An Arctic Blast....Then Wintry Weather?

Tis' the season to be jolly with all the major holidays jam packed in a three week period. Also, tis' the season for traveling. If the weather does not cooperate, then there is going to be some trouble. Paying attention to the weather forecast this holiday season will be crutial all across the country. Recently, a dull, tranquil pattern has turned more active with severe thunderstorms, and even blankets of snow. This trend does not seem like its going to stop anytime soon before 2012 comes to a close.

Two storms will take shape over the next week or so and cause travel troubles for many locations. Right now, the first storm will be an easy read, but the second one that comes down the pike could be interesting and tough to grasp at this time.

Presently, a strengthening low-pressure center sits over the Rockies and is prepared to move into the heart of the country with a line of thunderstorms and huge swath of snow. A combination of mid-level energy, surface temperature differences, and mixing a strong jet stream aloft will aid the power of this currently benign storm.

From the latest computer guidance, the track of this storm should take the center of low pressure though southern Colorado, eventually trek into Missouri and towards southern Michigan. Due to ample cold air, areas located to the north of the center will experience wintry weather, while liquid precipitation will fall to the south.

Because there is a good grasp on the certainty of the path and precipitation type with this next news headliner, the National Weather Service has already placed many from the Rockies to the western Great Lakes under Winter Storm Watches/Warnings and even Blizzard Warnings. Each area you see on the image to the left that's  highlighted in color are locations under winter weather alerts. Snow accumulations could top off near a foot for some, but the strongest winds and blizzard conditions will most likely be felt in western Kansas. Winds could whip over 60mph at times, causing whiteout conditions and halting travel.

 

Sure, the winds will increase all over the Brazos Valley tomorrow and Thursday, but we are well south of the cold air that snow will not be our issue. Therefore, a line of thunderstorms will be our main concern and approach around midnight Thursday. Severe weather should not be a concern, but some of these storms will produce gusts near 40mph, brief heavy rainfall and lightning. Once the front moves though, the gate will open up and cold air will unleash from the north. A gusty north wind will shuttle in much colder air for Thursday. Therefore, the 80 degree weather will be wiped out and its replaced with highs in the 50s, and yes overnight lows below the freezing mark. Cooler air will stay in place though Saturday before another big storm approaches.

 

Computer models are hinting on another, more powerful storm to drop into the southern Rockies and cut across Texas next week, just after Christmas. Its still way too early to call, but it will be interesting to watch because there is the potential for severe thunderstorms and even snow in parts of Texas. If this pans out, there could potentially be huge problems travelling on the roads and though the air. I will keep you posted, but remember, this is still several days out and the forecast can change. The image to the right is just one models solution to the onset of precipitation with the potential next event. Snow Texas does happen, but not often, especially around Dallas and Waco.

 

For more news and weather you can log onto: www.facebook.com/plushnickweather or www.facebook.com/KAGSTV. You can also check out our twitter feeds: @KAGSweather and @KAGSnews. Furthermore, you can download our new weather app. Search: KAGS Weather, in the Apple App Store or Google Play for Android.