Thermometers nose-dived this Wednesday morning thanks to round one of Arctic air that now covers the eastern two-thirds of the nation. Readings around Mecklenburg county are in the teens accompanied by desert dry dew points in the single digits. That's a recipe for abundant static electricity indoors and frostbite outdoors.
Wind chills will be a factor today as westerly winds of 8-10 mph stir the frigid air. That will make it feel several degrees lower than the actual air temperature. Folks who spend more than a couple minutes outside should ensure that no skin is left uncovered to avoid the frostbite potential. "High" temperatures this afternoon will struggle to make it above freezing in many spots despite sunny skies.
Under clear skies and continued influence of Arctic high pressure local temperatures tonight will again tumble into the teens. But that high pressure will slide off the East Coast Thursday, allowing winds to swap around out of the southwest. That will usher in warmer and moister air tomorrow, boosting county thermometers into the mid-40s for afternoon highs.
Clouds will be on the increase Thursday ahead of the next weather system. This graphic shows the track of low pressure systems being steered by the jet stream:
The next storm system looks to bring a mixture of rain and snow during the wee hours of Friday morning before switching to all rain based on current storm track forecasts. Should that track shift a few dozen miles south and east Mecklenburg could see more flakes than raindrops. However, there's not a lot of moisture associated with this system so total liquid amounts will be scanty. The sun will be back out by mid-afternoon Friday.
Behind this system round two of the Arctic chill arrives for the weekend. But take heart warm weather lovers. Next week looks to bring a thaw to the area.
No comments:
Post a Comment