OVERVIEW: A deep upper level trough will remain over the area for the rest of the week. A weak system Saturday will produce some flurries for us but nothing more. However, a southern stream system will ride up with a whole lot of moisture. This storm could be significant as a frontal boundary becomes stalled over the area. It will be cold to the north producing snow in the northern part of Pennsylvania and warmer to the south bringing rain to Maryland but we will be right in the middle meaning we will see snow and freezing rain. It is very likely for this storm to happen so if you have appointments Monday or places to be, you may want to make other arrangements.
TONIGHT: In the near term it is the unseasonably cold temperatures that is the story. Tonight, winds will become light to calm, skies will be clear and with snow still on the ground, lows will run in the single digits tomorrow morning. The record in Harrisburg is 4 and the forecast is 8 so we will be close to record territory but I do not feel we will break the record. It will be cold though!
THURSDAY: Our next system rides in from the Great Lakes with nothing more than clouds, as most of the dynamics and moisture will remain to our north, but it will be followed by some very frigid air. Winds will pick up and become quite gusty and highs will remain well below average in the mid to upper 20s. The winds will make add a biting chill to the skin.
TGIF: Make sure you find a way to stay warm! It will be the coldest day of the week despite a sky full of sunshine. Lows will be in the lower single digits with highs barely getting above 20°!! Clouds stream in late Friday night as the next system moves in to bring a few flurries for Saturday otherwise partly sunny with temperatures finally climbing above 32 degrees! We should see low to mid 30s across the area.
WATCHING ANOTHER SIGNIFICANT STORM: Our next storm comes in Sunday and could continue into Tuesday morning. It is not a strong one but the duration will result in accumulating snow and ice. There will be a lot of Gulf moisture with this next system. It will start out as rain and snow then change to snow, then mix or change to a period of freezing rain then change back to snow. Track of the storm will be very key along with temperatures, both of which will determine the type of precipitation we get.
Bundle up and stay warm this week!
MaryEllen Pann, Chief Meteorologist
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