The Clipper Train!
Surprise delay for a couple of districts in Berks this morning (including mine!). There could be more of that on the way.
First, I should define the term "clipper":
An Alberta clipper is an area of low pressure that moves southeastwardly (from approximately Alberta, hence the name) and rather quickly. The second part of the name derives from the clipper ships which were the fastest sea-going vessels in the mid-1800s.
These systems typically produce light accumulations—a coating here, two inches there—and bring sharp drops in temperature. With clippers, it’s also common to see some areas get two to three inches, while others get a mere coating or nearly nothing.
That’s what gave some of us light accumulations on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. And a couple more clippers will move through on Monday night and Tuesday night. Clipper train! Choo choo!! Sorry.
Today will be sunny and breezy with increasing cloudiness toward afternoon. We’ll see light snow and flurries develop by late afternoon, with the period of steadiest precipitation from 8pm to 1am. Accumulations will range from a coating in some places to two inches in others. Highs in the upper 20s, lows in the lower 20s.
Chance of delay Tuesday: 65%
Chance of cancellation Tuesday: 20%
Tuesday will bring another clipper. Light snow develops around 8pm Tuesday, tapering by 5 or 6am. Accumulations will be in the 1-2 inch range. Highs just above freezing; lows in the mid-20s.
Chance of delay Wednesday: 75%
Chance of cancellation Wednesday, 35%
Clearing with times of clouds and sun on Wednesday and Thursday; highs in the upper 30s.
There’s a chance for snow and/or rain from Thursday night into Friday morning. I’m going to hold off on percentages until closer to the time. Stay tuned for updates as this system comes into clearer focus.
Milder next week, but we’re still looking at the potential for morning ice on Monday 2/11. Thereafter, I see a warming trend with highs in the 40s and 50s; no promising winter weather potentials…