Rain Returns, Cold Air Looms

We've had a nice run of warm temperatures over the weekend but we are in for some big changes as we go through the next 48+ hrs. The high temperature on Saturday was 46 after a morning low of 34. The high temperature on Sunday was 48 after a morning low of 41. The low temperature on Monday morning dropped to 41°, which is the current temp at noon. Clouds have dominated the skies over the past few days since lunchtime Friday and we'll continue to dominate for Monday and Tuesday. A low pressure system in the midwest will shift East bringing rain showers to Central Indiana Monday afternoon and evening with a cold not too far behind. I think temperatures will be in the mid 40s Monday night into Tuesday morning. Some modeling data is actually upper 40s near 50 but I think that might be a struggle. The highest temperatures of the month, warmest since Nov 30th, will then soon fade away as cooler air advances towards the city. Temperatures are expected to drop from the 40s Tuesday morning to 20s Wednesday morning. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday afternoon temperatures may barely climb above freezing.

Here are simulated radar snapshots at 4PM & 8PM this evening as rain passes through for the evening commuters. Roads will be wet.



If you've been following me on twitter I've been talking about the colder air headed this way this week since Thanksgiving. The 2nd half of the month will be much cooler then the 1st half of the month. So far, the coldest low has been 22° and some modeling data has suggested that we may see this for a high before the New Year, if not, even colder. It appears winter arrives on cue. The winter solstice occurs on Sunday, December 21st at 6:03PM. This is referred to as the shortest day of the year (the day with the least amount of daylight time). From there, daylight hours will finally begin to increase.



Attention though, is set on 2 possible winter events. #1 LEFT (FROM 06z GFS), #2 RIGHT (FROM 00z ECMWF CONTROL)



The 1st arriving the 20th into the 21st and the 2nd coming Xmas Eve into Xmas Day. Can't exactly talk about how much snow may fall for the 1st event as exact track of the storm will need to be worked out through the week. Numbers having been all over the past over the past few days but at this distance, its beginning to look like we could see 1"-3". Again, this will need to be worked out as we go through the week as its still possible we may see nothing or even more. Some previous models had the system suppressed south with the bigger snow amounts in Kentucky and Tennesseee.
I cannot provide specifics for the storm around the holidays as well but some of the earliest numbers suggest this will NOT be a major storm. Even the smallest storm, can still wreck havoc on roads especially for those traveling or doing some last minute holiday shopping. As we get into that time of the year, please be a little patient, do not cut drivers off. Be respectful and courteous to others we all have to share the road. Allowing drivers in front of you to shift lanes (use those turning signals) and leave a small gap between your car and the car in front. By doing this and adjusting your speed when needed especially when frozen or liquid precipitation is falling, this will help cut down on the accidents and the amount of time you'll spend on the roads. If you are traveling by air, arrive early and check with your airline of any delays and cancellations.


***10 Day Outlook***