Thursday Evening Technical Discussion

Synopsis:  

 

Once an area of low pressure moves off the coast to the northeast Friday morning, skies will finally clear for the remainder of the day. Over the weekend, a ridge of high pressure will build over the region, allowing for clear and warmer temperatures Saturday. However, a clipper will move to the north of the state on Sunday, bringing clouds and the chance for snow showers. Gusty winds and snow squalls will accompany this cold front. Behind this system, very cold temperatures will engulf the area.

 

Short-Term:

 

A low pressure system will move off the coast of the U.S. allowing a ridge to build in over the commonwealth during the next couple days. It will provide us with sunny skies and warmer temperatures on Saturday. Highs in the mid to upper 40s are likely Saturday.  Behind this high pressure, a clipper from Canada will move through upstate New York. The associated cold front will travel across the commonwealth on Sunday morning as the low pressure strengthens. There is the chance of snow showers across the northern zones. Model guidance indicates amounts of 0.1-0.2 in with ratios of 20:1-30:1 possible. This could lead to 2-4 in of snow across the northern areas specifically Erie and Bradford. There will also be very gusty winds of 30-40 mph with these squalls.

 

Long-Term:

 

Once the clipper passes through and moves off to the northeast, arctic air will plunge into the area. Models have been indicating the chance for low temperatures to approach 0 across the northwestern zones. High in the teens and lower 20s with lows in the single digits are possible Monday and Tuesday throughout much of the state.