1-5-18 Southern INDOT: Details on a storm that could bring a wintry mess late this weekend.

Video (6 min):

Good Friday morning everyone. 

Synopsis: We are watching a band of snow that is producing some light snow showers in Southwest Indiana, Southern Illinois and Western Kentucky. There is some dry air eating at these snow showers a bit, but we certainly would not rule out a quick coating for portions of extreme Southwest Indiana near cities such as Evansville, Poseyville, and Mount Vernon. Here’s a look at current radar:

Temperatures are below freezing once again this morning in areas with a solid snow pack but we’ll warm up into the teens throughout the districts of Vincennes and Seymour today. Note on the animation below that overnight Saturday and into Sunday temperatures really begin to warm up. This is due to warm air advection generated by the storm that will likely impact the area Sunday night into Monday. 

The late weekend/early next week storm is looking more and more likely to produce a wintry mess for much of the Vincennes and Seymour districts. One thing to consider is that even though low-level temperatures may surge above freezing, the pavement is very cold and there is snow on the ground. There is very little time for the ground to warm up between warming and the onset of precipitation. This certainly enhances the probability that freezing rain will accumulate in areas Sunday night and into Monday. Here’s a look at the simulated radar on the European from Sunday at 4PM EST to 1PM EST Monday showing the potential for varying types of precipitation. 

Models are beginning to pick up on the freezing rain potential. However, there is a lot to be sorted out in terms of accumulation and placement. 

If you’re missing the warmer weather, the models have trended towards a big warm up next week! Take a look at the forecast highs for next Wednesday from the European model: 

We’ll continue to watch how models trend for the Sunday/Monday storm and next week’s warm-up and update as necessary. Have a great Friday!