Dry but cool weather for the midweek period

This NWS Wakefield graphic with Monday's snowfall totals does indeed show a maximum along the U.S. Route 460 corridor as predicted:

Meanwhile Mecklenburg County (lower left) received lesser amounts thanks to less available moisture and slightly warmer air.

The current active pattern of cold fronts arriving every couple of days will continue through the weekend. However, the amount of moisture associated with each of these cold dry air masses will be restricted. One of those cold fronts will cross the Appalachian mountains today - Wednesday - and pass through the county tonight. Ahead of the boundary a brisk southwesterly breeze will push warmer air into the area.

Thus today will feature a "warmup" as temperatures climb back into the upper 40s (still below average for the date). Most of the leftover ice and snow will melt and dry out as a result, especially with winds gusting over 20 mph acting as the atmosphere's equivalent of a commercial bathroom hand dryer. Skies will remain mostly cloudy with just a few peeks of sun here and there. Sunset will occur at 4:59 p.m. in the Buggs Island / Kerr Lake vicinity.

Temperatures will be somewhat cooler Thursday following this latest front. However, skies will be clear and the sunshine will help make it feel warmer than the low 40s expected for afternoon highs. Westerly winds at 7-10 mph will keep the air stirred somewhat.

At the moment the upcoming weekend temperatures appears to be less frigid than originally thought. More details on that weather will be in Friday's blog post.