A gradual escape from wintry conditions

This Wednesday morning Mecklenburg county temperatures are still hovering at or just above the freezing mark. Meanwhile warmer air is being pushed up and over this cool surface air by southwesterly winds aloft. Temperatures at 5000 feet overhead were recorded at 44º during the morning weather balloon launched from Greensboro NC.

Thus the continued firehose of precipitation aimed at the area is falling to the ground as plain liquid rain. However, sections of the county - particularly west and north - are likely seeing ice collect on bushes, trees, and vehicles as the rain freezes on contact. That situation will ease off as surface temperatures slowly climb above freezing this morning, topping out in the mid- to upper 30s this afternoon.

The rain looks to continue through tonight into the first half of Thursday. Additional totals of up to an inch and a half of liquid can be expected as shown in this NWS Wakefield graphic:

Then just after the lunch hour Thursday a cold front will arrive, scouring away the moisture and gradually drying things out enough to allow some sunshine to peek through before sunset at 5:52 pm. Temperatures will begin tomorrow in the mid-30s and top out in the mid-50s during the afternoon.

A frosty beginning in the upper 20s on Friday morning may allow refreezing of wet surfaces. The end of the work week will then bring a brief dry and sunny interlude as high pressure takes control. Afternoon temperatures in the mid-40s will be about ten degrees below average at this point in February. Then, yes, more rain will arrive to dampen the weekend. Yay?