CLOUDS DEPARTING, WEEKEND COLD SNAP
FOR TONIGHT: The sky will continue to clear and it will be much colder as temperatures fall into the upper 30s for our northern counties, and 40s in our southern counties.
COLDER DAYS AHEAD: High pressure will settle into the eastern U.S. and allow cold and dry weather to settle in as well. This high pressure will also produce subsidence, which prevents upward motion, meaning little to no cloud cover. Therefore, we are forecasting plenty of sunshine Friday through Sunday, with temperature near seasonal averages. Friday and Saturday will have highs in the upper 50s, while 60s return on Sunday. Overnight lows, will be chilly, with many locations flirting with freezing as upper 20s and lower 30s will occur Saturday and Sunday mornings. This will be a short-lived cold snap, as temperatures will be climbing well above average heading into the week of Christmas.
ACTIVE WEATHER CHRISTMAS WEEK: Moisture returns quickly Monday, and showers are possible by afternoon. Then, we expect occasional showers and thunderstorms Tuesday through Thursday with mild afternoons. Afternoon highs will be in mid and upper 60s Monday and Tuesday, with lower 70s Wednesday and Thursday. Unfortunately the latest model data suggests that we could very well have a setup for strong to severe thunderstorms Wednesday, Wednesday night, and possibly into the day Thursday. It remains to be seen if this will be a major threat, but it is clearly something to watch closely since so many people will be traveling. The wet and unsettled weather is expected to exit the state Christmas Eve and as of now, Christmas Day looks dry and cooler with a highs in the 60s.
