Hi everyone.. forecast is on track as of midday with temperatures now climbing into the low to mid 60's through most of the area. At this point, just some high clouds around as a result of the active southern part of the jet stream over the southernmost part of the area. These are just some high cirrus clouds, no threat of rain from them. Later on tonight, the cold front gets here with some clouds and breezier weather. There could be a stray shower or two with tihs front but, for the most part, the upper level energy with this one will pass well north of southwest Florida.. meaning there won't be much of any moisture with this one!
This is all part of the same system that's bringing yet another winter storm to the Ohio Valley and Northeast.. anywhere from 6-12" of snow is possible from Indy to Cincy to Columbus. This time around, though, the big cities of the Mid Atlantic will be warmer and the surface low won't really get cranking until it works up to near New England. The result? Just an inch or two of snow around DC and Baltimore after some rain to start.. 1-3" around Philly.. 2-4" from NYC to near Boston.. with much more expected northwest of the big cities where 6-12"+ could fall (even more in northern New England!).
Either way, this is a powerful system with a lot of upper level energy that's come straight out of Canada. Back home, that means cold weather for a few days behind the front.. with temps staying in the upper 50's Tuesday and Wednesday.. near 60 on Thursday. There are signs though that the pattern will begin to relax a bit by the end of the week - meaning not as many peaks and valleys in the jet stream and more of what we call a zonal (west to east) flow. This means closer to seasonable temps for SWFL as we get toward the weekend.. although there will be clouds around. More on that forecast later this week!
See you on 6 TV coming up in a few minutes and on WINK News Now @ Noon!
Brian
