SHORT TERM FORECAST
TODAY: Cold with sunshine and some clouds. High: 30
TONIGHT: Mostly cloudy with snow developing at sunrise and accumulating a layer to an inch. Layer: 21
THURSDAY: Cloudy and cold with snow of varying intensity, mixing with the south and east late in the day or at night. Storm total accumulation until early Friday 5-9 inches. High: 29 Low: 27
FORECAST SUMMARY
After a battle with icy rain and rain Monday night until early Tuesday morning, we were treated to a rare thaw in February by Tuesday afternoon. While it was short-lived, it was nice to see some sunshine and a temperature of 40 degrees working together to melt some of our persistent snow pack, which has been on the ground for over two weeks now.
However, do not expect much more melting for the rest of the week as the incoming cold quickly froze again last night with temperatures dropping in the upper teens and lower 20s. While the sunshine is returning today, the lighter air will not be replaced on a cold but dry day with altitudes closer to 30 degrees.
And true to the February theme of a storm every few days, another winter storm is still on course to arrive Thursday and through Friday. This one will be colder than its predecessor, which means that from Thursday morning collection of snow is expected throughout the area. Although there may be mixed problems with rain and icy rain in the direction of the Delaware Valley and the shore, there is likely to be a plow of snow for most of us, with the effect on the trip that awaits this week.
We will dry out for the weekend as there is again a shot of cold air for Saturday and Sunday, followed by another chance for snow early next week on Monday. If you count, there are 32 long days until spring arrives.
DETAILED FORECAST
TODAY AND TONIGHT
Wednesday is a much colder day than Tuesday, but still a dry day with sunshine that makes room for some clouds later in the day. The wind will be light, but despite the sunshine it will only be cold with only 30 degrees. Do not expect much melting as a result.
Clouds will thicken overnight with snow coming in from our south as we get closer to sunrise on Thursday. Lowest overnight must return in the lower 20s.
THURSDAY
Ready or not … here comes our next winter storm. Expect snow to develop early in the morning and be stable during the morning until the first part of the afternoon, if a good accumulation is expected.
Later in the afternoon the snow will become lighter and more volatile and may mix with some rainfall, especially south and east of the Lehigh Valley. Mixing is likely from the Interstate 95 aisle in the direction of the shore, with a light mix of snow, sleet and sleet also expected until Thursday night, but more of a again and again lighter variety.
FRIDAY
Our storm is likely to slow down longer than first expected and until Friday, with clouds and sometimes light snow, perhaps mixed with icy rain and rain showers closer to the shore. Any snow should be light and especially the first half of the day, with a gradual drought later on our Friday, although the clouds will remain in place.
Total accumulations appear in a large portion of the area about 5-9 “, with 2-5” south and east of Interstate 95, where mixing is more common.
THE WEEKEND
For the first time all month, an entire February weekend looks dry with plenty of sunshine, but also with fairly cold temperatures. Mostly sunny, with a few clouds during the day, with a brisk breeze and highs just around freezing, then partly sunny with a light breeze on Sunday but only in the mid 30’s.
Another chance of snow could follow early next week, with another round of snow possible on Monday.
TRACK THE WEATHER: