MOUNTAIN WEATHER FORECAST

Time and Day: 0630 Wednesday

The Snapshot:  A mostly dry and cold pattern starts today and will likely last through the weekend.  Snow possible early next week. 

The Science

Current Observations: 1.07” of water produced 12” of snow over the last 24hrs, the temperature is 26^of and falling, the barometer is 1008mb’s and rising, the RH is 96% and winds are westerly at 5-10mph.  The radar has a few remnant snow showers hanging around, with clearing to the west.

The Forecast:   A high pressure ridge will move into place today with dry conditions developing.  The feature of the week will be the cold arctic air expected to sink in from the north.   Single digits lows could be experienced by the end of the week.   

The Long Range:  The long range models have different ideas on a system pushing in on Friday.  The ECMWF has some light snow possible while the GFS keeps the mountain region dry; either way, this won’t be much of a snow producer. 

Mostly dry weather with low temperatures is expected for the weekend.  There are early signs of the high pressure breaking down on Christmas day with some possible snow.       

24hr Precipitation ending at 4am: Today 24hr water: .10 snow: trace Tomorrow’s 24hr water: 0  snow: 0 Trend and Timing: Snow will end today with mostly dry conditions expected.

24hr temperature ending at 4am:  Low:  16   High: 26 Freezing level: 3000’ – 1000’ Trend and Timing:    Temperatures will fall with freezing levels dropping to or below 1000’.

24hr Winds (mph) ending at 4am: Base:  0-5 W shifting ENE Ridge Top: 5-10 W shifting ENE Trend and Timing: The westerly winds blowing this morning will diminish and shift ENE through the day.

jM