How Much Rain and How About the Weekend?

The 3 day QPF map on the right shows the potential of up to an inch or more of rain over that time span. The reason I only used the 3 day map is that after Friday, things should start drying out over the course of the weekend and into next week. However, it could still get interesting tonight as the mist, drizzle, and light rain falls into surface temperatures that are hanging out around the freezing mark. Fortunately, amounts will be very light with total accumulations expected to be on the order of .1" or so overnight. However, those near freezing surface temperatures could obviously result in slick roads.

The system responsible for the cold, dreary conditions tonight will be quickly moving on eastward so the precipitation is expected to be ending by early Thursday morning. However, little or no sunshine throughout the day will keep temperatures from warming much and daytime highs will only be near 40.

A stronger system will be impacting the state Thursday night through the day Friday and that will be primarily responsible for the heavier rain that shows up on the QPF map on the right. This looks to be a very wet system, but fortunately temperatures will have moderated considerably by then and this will be an all liquid event with no wintry precipitation anticipated.

This system will also be moving on eastward rather quickly with clearing skies Friday night and lots of sunshine for Saturday and Sunday. So, after a chilly, dreary couple of days, the weekend is looking rather promising with temperatures actually making it well above normal during the day. In fact, we may see some 60 degree temperatures on Sunday. Another cool front will be arriving Sunday night, but this is a much weaker system and will be of Pacific origin rather than the Arctic air we have endured the last few days.

As a result, despite the arrival of the cool front, look for temperatures to remain above normal through early next week along with no mention of precipitation. In fact, going beyond that for the latter part of next week and into the early part of the following week also shows no additional arctic air coming our way and it also looks to be primarily dry. Notice the second and third map on the right which are the 8-14 day temperature and precipitation outlooks.

Don't misunderstand, that is not to say that we are through with the cold weather. Just that beginning this weekend and well into the following week temperatures will generally be running above normal along with little or no mention of precipitation.

So, stay tuned and check back for updates.

Dick Faurot