Monday, January 4, 2010

Few Flakes Possible

A few flurries may be possible in Central Virginia Monday and Tuesday as weak upper disturbances swing over the region in our continued northwest flow. Here is the Noon surface map for our region:
The deep trough remains over the eastern U.S., with cold Canadian air plunging in from the northern Plains all the way into Florida. Here is the upper-air map showing Monday's flow and upper disturbances:
And here are the mid-day wind chills across the country:

Much-below average temperatures will continue all week as another strong cold front sweeps south through the Plains and eastward. Here is the forecast 850mb map for late Wednesday night, where you can make out the southern edge of the cold front moving southward into Texas:
The upper system responsible for this front will also produce light snowfall from the Plains through parts of the Southeast, the Midwest, and also into the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. Central Virginia will have a chance for light snow late Thursday night into early Friday morning while that storm tracks through the region. It is still too early to nail down snow amounts, but considering how cold the surface and the atmosphere will be, any snow that does fall could accumulate. We will provide updates on the track, intensity, and moisture availability through the week!