It was certainly a wintry day today across the state, as cold temps, strong winds and snow squalls combined to bring a wintery appeal state-wide. We will see even colder temps tonight into tomorrow before a snowstorm arrives Saturday and brings in a quick warmer period behind it.
Thursday night-Friday
Still expecting dangerously cold temperatures tonight into Friday. Guidance has been consistent with the peak of the winds being overnight tonight into tomorrow morning, with 50-60 mph gusts expected. High Wind Warnings are in effect for the entire state except Litchfield County, where a Wind Advisory is in effect. A reinforcing shot of cold air will arrive over the next few hours and send temperatures down into the single digits for most by morning, with a slight chance at below zero temperatures in the colder inland locations. Wind chills will be below zero statewide except at the immediate shoreline. It won’t get much warmer over the course of the day tomorrow, with daytime highs in the teens to lower 20s and a midnight high in the low to mid 20s. Bundle up and stay warm!
Saturday-Sunday
A two-part system will impact the state this weekend, with the first part bringing a round of accumulating snow on Saturday morning before changing to rain, while the second part will bring rain, possibly changing back to snow, on Sunday. For a detailed breakdown of the models and the setup for part 1, check out our overview discussion from yesterday. The last 24 hours have remained relatively consistent on the guidance, with perhaps a slight trend colder overall for our area. To show this, here’s a look at the 18z NAM from today vs. the 18z NAM from yesterday, both valid for 10 AM Saturday.
Here’s a look at the second part of the system on the 18z GFS.
Below normal temps for Monday and Tuesday give way to above normal temps by the middle of the week. High pressure looks to dominate this period, so expect fair weather with ample sunshine – a nice break after the roller-coaster ride of this weekend! Next system looks to arrive on Thursday. The GFS and GGEM bring another cutter with a mostly rain solution, while the Euro goes for more of a coastal approach and brings snow to the region. Will lean towards the warmer solutions for now considering the pattern and relative outlier status of the Euro regarding both it’s own ensembles/previous runs and the other models.
The Dailies
Friday: Mostly sunny, windy, and very cold, with highs in the teens to lower 20s.
Saturday: Snow early, changing to ice and then rain from southeast to northwest through the morning into early afternoon. Moderate snow accumulations expected – see snowmap above for details. Highs in the mid to upper 30s. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
Sunday: Rain, possibly changing to snow late. Highs in the mid to upper 50s. Chance of rain is 100%.
Monday: Mostly sunny and much colder, with highs in the mid to upper 20s.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with highs in the low to mid 30s.
Wednesday: Partly sunny and warmer, with highs in the mid to upper 30s.
Thursday: A chance of rain or snow. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with highs in the mid to upper 30s. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
We’ll be back tomorrow with a final call on Saturday’s snow event, until then, have a great evening and thank you for trusting SCW as your forecast of choice!
-SA