Good morning NBC Action Weather Bloggers,
WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY THROUGH THE EVENING RUSH HOUR!
Here is our snowfall forecast before the first snowflakes even start falling. Read below for the analysis and concerns. And, as you look at this map below remember it could shift 30 to 60 miles:
We are having a very interesting and exciting weather day. It will likely end up with some travel problems, however, so it is going to be a headache for some of us before the day is over. 1 to 3 inches of snow may fall with strong winds blowing it around this afternoon. This is something that will develop as the band of snow hasn't formed yet as of 6 AM. I am expecting signs of development by mid morning to our west.
This is a fascinating day. Today's high was already 58 degrees after midnight! Look how it started on this 12:45 AM surface map:
Look at how fast this front has moved to the southeast. The above map is the 1 AM surface map, and below you can see the 6 AM surface map. Notice the temperatures across Nebraska have crashed into the lower teens. This air is surging our way:
As the cold air rushes into our region it will be cold enough for all snow once the new bands of precipitation form. I am not expecting the bands to really get their act together until later this morning or early this afternoon. This poses many problems for our 1 to 3 inch snow forecast:
- Will the bands of snow actually form? I expect them to form by 10 AM to Noon!
- Where will the snow bands line up?
- Will there be enough snow to cause blowing and drifting of the snow which would end up creating a rough evening rush hour?
- When will the entire area of snow shift to the south and could the bands become nearly stationary causing some higher amounts?
This is a tricky one. I am expecting the band of snow to develop, but where will it line up? How wide will the snow band be? When will it start forming? All of these questions will be answered within a few hours. Watch the area of snow southwest of Wichita. But, more importantly new snow bands should begin forming before noon if this is all going to happen today. Some areas will likely barely get more than a dusting while others very close by will be in the 1 to 3 inch band of snow.
New data will be rolling in soon and I will add a little more right here around 7:45 AM....Meteorologist Brett Anthony is tracking this on NBC Action News this morning. Be sure to watch at 11 AM during our midday newscast as we should know how this is developing by that time.
Gary