December 30 Large Storm Brings Us Chilly Rain And Some Ice For New Year

December 30 2020

There is a large storm developing across the US today.  The primary Low is in Minnesota with new energy feeding more moisture in Texas.  Rain is falling across the heartland, but a swatch of snow dominates the Great Lakes.

We have cold air in place as some early flurries and light snow passed by predawn.  We will remain chilly but not cold enough for most of this storm. However, there is still an indication of some sleet and freezing rain mixing in at times over the next two days.

Morning Surface Weather

 

 

Wake Up Temperatures

 

Afternoon Temperatures 

 

Forecast Snapshot: Central Maryland

 

 

Thursday Forecast

Chilly 30s may allow some sleet to mix in for the colder inland suburbs.

 

 

 

Forecast Animation 

Thursday: Rain, narrow band with chilly air.  Might start with sleet across MD/PA border.

Friday: Chilly rain. May start with sleet or freezing rain for inland suburbs and mountains.

 

 

Friday (New Year’s Day) Weather

Near or below freezing temps will start New Year’s Day.

 

Light Rain and Freezing Rain will try to build back in during the morning…

 

The GFS is showing a sustained period of freezing rain into early afternoon.

Where? North of I-70 and west of I-83

 

 

Jumping To Sunday

I’ve been tracking the next system trending north with a follow up Low Pressure.  The latest indication is stronger and farther north, AGAIN!  I am not sold on this display with now brings it so close, we end up with rain.

This is worth watching and highlighting the inconsistency of the mid range modeling.

 

 

Temperature Outlook 

Speaking of inconsistencies, here is another flip. Next week is both looking less mild AND the arrival of the COLD AIR appears earlier on the 8th.

There is a larger global battle of arctic air at play. WE WILL GET COLDER in January. There is high confidence  in that. The debate is how soon. I will address this in my next report.