More unsettled weather into Tuesday before we dry out
We are eyeing a storm system this weekend that could bring some heavy rain to the area
It was a dreary start to this first Monday of December with scattered rain showers as an area of low pressure slid across the commonwealth. With some colder air just above the surface, a few folks saw some graupel…which is soft hail but looks like sleet or hail. Afternoon highs were only in the mid-40s here in the Bluegrass with mid-50s and even a few rumbles of thunder down south in the milder air. Skies did clear late afternoon for some locations but don’t get used to it as the unsettled weather will stick around Tuesday.
A fast moving clipper system will dive in from the northwest on Tuesday providing another shot at a few scattered showers across the area. The best chances for rain will be across the northern half of the state as afternoon highs hang into the mid-40s. With some lingering moisture and colder air into Wednesday morning we could see a few flurries as the system departs.
The latter half of the week looks great with high pressure building in and temperatures recovering nicely. We should jump a solid 10 degrees from Wednesday to Thursday for afternoon highs as readings reach the low 50s thanks to nice return flow from the south. Our best day should be Friday with highs in the upper 50s ahead of a big storm system headed our way this weekend.
An area of low pressure and a frontal boundary will head into the Ohio Valley by Saturday bringing us a legitimate shot at some much needed rainfall. Showers and even some thunderstorms will be possible as the low spins through with breezy conditions and afternoon highs surging into the low 60s. We’ll have to keep an eye on the potential for a stronger storm or two depending on how this system evolves. The rain will continue into Sunday with totals legitimately in the 1″-2″ range with some higher amounts possible locally.
Of course the big question with colder air following suit late Sunday and into Monday is will the moisture be gone by the time we see the cold air arrive and catch a few snowflakes? Right now the model data isn’t synced up with the timing as one of the major models wraps up the precipitation by Sunday while the other keeps rain around Sunday and ends things with a few snow showers Monday morning. It’s definitely something to keep an eye on but it’s more a reminder that we are in December and a few flakes could fly around into early next week as it remains chilly.
ABC 36 HOUR FORECAST
MONDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy and cold. Lows in low-30s.
TUESDAY: More clouds and scattered showers. Highs in the mid-40s.
TUESDAY NIGHT: Evening showers, then sprinkles and flurries late. Lows in the low-30s.
