Beating the Cold:
This is yet another perfect example of the extreme variability of the weather--our high temperatures plummeted from the mid 70s into the lower 40s in about 48 hours, with biting winds chills in the mid 20s. Even the full force of the sun won't be enough to coax temperatures above 50 degrees.
Tonight, with winds calming even further, and clear skies prevailing across the entire Mid Atlantic, I wouldn't be surprised to see some lows in the upper teens in northern MD, and even some lower 20s closer to the district. Although, the proclaimed Urban Heat Island effect will more than likely keep the immediate metro area "toasty" in the mid 20s.
Tomorrow mornings attire will consist of a heavy jacket, and heavy layers of clothing to beat the cold chill.
Image right courtesy of the EPA: Schematic of the "Urban Heat Island" as temperatures rise in and around urbanized regions
While Sunday and Monday will be cold, they won't be quite as nippy as today and tomorrow. High temperatures will likely make it into the mid-upper 50s both days.
Coastal Low..Winter-like scene next week?
While a coastal low does look to develop come Thanksgiving time, cold air really isn't entrenched in the region to allow a full snow event. Keep in mind that this is mid November, and any snowfall accumulation this early in the year is absurd, especially east of the mountains. Nonetheless, this is an event to watch given the fact it is occurring so early in the "winter season." If this event were to occur a month or two later-the large scale synoptics would favor a large snowstorm for the Mid Atlantic.
A large +PNA (Pacific North American) ridge extends across the Western coast, and a monstrous -NAO is developing as a Greenland high pressure system forces successive troughs to deepen and move southeast into the continental United States.
But, in reality, it is not December and temperatures do not look to be favorable for snow accumulation. If a coastal low does indeed develop in its forecast position--about 100 miles off shore, we could be in for a good rain producer...possibly mixed with some wintery precip in the metro area as the storm winds down and draws in cooler air.
This is yet another perfect example of the extreme variability of the weather--our high temperatures plummeted from the mid 70s into the lower 40s in about 48 hours, with biting winds chills in the mid 20s. Even the full force of the sun won't be enough to coax temperatures above 50 degrees.
Tonight, with winds calming even further, and clear skies prevailing across the entire Mid Atlantic, I wouldn't be surprised to see some lows in the upper teens in northern MD, and even some lower 20s closer to the district. Although, the proclaimed Urban Heat Island effect will more than likely keep the immediate metro area "toasty" in the mid 20s.Tomorrow mornings attire will consist of a heavy jacket, and heavy layers of clothing to beat the cold chill.
Image right courtesy of the EPA: Schematic of the "Urban Heat Island" as temperatures rise in and around urbanized regions
While Sunday and Monday will be cold, they won't be quite as nippy as today and tomorrow. High temperatures will likely make it into the mid-upper 50s both days.
Coastal Low..Winter-like scene next week?
While a coastal low does look to develop come Thanksgiving time, cold air really isn't entrenched in the region to allow a full snow event. Keep in mind that this is mid November, and any snowfall accumulation this early in the year is absurd, especially east of the mountains. Nonetheless, this is an event to watch given the fact it is occurring so early in the "winter season." If this event were to occur a month or two later-the large scale synoptics would favor a large snowstorm for the Mid Atlantic.
A large +PNA (Pacific North American) ridge extends across the Western coast, and a monstrous -NAO is developing as a Greenland high pressure system forces successive troughs to deepen and move southeast into the continental United States.
But, in reality, it is not December and temperatures do not look to be favorable for snow accumulation. If a coastal low does indeed develop in its forecast position--about 100 miles off shore, we could be in for a good rain producer...possibly mixed with some wintery precip in the metro area as the storm winds down and draws in cooler air.
DC,
I like your blog. I love weather and I find your coverage thorough.
Are you a weather buff or is it your profession?
Thanks for the kind words...and no, I am not a professional meteorologist but have a wild curiosity and interest about weather.