Monday's disruption potential (and beyond...)
We here at Monsoon's weather blog are following a developing system out of the midwest that could cause hazardous driving and disrupt schedules on Monday.
[Alright, the plurals there are pretentious. It should be "I am following..." since it's just me.]
Sunday will be mostly sunny with a high of about 34. Clouds will increase toward evening as the system in question approaches. Low 23.
Monday is a complicated mess. We've had very frigid air at the surface, and this system will bring in warmer air aloft. Which one wins out will determine what kind of precipitation we'll have. I'm leaning toward a colder solution (particularly for Berks and Lehigh), for a number of reasons. Here's what to expect:
Precipitation begins as light snow around 6am Monday, when temperatures will be in the mid-20s. Snow will accumulate a half-inch to an inch before changing over to sleet and freezing rain by 9 or 10am. Precipitation will change over to "plain rain" by noon or 1pm, as temperatures climb into the mid-30s, then hold steady there. The precipitation will be mainly light, and look out for misty periods (and even some fogginess) that will reduce visibility.
Rain and drizzle continues off and on through Tuesday afternoon.
There's not a whole lot of moisture associated with this system, but it doesn't take much to produce ice-stormy conditions.
Hazards: the aforementioned snow accumulation, along with up to a fifth of an inch of ice accretion, will make the roads dangerous. Hairiest travel will be from 7am to about 11am, but use caution all day.
Scheduling disruptions: I am predicting the following...
Delay Monday, 70%
Cancellation Monday, 45%
Early dismissal Monday, 10%
Milder on Tuesday with some lingering rain or drizzle, as stated. Temperatures rise into the low 50s.
Milder still on Wednesday with some rain likely--heavy at times, particularly late--and even the potential for a rare January thunderstorm! High climbing into the lower 60s.
Thursday sees the arrival of a strong cold front, which will bring heavy winds and much colder temperatures. High 38, low 21.
Friday will be much colder and still breezy. Maybe some flurries and snow showers. The high will only be 27. The low will be 16.
Next weekend will feature variably cloudy with highs in the upper 20s.
Next week looks milder to start (high of 40 on Monday), but I'm watching several potential snow-producers on February 5th, February 7th, and February 13th. (This is also the time of year for Nor'easters to really develop, and they often do so rapidly, so stay tuned.)