Weekend Cold Blast: Short But Potent
Even though it will be short-lived, Saturday night through Monday afternoon will finally feel like winter again. In fact, Sunday has the potential to feature our coldest afternoon of the season with temperatures remaining at or below freezing. Unfortunately for winter weather lovers, the cold blast may be somewhat of a disappointment as it will not last long, nor will it bring any big winter storms. Can we at least squeeze out a few snowflakes? Maybe.
Come early Saturday, the prospects for snow may look promising at first as a potent low-pressure system is expected to move toward the DC area from the northwest. However, the low will likely veer toward the Great Lakes before redeveloping along the coast well northeast of here. As a result, we'll probably be on the southern fringe of precipitation associated with the system.
Here's the initial read on how this weekend's weather will play out ...
On Saturday, we'lll see winds freshen in the afternoon as some light rain moves into the area. The rain may mix with light snow and/or sleet, especially in the northern and western suburbs. But amounts will be light and surface temperatures should remain well above freezing. Late in the day, however, arctic air will penetrate the region. Some snow showers are possible during the evening and overnight hours -- a dusting isn't out of the question in some places -- but the main story will be wind and cold.
By early Sunday morning, temperatures should be in the 20s with sustained winds in excess of 15-20 mph. Stiff winds are a good bet to continue on Sunday, with gusts potentially up to 25-30 mph or more. Combine the wind with temperatures that may hold in the mid 20s to near 30 in many places and we're looking at Sunday wind chills in the teens at best. Winds should begin to diminish Sunday night as temperatures drop into the teens before rebounding to the 30s on Monday and 40s on Tuesday.
A quick-hitting cold shot, for sure. But one that will make this week's surge of spring a distant memory.
By Matt Ross |
February 6, 2008; 7:30 PM ET
Extreme Cold
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Posted by: VaTechBob. | February 6, 2008 7:52 PM
I have a feeling that there won't be any more cold winters around here.
Posted by: Anonymous | February 6, 2008 9:38 PM
I feel the same.
Posted by: yep | February 6, 2008 9:43 PM
Rumble of thunder in Alexandria (Fairfax County) just now.
Posted by: Mark | February 6, 2008 10:46 PM
Where the rain be at?
Posted by: Peter | February 6, 2008 10:51 PM
Heard thunder to the north of me, up toward Clarksville, Montgomery County,
Posted by: Curtis | February 6, 2008 10:56 PM
This is the biggest storm I've seen on the GFS since December. http://www.nco.ncep.noaa.gov/pmb/nwprod/analysis/namer/gfs/00/images/gfs_pcp_372m.gif Too bad it's some 372 hours away. We can always dream, right?
The 12Z GFS has also hit on the prospect of snow for next Wednesday. http://www.nco.ncep.noaa.gov/pmb/nwprod/analysis/namer/gfs/00/images/gfs_pcp_162m.gifI think it's worth a look at, but again, this is a long ways away. The bottom line is that this February does have hope for DC snow lovers.
Posted by: mcleaNed | February 6, 2008 11:53 PM
I saw lightning tonight for the first time in oh...I dunno.....5 years. It was a welcome sight. I also saw a heavy downpour. All this went down near West Falls Church. This is one for the history books, folks.
Posted by: IsawLightning | February 7, 2008 12:25 AM
mcleanFred:
I'm still holding out for the "Great Leap Day Blizzard of 2008!" A 3-day weekend of snow, the fireplace, and lots of hot chocolate...
Posted by: snowsnowsnow | February 7, 2008 8:51 AM
mcleaNed:
I'm still holding out for the "Great Leap Day Blizzard of 2008!" A 3-day weekend of snow, the fireplace, and lots of hot chocolate...
Posted by: snowsnowsnow | February 7, 2008 8:53 AM
Brief but noticeable thunderstorm passed through my area (West Pike Arlington) between 10:45 and 11 PM last night. This was no doubt the frontal passage we were anticipating all day yesterday.
Posted by: El Bombo | February 7, 2008 9:43 AM
The comments to this entry are closed.
4 us snow lovers it's bleak 4 the next 2 week. Looks like Feb will end up 4-6 degrees +, with about a 5% chance of 4"+ snow & 15% of 1-4". Just don't see a patten change in the near future. This winter is turning out 2 b another bust, but nothing I didn't expect this yr.