Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Weekend Outlook

We are watching for a potential storm system this weekend that will develop along the Gulf Coast at the end of the week, then track northeast along the southeast Atlantic Coast toward Virginia late Saturday night into Sunday. The track of this low is still uncertain, but it does appear from the latest data that it will move close enough to the Commonwealth to bring us a chance for rain Sunday. Depending on the timing and proximity of the low, precipitation type could be an issue. At this time, it appears rain will be the primary mode, but with surface temperatures expected to be near freezing Sunday morning, there is at least the potential for some icy spots if rain has already begun falling early Sunday. This is a forecast snapshot of Sunday morning with the approaching low from the south:

Depending on the timing of the rain's arrival, temperatures may have already risen back above freezing Sunday morning by the time it begins raining. Or, if the system accelerates into the region sooner, temperatures could still be around freezing when rain begins. Thus, precipitation type will depend on the track and timing of this system. We will provide updates through the week as the storm develops along the Gulf Coast and heads northeast.