CLOSE, BUT NO CIGAR...
It was a beautiful day Monday, continuing the trend of above normal January temperatures. Here's the months departures for the first week of the month. Most of us would take that anytime in the coldest month of the year.
From the looks of things, temperatures in general will remain above normal through the next couple of weeks, although I do see signs of an end and of that period (more on that later). Here's what the odds for above normal readings look like in the 8-14 day period by way of the Climate Prediction Center. Most of my area is at a 70-80 percent chance.
The upper air pattern providing the mild winter weather is also becoming active with a SW flow component at 500mb The EURO indicates this a week from now January 17th.
As a result, much of the nation is favored for above normal precipitation as well.
The first opportunity for wet weather (rain or snow) comes Wednesday night into early Thursday. Overall, there is good confidence a robust short wave spins up a well organized surface low which develops a nice precipitation shield. Where confidence dwindles, is with the final intensity and track and it's likely to be another 24-36 hours before that is etched in stone.
Recent trends do indicate most of the potential forcing remains south of my area until the system starts phasing further east. Not only would that keeps amounts light and confined to the southeast, dynamic cooling would be less limiting much of the snow potential. With the storm just entering the better data grids of the west coast I can't say this with certainty but that sure looks to be case. In other words, close but no cigar. It's also been the story of this winter with the ingredients for snow events consistently NW or SE of my area. That certainly conforms to the norms of what's to be expected in a typical La Nina winter. Large temperature extremes are also a staple and we've certainly experienced that.
Anyway, back to the Wednesday night/Thursday event, here's what models are suggesting for total snowfall.
The EURO
The GFS
It does appear there should be some light rain in my southern counties that changes to snow briefly as the system grazes my southern counties. The EURO currently indicates rainfall amounts like this. Again, the heavier amounts are falling in the sweet spot for heavier La Nina precipitation as shown in the graphics above.
SPECIAL RATES ON MY PLACE IN GALENA
My new Airbnb is open just north of Galena. It's a beautiful place, close to skiing in Galena and Dubuque. It has amazing views, is brand new, and just a hop skip and a jump from all the great shops and restaurants Galena has to offer. The place can sleep 10 and during the winter season we can offer some fantastic deals. Right now our rates are some of the lowest in the region as we grow our business. Grab some friends or family and make the trip. I'll even throw in a free visit. Click on the link below and contact Carolyn by phone or email. Would love to see you! TS
