A quick shot of wintry weather to end the fall season
Light snow accumulations look possible in spots late Friday
It was definitely a dreary and chilly Thursday across Central and Eastern Kentucky as a persistent and stubborn low level cloud deck kept the sunshine away and temperatures below average. As is usually the case behind departing storm systems this time of the year, the low level moisture won out with overcast conditions much of the day, although we did see a few breaks/thinning of the clouds at times. Afternoon highs were held in check initially into the upper 30s for most locations but once the sun managed to filter through, temperatures did sneak into the low to mid 40s.
A much advertised clipper system will dive into the Great Lakes and the Ohio Valley Friday bringing a chance of some light snow to the area, especially later in the day. With a southwest flow ahead of the cold front a rain/snow mix should be on the table for morning hours with temperatures at or slightly above the freezing mark. Once the front moves through into the afternoon, winds will shift to the northwest bringing additional cold air into the commonwealth and with enough moisture in place, snow showers are looking more likely later on Friday. This system looks a bit more robust as it approaches so some light accumulations are possible with a few spots seeing up to 1″ snow totals by the time the system wraps up into early Saturday. The highest elevations of Southeast Kentucky could see higher amounts with the upslope flow from the northwest enhancing some of the snow showers so a Winter Weather Advisory is out for that area Friday through Saturday morning. Of course any area that picks up some snow on the ground could see a few slick spots heading into Friday night as temperatures fall back into the upper 20s.
The Winter Solstice occurs at 4:20 AM Eastern time on Saturday morning and the upcoming weekend will feel like the holiday season. A few leftover snow showers will be possible in the eastern mountains, otherwise expect a mix of clouds and sunshine to kick off the weekend with chilly afternoon highs into the low to mid-30s. Hopefully we’ll see a bit more sunshine for Sunday but that won’t do much to warm our temperatures as cold high pressure over the Great Lakes kicks in a cool northeast wind so afternoon highs will remain in the 30s.
We’ll see a quick change in temperatures to kick off the holiday week as more of a southwest flow pushes milder air into the region. This will push afternoon highs on Monday back into mid-40s which is right around average a few days short of the Christmas holiday. The upward trend in temperatures will continue into Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with a couple of disturbances keeping our weather unsettled during that window. A few showers will be possible late on the 24th with a better chance of more widespread activity on Christmas Day as a wave of energy slides in from the southwest. Temperatures will be unseasonably mild with highs in the low 50s so it is looking like a damp Christmas holiday across the Bluegrass.
ABC 36 HOUR FORECAST
THURSDAY NIGHT: Cloudy skies, chilly temperatures. Lows in the low-30s.
FRIDAY: A.M. rain/snow then afternoon snow showers. Highs in the mid-30s.
FRIDAY NIGHT: Snow showers ending, a cold night. Lows in the mid-20s.
