nucleation. Not expecting anything significant with this. Farther to the west across central IA, radar and surface obs do indicate some patchy light snow associated with the aforementioned short wave. This should work its way east- southeast into western IL during the pre-dawn hours, with the potential for at least some flurries spreading across the cwa before snow showers overspread the region during the remainder of the morning hours. Thus have added flurries near/downwind of ORD this evening, and spread flurries into the entire forecast area from west-east from about 3 am onward. Did increase pops for snow showers across our far west/southwest counties toward sunrise. No significant changes made beyond Wednesday morning at this point, with snow showers/squalls and rapidly dropping temperatures behind an arctic cold front beneath the digging ND/MN vort during the midday and afternoon hours. Strong low- level cold advection, temperatures falling quickly into the teens/low 20s (from morning highs near 30), steepening low- level lapse rates (~8 C/km), and enhanced frontogenetic forcing all point to scattered to numerous snow showers/squalls from midday/early afternoon into early evening, with blustery west winds gusting 35-40 mph (possibly slightly higher in more intense snow showers). Going forecast appears to have this well in hand at this point, thus no changes made for now. Ratzer && .DISCUSSION... Issued at 300 PM CST Tue Dec 10 2024 Through Thursday Morning: Focus in the near term is on the anticipated arctic air intrusion accompanied by a period of gusty snow showers/squalls on Wednesday and subsequent dangerous wind chill values of -10 to -20F into early Thursday morning. Cooler conditions continue today with widespread cloud cover and continued steady cold air advection into the region has held temperatures in the 30s this afternoon. Interestingly, a few aircraft induced flurries have been observed around O`Hare at times this afternoon as planes fly through the low cloud deck. Temperatures tonight are forecast to drop into the 20s, though locally colder temperatures are possible if breaks in the clouds manage to occur. The high temperature on Wednesday could actually end up occurring late morning immediately ahead of the much anticipated strong arctic cold front expected to reach northwest Illinois/Rockford area toward midday and quickly push across the rest of Chicagoland into northwest Indiana through the afternoon. This front will likely be accompanied by a period of gusty snow showers and potentially a dangerous snow squall. Hi- res guidance continues to suggest conditions will be conducive for snow squalls. The RAP highlights well the potential for a narrow axis of low-level frontogenesis to develop with the front coinciding with steep low-level lapse rates along with a modest 3-hr surface pressure rise/fall couplet on either side of the front. This could aid in enhancing wind gusts within this fgen band locally up to 40-45 mph. A lingering question remains when these "ingredients" all come together, with the snow squall parameter increasing as the front approaches the I-55/57 corridors into northwest Indiana. While the Rockford area is not fully out of the woods, it is possible coverage is lower west of the Chicago metro. If this scenario plays out, the snow showers/squall may be developing as the front moves into the Chicago metro. Regardless, all areas of northern Illinois and northwest Indiana will want to be prepared for a brief period of sharply reduced visibility in snow/blowing snow and a quick coating on roadways resulting in slick travel during the afternoon/evening commute. To put this round of possible snow showers/squalls into perspective compared to last week`s, surface temperatures will already be below freezing (which were too warm last week for a more robust initial snow squall with the front) and would support snow readily accumulating on roadways. However, the pressure gradient is not as strong, with peak wind gusts currently expected to remain in the 40- 45 mph range versus the 55-60mph wind gusts observed last week. Nevertheless, multiple hi-res models depict localized visibility reductions as low as 1/4 mile within these snow showers/squalls. Temperatures are forecast to quickly plummet in the wake of the arctic frontal passage and associated snow showers/squalls with temperatures quickly dropping into the single digits through the evening with overnight low temperatures in the 0 to +7 degree range. With continued wind gusts in the 30-40 mph range, expect bitterly cold minimum wind chills around -10 to -20 degrees overnight into early Thursday morning. Petr Thursday Afternoon through Tuesday: For Thursday afternoon and evening, the issue of concern would be a band of light snowfall across the southern half of the forecast area, especially in a corridor from LaSalle County into Iroquois and Benton counties. This would be along the leading edge of a baroclinic zone associated with a broad region of warm advection, assisted by an area of reduced midlevel stability as well as divergence aloft in the right entrance region of the upper jet. QPF amounts are modest given the limited moisture, but considerable Fgen forcing and large snow-to-liquid ratios in the very cold air could result in a band of around one inch of accumulation. Given afternoon highs in the teens following single digit lows Thursday morning, every flake that falls is likely to stick on the cold roads. Attention then turns to the next system moving through later Friday into Saturday which will bring a more prolonged period of precipitation. Models are in rough agreement showing a surface low deepening in the lee of the Rockies then moving out of the Plains and nearly overhead Saturday night while gradually weakening. It is still too early to pin down any exact precip- type evolution, but rain, snow, and possibly a brief period of freezing rain are all in play. The good news is that temperature trends are generally increasing throughout the period, with highs Saturday in the lower 40s, so wintery impacts should be limited, especially after Friday night. Even on Friday night, our northernmost areas most likely to see an initial onset of snow will probably transition to rain by morning. After precipitation moves out Saturday evening, height rises aloft should help keep Sunday cloudy but dry compared to Saturday, with similar highs in the lower 40s. The gradual warming trend then continues into early next week with highs Monday in the upper 40s...and possibly lower 50s south. Some models are then showing a weak cold front that looks to drop temperatures back to the lower 40s for Tuesday, and which could be accompanied by another round of precipitation in the form of rain. Lenning && .AVIATION /00Z TAFS THROUGH 06Z THURSDAY/... Issued at 600 PM CST Tue Dec 10 2024 Forecast concerns for the terminals... - Gradually improving ceilings tonight, but a return to MVFR conditions Wednesday morning - Cold front to bring gusty snow showers Wednesday afternoon and evening resulting in sharp changes in visibility - Gusty west-northwest winds Wednesday afternoon and evening upwards of 30 kts MVFR ceilings continue to reside overhead this evening ahead of an upper trough that is pivoting into the Great Lakes. While the ceilings should continue to lift into the 3500-4000 ft range by midnight, BKN to OVC skies are expected to prevail overnight with pockets of MVFR clouds as well. Heading into Wednesday, the MVFR ceilings are expected to return towards mid-morning as the center of the aforementioned trough slides overhead and moisture begins to pool ahead of a strong arctic cold front. This front will move through the terminals Wednesday afternoon resulting in the development of scattered snow showers and perhaps even a few snow squalls through the early evening hours. Given the combination of broad forcing and decent low-level instability, these snow showers/squalls will be capable of producing sharp changes in visibility (in the 1-2 SM range) in addition to quick accumulations as temperatures plummet behind the front. Due to the progressive nature and limited coverage of the showers/squalls, accumulations should generally be below 0.5 inches but locally higher amounts are possible with the strongest showers. Otherwise, expect winds to also increase behind the front with gusts in the 25-30 kt range expected through Wednesday evening. The aforementioned MVFR ceilings will quickly scatter out Wednesday evening as much drier air behind the front pivots into the area and persists through the end of the period. Yack && .MARINE... Issued at 300 PM CST Tue Dec 10 2024 - Gale Warning issued WED afternoon through early THU morning. - Heavy Freezing Spray Warning issued for NW Indiana nearshore waters WED night through early THU morning. A powerful arctic front is expected to race across the Lower Great Lakes Wednesday afternoon causing northwesterly winds and gusts to quickly increase in magnitude, with a period of 35 to 40 kt gales expected through early Thursday morning. In addition, the combination of tumbling temperatures toward the single digits and gale force winds may lead to heavy freezing spray Wednesday night into Thursday morning, particularly east of Gary, Indiana. Petr/Borchardt && .LOT WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... IL...None. IN...None. LM...Gale Warning from 2 PM Wednesday to 6 AM CST Thursday for Winthrop Harbor IL to Gary IN. Gale Warning from 3 PM Wednesday to 9 AM CST Thursday for Gary to Burns Harbor IN-Burns Harbor to Michigan City IN. Heavy Freezing Spray Warning from 9 PM Wednesday to 9 AM CST Thursday for Gary to Burns Harbor IN-Burns Harbor to Michigan City IN. && $$ Visit us at weather.gov/chicago
Area Forecast Discussion...Updated Aviation
National Weather Service Saint Louis MO
541 PM CST Tue Dec 10 2024 .KEY MESSAGES... - Isolated to scattered snow showers are expected on Wednesday, mainly in the morning and early afternoon. An isolated snow shower or two may briefly produce moderate to heavy snow, reducing the visibility and producing up to 1/2 inch accumulations on grassy and elevated surfaces. - Periods of rain are expected beginning on Friday afternoon and continuing through Saturday afternoon. && .SHORT TERM... (Through Late Wednesday Afternoon) Issued at 240 PM CST Tue Dec 10 2024 The primary forecast concern in the short term is the potential for snow showers on Wednesday. A long wave mid-upper level trough is digging into the Great Plains this afternoon. The trough moves east tonight into the Mississippi Valley by 12Z Wednesday. The low level reflection of the wave is subtle, but guidance is showing a definite thermal ridge just ahead of the wave, and a thermal trough behind it. This pattern produces transient waves of weak to moderate low level frontogenesis over Missouri and Illinois through the day. Forecast soundings show all the moisture in the column below 800mb, but very steep low level lapse rates, resulting in a small amount of CAPE (<75 J/kg) by mid to late Wednesday morning. Between the broad-scale lift from the trough and the low level frontogenesis, there should be enough forcing to produce some snow. All indications are that the snow will be showery in nature, and while I would expect much of the area to see a little light snow or some flurries, there will likely be a few heavier snow showers concentrated along the waves of frontogenesis. Indeed, the HRRR is showing a few snow showers with simulated reflectivity up to 40- 45dBZ. While the snowfall rates in these stronger showers may be fairly high, the showers will be moving quickly so they won`t last long over any one location. A quick 1/2 inch of accumulation isn`t out of the question where these showers track, but pin-pointing the location is impossible at this time. Ground temperatures remain warm with 2 inch soil temperatures mainly in the mid to upper 30s so accumulations should be limited to grassy and elevated surfaces. Lastly, winds are expected to increase to 15-20mph with gusts as high as 30mph by mid-late morning. Blowing snow in the stronger showers combined with these winds will be capable of quickly dropping visibilities to 1/2 mile or less. Another reinforcing shot of very dry Arctic air will dive into Missouri and Illinois on northwest flow Wednesday afternoon and evening and this will bring an end to the chance for precipitation. Carney && .LONG TERM... (Wednesday Night through Next Tuesday) Issued at 240 PM CST Tue Dec 10 2024 Low pressure begins developing early Thursday over the western Plains in response to a weak and fast-moving short wave aloft. This turns the low level flow back to the south across the lower Mississippi Valley and the southeast Plains. Most deterministic guidance shows the resulting warm front moving as far north as I-70 in Missouri and I-64 in Illinois before stalling. Temperatures on Thursday will be determined by the position of the front, and the difference between the LREF 25th and 75th percentile is 7-10 degrees. Needless to say, confidence in Thursday`s temperature is low. Models are now producing a band of snow across parts of Iowa and central Illinois due to the strong warm advection over the front. I mention this because there are a few members of the LREF that keep the front farther to the south which would push the band of snow into northeast Missouri and west central Illinois. 90+ percent of the members are dry...but there is an outside chance our far northern CWFA could see precipitation on Thursday. The next short wave moves off the Rockies on Friday which finally pushes the warm front north into Iowa. Strong warm advection ahead of the attendant surface low will produce periods of precipitation most likely beginning Friday afternoon and continuing until the cold front moves through late Saturday afternoon or Saturday night. Temperatures still look warm enough for all of the precipitation to remain liquid. Relatively mild temperatures continue Sunday through Tuesday with another potential shot of rain Monday into Monday night. Carney && .AVIATION... (For the 00z TAFs through 00z Wednesday Evening) Issued at 452 PM CST Tue Dec 10 2024 VFR conditions will prevail through tonight. Snow showers will pass through the forecast area from northwest to southeast, with flurries possible for all locations outside of southeast Missouri. This system will bring MVFR ceilings to portions of northeast Missouri, west-central Illinois, and portions of south-central Illinois. The heaviest snow showers may be capable of briefly producing IFR visibilities and snow accumulations on elevated and grassy surfaces. Wind gusts of up to 25+ kts beginning mid-morning will be capable of blowing this snow around, potentially resulting in additional visibility restrictions. Jaja && .LSX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... MO...None. IL...None. && $$ WFO LSX
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Melbourne FL
919 PM EST Tue Dec 10 2024 ...New UPDATE... .KEY MESSAGES... Issued at 416 PM EST Tue Dec 10 2024 - Scattered to numerous showers and isolated lightning storms capable of wind gusts up to 40-50 mph are forecast on Wednesday as a cold front moves southeast over east central Florida - Temperatures drop into the 30s and 40s on Thursday behind a cold front passage Wednesday, with patchy frost forecast across the north Thursday morning - Hazardous conditions are expected to develop over the local Atlantic midweek, with a Moderate to High risk of rip currents expected to continue at area beaches, in addition to High Surf into late week - Breezy to windy southwest winds are expected Wednesday before veering north on Thursday with sensitive fire weather conditions forecast behind a cold front && .UPDATE... Issued at 912 PM EST Tue Dec 10 2024 Our anticipated cold front is working its way into the far western Florida panhandle as of around 9PM this evening. Locally, cirrus continues to increase over the area. No major changes to the forecast this evening. The HRRR continues to suggest a few showers will be possible after midnight along the coast and from around Melbourne/Kissimmee northward. Thus, have maintained the 20% chance of showers overnight. Otherwise, east central Florida looks to remain mostly dry through daybreak. Winds will begin to increase towards sunrise to around 10mph, as the front nears the local area. Overnight lows will be noticeably above normal compared to the previous few days, staying in the mid 60s. && .PREVIOUS DISCUSSION... Issued at 416 PM EST Tue Dec 10 2024 Currently-Wednesday... Local radar imagery shows mostly dry weather over east central Florida with a few of light sprinkles over the Treasure Coast Atlantic waters. GOES-16 satellite imagery shows partly cloudy to partly sunny skies. High pressure (~ 1026mb) is centered near Bermuda over the western Atlantic. Current temperatures are in the mid 70s to low 80s with dew points in the upper 50s to mid 60s. Winds are generally from the south- southeast at 10-15mph with gusts to 25mph. Dry weather is forecast through this evening and into the overnight hours. South-southwest winds are expected to veer north- northwest into Wednesday afternoon at around 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30-35 mph as a cold front moves southeast over east central Florida. South-southwest winds are expected to veer west- northwest into Wednesday afternoon at around 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30-35 mph as a cold front moves southeast over east central Florida. Scattered to numerous showers (PoPs ~ 40-70%) and isolated to widely scattered lightning storms are forecast to develop along and ahead of the aforementioned cold front on Wednesday with the greatest chance for rain and storms to the north of I-4 Wednesday morning and to the south into the afternoon before rain chances diminish Wednesday night over the Treasure Coast. Hi-res guidance shows MLCAPE between 600-1,200 J/kg, conditionally unstable mid level lapse rates (~6.0-7.5 C/km), and 0-6km bulk shear at 30-40kts, in addition to a southwest LL jet at 30-50kts. Isolated storms will be capable of occasional lightning strikes, wind gusts up to 40-50 mph, and moderate to locally heavy rainfall. Afternoon highs in the low to mid 70s are forecast north of I-4 with the mid 70s to low 80s to the south on Wednesday. Thursday-Friday... Cold temperatures are expected behind the cold front Thursday morning with lows in the mid 30s to low 40s along and north of I-4 with the low 40s to near 50 degrees to the south. North winds will combine with cold temperatures and result in minimum Wind Chill values in the low 30s north of I-4 with the low 30s to mid 40s to the south Thursday morning. Mostly dry weather is forecast Thursday and Friday as high pressure (~ 1028mb) builds over the Deep South on Thursday and to the north of central Florida (~ 1036mb) over the eastern CONUS on Friday. Breezy north winds at 10-20mph with gusts up to 25-30mph are forecast on Thursday. North winds are forecast to veer east- northeast on Friday at 15 to 20 mph with gust up to 25-30mph. Isolated (PoPs ~ 20%) showers are forecast over the local Atlantic Waters into Friday afternoon, as well as along and east of I-95. Mostly sunny to partly cloudy skies are expected Thursday with partly cloudy to partly sunny skies on Friday.Lows in the low 40s are forecast to the north of I-4 Friday morning with the mid 40s to mid 50s to the south and to the Treasure Coast with the mid 50s to near 60 degrees forecast over the Treasure Coast. Afternoon highs in the low to mid 70s are forecast Friday with breezy east- northeast winds at 10-20mph and gusts to 25-30mph. Saturday-Monday... Onshore flow is expected to continue into the weekend as high pressure (~1040mb+) builds to the north over the northeastern CONUS into the weekend. Winds are expected to back north at 10-15mph into Sunday. Isolated to scattered (PoPs generally ~ 20-50%) showers are forecast over the local Atlantic waters and mainly to the east of the Orlando metro (PoPs ~ 20-30%) Saturday afternoon and through the weekend (greatest potential into the afternoons) with partly cloudy to partly sunny skies. Afternoon highs in the mid 70s to low 80s are forecast Saturday and Sunday with the low to upper 70s forecast on Monday. Lows in the mid 50s to mid 60s are forecast. && .MARINE... Issued at 325 PM EST Tue Dec 10 2024 Currently-Wednesday... Poor boating conditions are expected to become hazardous late tonight into Wednesday as a cold front moves southeast over the local Atlantic waters on Wednesday. Southerly winds will increase to 20-25 kts with occasional gusts up to 35kts into Wednesday before veering north behind the front late Wednesday into Thursday. Scattered to numerous showers and isolated lighting storms are forecast to move southeast across the waters Wednesday. Isolated storms will have the potential to produce occasional lightning strikes, wind gusts up to 40-50mph, and moderate to locally heavy rainfall. Seas are forecast to build to 3-5ft with up to 6-7ft over the Volusia and Brevard county offshore (20-60nm) waters. A Small Craft Advisory goes into effect for the offshore Volusia waters at 3 AM Wednesday expanding southward across offshore Brevard and eventually the offshore Treasure Coast by 10 AM. Thursday-Saturday... Hazardous boating conditions are expected to continue Thursday and into the weekend. Dry conditions are expected on Thursday with isolated showers (PoPS ~ 20%) forecast Friday afternoon and isolated to scattered showers (PoPs ~20-50%) on Saturday. Northerly winds decrease into Thursday afternoon at 15-20 kts and veer east into Friday at around 20-25kts with gusts up to 34kts. Seas are forecast to build to 5-8 ft with seas to 9-10 ft over the Gulf Stream on Thursday and through Saturday. && .AVIATION... (00Z TAFs) Issued at 649 PM EST Tue Dec 10 2024 VFR conditions prevailing overnight. A strong cold front is forecast to push southward through the Florida peninsula Wednesday. Winds will begin to increase for areas along and north of the I-4 corridor around daybreak, with showers possible into the late morning hours. Then, a line of showers and thunderstorms will pass through the terminals beginning early in the afternoon (15Z) for LEE/DAB, leading to MVFR CIGs and possible VIS reductions in heavier showers and storms. Have forgone including TEMPOs at this time, but will continue to monitor timing for TEMPOs as the front approaches. The front will continue southward, with conditions improving behind it, clearing the Treasure Coast in the evening (23Z) and veering southerly winds to the northwest. Gusty winds will precede and accompany the cold front. Wind gusts of 25-30kts are expected area-wide. && .FIRE WEATHER... Issued at 416 PM EST Tue Dec 10 2024 Thursday... Sensitive to near critical RH values are forecast on Thursday mainly to the north of I-4 with minimum RH values in the low 40s. Breezy north winds at around 10-20mph and gusts to 25-30mph are forecast with dry conditions. && .PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS... DAB 64 79 39 62 / 20 60 10 0 MCO 65 78 43 64 / 20 60 10 0 MLB 65 82 43 68 / 20 60 10 0 VRB 65 83 45 70 / 10 60 20 0 LEE 64 77 38 62 / 20 60 10 0 SFB 65 79 41 63 / 20 60 10 0 ORL 65 79 42 64 / 20 60 10 0 FPR 65 84 45 70 / 10 60 20 0 && .MLB WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... FL...None. AM...Small Craft Advisory from 4 PM Wednesday to 10 AM EST Thursday for AMZ550-552. Small Craft Advisory from 7 PM Wednesday to 10 AM EST Thursday for AMZ555. Small Craft Advisory from 3 AM Wednesday to 10 AM EST Thursday for AMZ570. Small Craft Advisory from 7 AM Wednesday to 10 AM EST Thursday for AMZ572. Small Craft Advisory from 10 AM Wednesday to 10 AM EST Thursday for AMZ575. && $$ UPDATE...Leahy AVIATION...Leahy
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service New York NY
949 PM EST Tue Dec 10 2024 .SYNOPSIS... A stationary front lifts north as a warm front late tonight into Wednesday morning. A strong frontal system will affect the area Wednesday into Wednesday night. A secondary cold front moves through Thursday, followed by strong high pressure building over the region into the weekend. A weakening disturbance approaches late in the weekend, before another frontal system potentially impacts the area early next week. && .NEAR TERM /UNTIL 6 AM WEDNESDAY MORNING/... Forecast on track with just minor adjustments to reflect current observations. Low stratus and patchy areas of fog across the region early this evening. Light rain continues to develop just ahead of a slow moving frontal boundary over eastern PA and NJ, and this activity will expand and spread east over the next several hours. Anomalous, longitudinally deep trough digs down to the Mississippi Gulf coast tonight, with deep SW upper flow ahead of it tonight. At the surface, a series of southerly lows track north along a stationary cold front running from the Gulf coast into the Ohio valley/Great Lakes, with a warm front slowly working north towards the region overnight. The warm front will lift north late tonight into early Wed AM, as a coastal llj strengthens and expands north into the region. E/NE flow to the north of the approaching warm front will maintain low clouds and patchy fog/drizzle into the first half of tonight, with increasing likelihood of showers overnight into early Wed AM with WCB approaching the region and a deep layered lift of a +3-4 STD PWAT airmass over the region. Evening low temps from the lower 40s to near 50 should increase through the 50s for the coast, while holding in the mid to upper 40s across interior valleys overnight. && .SHORT TERM /6 AM WEDNESDAY MORNING THROUGH WEDNESDAY NIGHT/... Anomalous, longitudinally deep trough digs down to the Mississippi Gulf coast Wed AM, negatively tilts and pivots into the Mid Atlantic Wed eve, and then across the area Wed Night. At the surface, warm front lifts north Wed AM, with a series of low pressure waves tracks north along the eastward moving cold front approaching the region Wed AM into aft, and then crossing Wed eve. Initial area of moderate to heavy rain associated with head of strengthening llj and northward moving warm front may briefly subside in the late AM/early afternoon for western areas, while potential for this to continue for LI/S CT under strengthening llj. This will be followed by main axis of moderate to heavy rainfall associated with deep layered lift (divergent flow ahead of vigorous upper trough axis and under right front quad of 150kt ulj) and strong moisture convergence and lift ahead/along approaching cold front in the aft/early eve as a result of a weakly unstable +3-4 STD PWAT airmass being advected in on a 75-80kt llj. Embedded tstm activity possible as a weakly unstable airmass advects into the region. High-res cams indicating a fine line of low-topped convection likely organizing along the cold front, although timing differences on how quickly the line gets organized across areas w of NYC. Generally moving from w to e across the region between noon and 8pm. Higher model confidence in this line consolidating across LI/S CT. Rainfall rates of 1+"/hr possible with this line. A few hours of post-frontal moderate rain likely behind the front before coming to an end Wed eve. Overall, a general 2-3" of rain likely areawide, with locally 4-5" possible across LI/S CT if/where most persistent banding develops. Overall, primary threat is for minor urban, poor drainage and even small stream flooding, so no Flood watch issuance at this time. See hydro sections for rainfall details and potential flood impacts. The 75-80 kt llj overspreading the coast Wed aft into early eve, combined with only a weak low-level inversion will present potential for damaging wind gusts across LI and SE CT, with wind advisory winds gusts for the remainder of the coastal plain, including NYC. BUFKIT analysis and HRRR wind gust potential support a high wind warning for LI, coastal New Haven, and Middlesex and New London counties for 55 to 60 mph gust potential (localized 65mph gusts possible for east end of LI), 50 to 55 mph gusts potential for the next tier of counties inland. Winds shift to the W with cold frontal passage Wed evening, and continue gusty with cold advection (25-35 mph, locally 40 mph, much of the night) Unseasonably mild temperatures of 60-65 on Wed should quickly drop after cold fropa Wed evening, with lows in the lower 30s by daybreak Thu. && .LONG TERM /THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY/... Key Points... * Sharply colder behind midweek system, wind chills in the 20s Thursday and Friday afternoon * Turning milder and unsettled early next week as a frontal system potentially impacts region Strong CAA follows the cold frontal passage into Thursday, with a secondary front moving through late in the day. The parent low pressure deepens as it tracks into Quebec, and surface high pressure begins to build in from the west. This tightened pressure gradient will keep a strengthened flow in place. The cold air aloft should allow mixing toward 850 mb, keeping conditions blustery through the day with westerly gusts 30 to 40 mph. With 850 mb temps progged around -11C to -13C, afternoon temperatures should only achieve the mid 30s inland to the lower 40s for eastern areas. With the gusty conditions, expect wind chills in the 20s through the day, if not lower. Absent a stray flurry in the interior, conditions remain dry under mostly sunny skies. Winds weaken by Friday as the center of the high approaches. Sunshine prevails, but conditions remain colder than normal with highs only in the low to mid 30s and morning wind chills in the teens. The strong 1047 mb surface high passes just north of the local Tri-State into Saturday, and the flow veers around and becomes onshore by Sunday as the center slips into the Canadian Maritimes. This will help nudge temperature up from the 30s and 40s Saturday to the 40s and low 50s Sunday. Increasing low level moisture with the flow should lead to a good amount of lower clouds on Sunday as a weak mid level wave and warm front approach, though it remains unclear if the associated precip dissipates before reaching the area. Another frontal system may move through early next week, but guidance disagrees with timing and intensity. Kept PoPs capped at chance (50%) for now until the picture becomes clearer, but at this time the first few days of next week appear unsettled. Left ptypes at rain and/or snow at this stage, but more likely would be either all rain or perhaps a wintry mix well inland based on soundings and warmer air moving in aloft. && .AVIATION /03Z WEDNESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY/... A frontal boundary south of the terminals slowly lifts north tonight. Low pressure and its associated cold front approach overnight. LIFR and IFR prevail through tonight with ceilings remaining below 1 kft, and in most cases below 500 ft. Some pockets of reduced visibility at a few terminals in fog can also be expected. Rain spreads west to east across the terminals tonight and will continue through much of the day Wednesday. Some of the rain may be heavy at times. Can not rule out a rumble or two of thunder, however confidence on timing and placement too low to include in the TAFs at this time. Winds become SE-S overnight. Gusts develop around daybreak along with the potential for LLWS for city and western most terminals. By 12-15z LLWS should prevail at most terminals as gusts get to 30 kt by 15z, and approach 35 to 45 kt for the city and eastern terminals towards 18z. Winds start to peak out closer to 21z with gusts as high as 50kt. NY Metro (KEWR/KLGA/KJFK/KTEB)TAF Uncertainty... Amendments can be expected through much of the TAF period for differing flight categories, changing wind directions and wind gusts. OUTLOOK FOR 00Z THURSDAY THROUGH SUNDAY... Wednesday night: Winds become more west overnight with VFR returning towards midnight and gusts still around 30kt. Thursday: VFR with W winds 15-20G30kt. Friday and Saturday: VFR. Sunday: sub VFR possible in light rain and low clouds, especially late. Detailed information, including hourly TAF wind component forecasts, can be found at: https:/www.weather.gov/zny/n90 && .MARINE... Sub SCA conds into tonight. Low pressure and its associated cold front will impact the waters Wed into Wed evening. Southerly winds and ocean seas will quickly increase to SCA early Wed AM, and then Gales by midday Wed. As strong LLJ moves across a period of storm force wind gusts are likely across most waters, except NY harbor. Rough seas are expected with this system, up to 4-7 ft on the Sound and 12-18 ft on the ocean late Wednesday into Wednesday night. Once the strong low level jet passes Wed eve, westerly gales are expected in its wake Wed Night into Thu Am. Gales are likely to continue through Thursday afternoon on at least the ocean, and potentially on the non-ocean waters. Winds lower below 25 kt on all waters by Thursday night and ocean seas gradually lower from over 10 ft Thursday morning, to under 5 ft by late Friday morning. Sub SCA conditions then persist on all local waters Friday into early next week. && .HYDROLOGY... A widespread 2-3" of rainfall likely from late tonight into Wed evening ranges from 2-3 inches. Locally 4 to 5" amounts are possible across LI/S CT where high-res models are indicating bands of heavy rain persistently moving north thru the region late tonight into early Wed aft, and followed by a consolidating e-w moving axis of heavy rain/embedded thunder ahead/along the cold front. Rainfall rates of 1+"/hr possible in this line. This line will be progressive, but will occur over already saturated ground from earlier 1-2" rain over LI/CT and may expand in size as it moves east with better llj forcing. Headwater guidance indicating that 2"/6hr or 3"/12hr would be sufficient for minor flashy small stream flooding. Moderate potential of this occurrence is across S CT. Otherwise, the primary threat from this rainfall will be minor urban and poor drainage flooding, with rainfall rates of generally 1/4 to 1/2"hr between 6am and 6pm, with brief 3/4-1"/hr rates possible. This will be most persistent across LI/S CT. There is a localized risk of flash flooding where higher rates persist, particularly S CT. && .TIDES/COASTAL FLOODING... As little as 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 ft surge needed for minor coastal impact with the Wed AM high tide. With as little as 2 1/2 ft for the evening high tide. With easterly flow tonight causing some tidal piling, and southerly winds just beginning to ramp up during the morning high tide, water levels will approach minor flood thresholds and perhaps touch in a few spots across SW CT and southern Queens/Nassau. While peak surge is expected to occur Wed afternoon and early evening, stillwater levels for most locations should once again remain below minor flooding benchmarks. But with a gradual windshift from southerly storm force to SW SCA just before or during the time of evening high tide, potential for areas along the southern bays of NYC LI, south facing shoreline of twin forks, and coastal CT to see minor coastal impacts from combo of elevated water and splashover from wave action. This includes the eastern Great South Bay as water levels may remain elevated and could touch minor benchmarks as a strong southerly flow switches to the southwest, preventing water from escaping the bay quickly. The combination of 10-15 ft breakers during the evening high tide will cause widespread beach flooding and erosion. Scattered area of dune base erosion, and localized washovers possible for LI beaches where dunes protection is compromised. && .OKX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... CT...Wind Advisory from noon to 10 PM EST Wednesday for CTZ005-006- 009. High Wind Warning from noon to 10 PM EST Wednesday for CTZ007- 008-010>012. NY...Wind Advisory from noon to 10 PM EST Wednesday for NYZ071>075- 176-178. High Wind Warning from noon to 10 PM EST Wednesday for NYZ078>081-177-179. NJ...Wind Advisory from noon to 10 PM EST Wednesday for NJZ006-104- 106-108. MARINE...Storm Warning from noon to 10 PM EST Wednesday for ANZ331-332- 335-340-345-350-353-355. Gale Warning from 6 AM Wednesday to 6 AM EST Thursday for ANZ338. && $$ SYNOPSIS...NV NEAR TERM...BC/NV SHORT TERM...NV LONG TERM...DR AVIATION...BC MARINE...DR/NV HYDROLOGY...DR/NV TIDES/COASTAL FLOODING...
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Phoenix AZ
432 PM MST Tue Dec 10 2024 .UPDATE... Updated Aviation && .SYNOPSIS... Cooler temperatures, closer to seasonal normals, can be expected this afternoon with much of the high terrain and some rural desert areas locations reaching the freezing mark Wednesday morning. High pressure will become reestablished over the region resulting in a slight warming trend through the end if the week and into the weekend. Dry conditions will prevail over the next several days. && .DISCUSSION... Current 500mb RAP analysis reveals a highly amplified pattern across the western half of the United States with ridging over the Pacific Coast and a positively tilted trough over the Plains. This disturbance provided the Desert Southwest with some breezy to windy conditions overnight but any residual breeziness will diminish through this evening as the trough axis pulls away from our forecast area. An accompanying cold front as introduced cooler and very dry air to the region with morning dew point values in the single digits to even below zero. Temperatures this afternoon across the lower deserts will be several degrees lower than what was observed yesterday, with readings ranging generally in the middle 60s, which is right around normal for this time of year. With the presence of a much cooler airmass compared to what we have seen through the first part of December, cold overnight lows can be expected for Wednesday morning across the region. Add in very dry air, and minimal wind, and you have a setup that will promote some of the coldest overnight temperatures seen so far this year. Middle 30s to lower 40s will be common across lower desert areas with more rural desert communities likely seeing near to below freezing values. As a result, a Freeze Warning has been posted for parts of the Lower Colorado River Valley, portions of the Gila River Valley in Yuma County, parts of Pinal County, and the Globe/Miami and San Carols areas in southern Gila County. Therefore, if residing in these areas under a Freeze Warning, make sure to practice the 4 P`s which are protect people, pets, pipes, and plants from the cold. The aforementioned ridge will eventually encompass much of the western CONUS by Wednesday which will allow for a slight rebound in temperatures across the region, but afternoon highs are expected to remain in the middle to upper 60s for most locations, with the exception of a few reaching into the lower 70s. Ensembles indicate a transient short-wave trough diving across the Great Basin on Thursday, but should not bring any sensible weather changes to our forecast area as it will likely pass to far to our north. In the wake of this disturbance, stronger ridging is depicted taking hold, promoting a further warming trend, with lower desert highs warming into the middle 70s by this weekend, a good 10 degrees or so above normal for the middle of December. && .AVIATION...Updated at 2330Z South Central Arizona including KPHX, KIWA, KSDL, and KDVT: No aviation concerns are expected through the forecast period. Westerly winds between 04-08kts will continue through most of the afternoon with an easterly shift by 04Z and will remain through the night/morning. Speeds should remain light aob 6kts overnight. Skies will remain mostly clear through the majority of the TAF period with some high cirrus clouds starting to move in at the end of the period. Southeast California/Southwest Arizona including KIPL and KBLH: No aviation concerns are anticipated through the forecast period. Elevated northerly winds will continue this afternoon, where speeds will be generally be aob 7kts through this evening. Winds are expected to shift around to the west by 02Z at KIPL and 08Z at KBLH then back northerly by tomorrow afternoon. Skies will remain mostly clear through the majority of the TAF period with SCT-BKN high clouds starting to move in at the end of the period. && .FIRE WEATHER... Noticeably cooler temperatures closer to seasonal norms are expected today as highs top out in the mid to upper 60s across the lower deserts. Some gusty northerly winds will persist through this morning, mainly along the Colorado River Valley, with some breezy northeasterly winds across the AZ higher terrain. Winds are expected to diminish heading into this afternoon and evening. MinRH values this afternoon are expected to bottom out in the single digits area wide. Heading into the latter half of the week and especially this upcoming weekend, temperatures will warm up into the above normal range once again with generally light winds expected. MinRHs will be in the single digits to lower teens Wednesday and Thursday, before rising into the 15-20% range heading towards the end of the week and into the upcoming weekend. && .PSR WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... AZ...Freeze Warning from midnight tonight to 9 AM MST Wednesday for AZZ530-536-553-560-562. CA...Freeze Warning from 11 PM this evening to 8 AM PST Wednesday for CAZ569. && $$ DISCUSSION...RW AVIATION...Ryan FIRE WEATHER...Lojero
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Raleigh NC
935 PM EST Tue Dec 10 2024 .SYNOPSIS... In-situ cold air damming and an associated wedge front will continue to retreat from northwestern NC into VA tonight. A strong upper- level trough and accompanying surface cold front will sweep across the region on Wednesday. Chilly high pressure will build into the region for Thursday and Friday. && .NEAR TERM /THROUGH TONIGHT/... As of 935 PM Tuesday... * Little change to current forecast reasoning with only minor adjustments to the forecast with widespread rain spreading across the area overnight and perhaps a rumble of thunder. The latest surface analysis shows an approaching cold front extending from western PA south across WV and into eastern TN and northern AL. The airmass across central NC is warm and moist with surface dew points in the lower 60s at 9pm and air temperatures in the lower to mid 60s. A wedge front marking the edge of a cooler and less humid air mass has retreated northwest into northwestern NC and western VA. Further aloft, a vigorous mid and upper level trough is advancing east across the Plains states with the jet stream diving south into TC and LA this evening and a strong southwesterly flow aloft across the Southeast and the Carolinas. The evening RAOB at KGSO observed a 50kt southwesterly wind at 860mb and 125kts at 260mb. The RAOB also analyses a PW of 1.19 inches which is more than 250% of normal. The strong southwesterly flow aloft and associated divergence is producing a large area of ascent and light to moderate rainfall across the western Carolinas and into GA. Over the last few hours widely scattered convective showers with locally heavier rain but no lightning have developed in the Coastal Plain. The large area of rain across the western Carolinas will shift east overnight spreading across most of the Piedmont. As the mid levels become slightly more unstable the steady rain in the Piedmont will be mixed with a few heavier showers. The more convective showers across the Coastal Plain are apt to continue overnight and gradually shift east. Would not be surprised to see a few lightning flashes overnight especially in the Coastal Plain and we`ve include thunder in the forecast in these locations. In addition, the widespread rain will likely result in a difficult commute in the morning, especially in the Triad and western Piedmont. Temperatures will remain steady or even rise a degree overnight. -Blaes && .SHORT TERM /WEDNESDAY AND WEDNESDAY NIGHT/... As of 241 PM Tuesday... A strong, deep trough will lift through the eastern seaboard Wednesday, combining with anomalous low-level moisture transport to promote a good swath of moderate to heavy rain. Ahead of a sfc cold front, moderate to heavy rain will likely be ongoing across the western to central portions of our area early Wednesday morning. As the trough pivots eastward (and takes on a more negative tilt), strong mid-level height falls will spread east across central NC. This will promote continued moderate to heavy rain as the main band pivots east across the Piedmont/Coastal Plain. Rain will move east of our area by early Wednesday evening. Severe weather concerns: The latest HREF guidance continues to depict the strongest 4-hrly updrafts along and off the Carolina coastline Wednesday afternoon. Updraft helicity probabilities peak over there too, with perhaps a few streaks through Sampson county tomorrow afternoon. Similarly, the HRRR Neural Network guidance also shows highest severe probabilities just east of us across Morehead city`s CWA, and less so over our Coastal Plain. As such, there seems to be pretty consistent run-to-run consensus that the highest severe weather threat should be mostly east of our area Wednesday (SPC just added a slight risk in this vicinity; maintaining primarily a marginal for those east of US-1 in our CWA). While the SPC has introduced a 2% contour for tornado probabilities in our Coastal Plain (likely a result of HREF updraft helicity swaths showing a slight inland shift), most guidance simulates primarily straight and elongated hodographs over our area. As such, while an isolated tornado can`t be ruled out, if any instability is realized, the primary concern would more-so favor a stronger storm capable of damaging wind gusts especially for those east of I-95 (~in the 16Z to 22Z timeframe). Hydro concerns: QPF continues to highlight highest totals in the Triad (~2 inches), with a bit less with further eastward extent (1 to 1.75 inches along and east of US-1). However, latest HREF 1 to 3 hrly FFG exceedance probabilities are virtually 0 % over our area through the duration of the event. Thus, don`t think we`ll see anywhere near widespread flash flooding tomorrow. Although, given some south to north training potential, and the potential for some higher rain rates (given strong forcing aloft + PWAT ~270% of normal), can`t fully rule out isolated flash flooding in urban areas. Pre-frontal wind gusts: Latest guidance suggests that any pre- frontal mixing of stronger swly gusts to the sfc may be confined to the far eastern Coastal Plain/coastal areas. Still, can`t rule out some 20 to 30 mph gusts for those east of I-95 Wednesday afternoon as moderate to heavier rain pulls the incredibly strong flow aloft down to the sfc. Post-frontal wind gusts: Immediately behind the front, strong 25 to 35 mph gusts will be possible for a few hours. Gusts will subside by Wednesday night and into the overnight period. Lastly, a few rogue ensemble members show enough lingering post- frontal moisture to allow some snow activity in our Triad areas. I`m fairly confident that this will not occur, and any snow would be confined to the upslope mountain areas. &&. .LONG TERM /THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY/... As of 400 PM TUESDAY... Behind Wednesday`s cold frontal and upper trough passage, strong height rises and subsidence will result in sunny skies. Meanwhile, Arctic high pressure will build down from the Northern Plains into the Mid-Atlantic on Thursday and Thursday night. While NW winds will subside compared to Wednesday, continued CAA will bring much cooler temperatures, with Thursday`s highs only in the upper-40s to lower- 50s. Friday morning`s temperatures look quite chilly with decent radiational cooling, so expect lows mostly in the mid-to-upper-20s with lower-20s possible in outlying areas. The Arctic high will continue to strengthen to around 1040 mb and build down from the Northeast US on Friday, bringing highs only in the mid-40s to 50. The air mass will begin to modify on Friday night as the high starts to retreat northward, but lows will still be slightly below normal (mid-20s to mid-30s). Mid and high clouds will increase on Saturday as a mid/upper low moves from the Central Plains into the Upper Midwest and the flow aloft turns more southwesterly. While the best forcing will stay well to our north, confidence is increasing in a period of light precipitation sometime from Saturday night to Sunday night. Keep POPs capped at chance at this time based on the latest ensemble guidance and uncertainties in timing, especially given it`s Days 5- 6. Forecast highs Saturday are upper-40s to upper-50s, increasing to lower-50s to lower-60s on Sunday, while lows this weekend should be upper-30s to mid-40s. Yet another wave looks to move across the Central US on Monday, but how it will affect our area is uncertain at this time as the ECMWF keeps it wrapped up and farther west over the Great Lakes while the GFS is more progressive and brings a trough/cold front into our area on Monday night and Tuesday. For now just have slight chance POPs through the period, as guidance is mostly dry. The warming trend should continue early next week with above-normal temperatures. && .AVIATION /00Z WEDNESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY/... As of 625 PM Tuesday... TAF period: There will be widely varying conditions through the course of the next 24 hours. There will be a tight gradient between VFR and IFR ceilings this evening, and this gradient is going to fall somewhere around INT/GSO. Confidence is low for the first 6 hours of the TAF in those locations, before confidence increases in restrictions as steady rain moves in. At other sites, a passing shower is possible this evening, before steady rain moves into RDU around midnight and closer to daybreak at FAY/RWI. While wind gusts will eventually develop at all sites overnight, low-level wind shear is also likely to be a concern. There will be little directional shear but a good amount of speed shear. All locations are likely to drop to IFR/LIFR as a cold front moves through tomorrow, bringing reduced ceilings/visibilities and wind gusts. All terminals are likely to gust to at least 25 kt, with a more potent line of gusts expected to develop with heavier showers at RDU/RWI/FAY. VFR conditions will return to INT/GSO by sunset Wednesday, while restrictions will continue at RWI through the TAF period. Outlook: VFR conditions should return to remaining terminals Wednesday evening. Gusts as high as 30 kt will continue through the evening. After that, dry VFR conditions are expected for several days, with the next chance for precipitation arriving at all sites Saturday night and Sunday. && .CLIMATE... Record Precipitation: December 11: KGSO: 1.46/1961 KFAY: 1.47/2008 && .RAH WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... None. && $$ SYNOPSIS...Blaes NEAR TERM...Blaes SHORT TERM...Luchetti LONG TERM...Danco AVIATION...Green CLIMATE...RAH