Cooler, Windy Weekend.

Saturday is not looking nearly as dreary as the data was indicating just 24 hours ago. However, having said that, it will still be about 20 degrees or so cooler than the Spring-like afternoon temperatures of yesterday and today. One improvement is that the data is now showing fewer showers affecting mainly just the more E and SE counties for the afternoon/evening hours. That should allow for at least some sunshine to filter through the mostly cloudy skies.

The cool front that is pushing across the state this evening and that will be followed by the cooler conditions may also set off a few showers/storms for the more SE counties as we go into the early night tonight. However, anything that does form will quickly move on eastward. The brisk northerly winds behind the front will bring temperatures down into the lower 40s to start the day Saturday followed by afternoon highs in the upper 50s. Some folks may even make it to 60, but that is still 15-20 degrees cooler than today.

Sunday will be cooler yet with morning lows in the lower 30s and daytime highs only near 50. It will also be between systems so no precipitation is anticipated and we should have enough sunshine to take some of the bite out of a gusty northerly wind that will be blowing for most of the day.

Monday will be a transition day as another cold front will be arriving late. Right now, it appears there will only be a slight chance of showers with this system. It should start off cold with morning lows again near freezing but a return to SE winds and partly cloudy skies for at least part of the day should allow for afternoon temperatures to reach well into the 50s. That is still well below normal, but warmer than Tuesday when a gusty northerly wind will keep daytime temperatures near the 50 degree mark. Temperatures that morning will also be near the freezing mark.

Depending on how quickly the surface high pressure ridge moves eastward will have a lot to do with how cold Wednesday morning will be. Right now, am thinking the guidance is moving things along a little too quickly, so am inclined to go with sub-freezing temperatures to start the day. However, gusty southerly winds that afternoon as the high moves on eastward along with a good bit of sunshine should warm things back up to near 60.

Those southerly winds will continue through Thursday and will tap into some moisture from the Gulf of Mexico resulting in increasing cloud cover and much milder conditions. There will also be a chance of showers/storms for later next week as well.

So, stay tuned and check back for updates.

Dick Faurot