Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Winter Weather Update

Two upper-level low pressure centers will merge into one very strong system over the Mid-Atlantic Wednesday into Thursday. The southern low brought snow to central Texas Tuesday and will weaken as it moves northeast on Wednesday. The second low is moving southeast out of the eastern Great Lakes region, and will strengthen as it heads this way. Lift from both of these systems will bring rain and snow to central Virginia Wednesday afternoon, with a transition to all snow Wednesday night. The snow will initially fall into surface temperatures several degrees above freezing, resulting in little to no accumulation through the evening hours. As the near-surface air saturates late Wednesday night, temperatures will fall into the range of 32 to 35 degrees, promoting an accumulation of snow, primarily on grassy and elevated surfaces. Recent temperatures in the 50s and low 60s have warmed street temperatures to a point that most roads should remain wet. Snow accumulations of around one inch will be possible across the metro area, with higher totals possible to the east and northeast. Strong winds will develop as the coastal low deepens just east of the eastern shore of Virginia on Thursday, and moves slowly northward up the coast.

Light Fog Tuesday Morning


After Monday's rain, and continued snow melt, there is a good bit of moisture in the ground to produce morning fog today. Visibilities have been a little reduced in Central Virginia, but the fog is not widespread dense fog, as you can see by the snapshot from our Dominion Cam in Downtown Richmond this morning. Fog and cloud cover will gradually decrease through the day, becoming partly cloudy later this afternoon.