Friday Morning Discussion

Synopsis:

Cold air has returned to the entire mid-Atlantic behind the storm on Wednesday. Now that the cold air is in place, we will see a train of weak clipper systems roll through over the next five days. Each system will spread light snow across the commonwealth and put down some fresh powder at the slopes.

 

Short Term (Fri-Sun):

The strong northwest flow that has made temperatures feel brutal Thursday will begin to lighten up through the day on Friday. This will lead to lake effect snow showers winding down later on Friday. High pressure will pass by to our south on Saturday, bringing some drier air and clear skies to the state. This will not last long as a train of Alberta Clippers will start to make their way to the Commonwealth.  The models are in high agreement that the first clipper should arrive between 21z and 00z Saturday evening. This system should bring light snow overnight Saturday night to the entire state. The clipper will redevelop off the coast, possibly throwing some extra light snow into eastern Pennsylvania on Sunday. Models have the next clipper arriving around midday Sunday, giving yet another period of light snow to the state of Pennsylvania. Accumulations from each of these clippers will range from 1-3", with the higher amounts being in the mountains of western Pennsylvania.

 

Long Term (Mon-Tue):

Lake effect snow showers will start up again Monday morning as a northwesterly breeze is pulled in by the clipper moving out of the area. We should see a break in snow again Monday as high pressure from the south brings in a southwesterly flow and drier weather. Another clipper system should bring 1-3" of snow to the state Monday night and Tuesday morning. Don't hold your breath too long, because another one is right behind it and will bring more light snow Tuesday night. So in short, over the next week, expect cold temperatures and a series of clipper systems to affect the state of Pennsylvania.