Dramatic changes coming to the Central/Southern Plains, Mid-Mississippi Valley region. A substantial arctic air intrusion is expected next Tuesday and Wednesday. In addition, a decent portion of the Central U.S. will see some major winter precipitation, including freezing rain, sleet, and snow. A mid-latitude cyclone will mature at the boundary of the arctic airmass leading to a widespread winter storm event. It looks like the most substantial winter precipitation will extend from Oklahoma through Missouri and east toward the Ohio Valley/lower Great Lakes region. We saw a high of 71 in Dodge City on Friday, January 28th, which was only a few degrees from a record high for the date. 4-days later, on Tuesday, February 1, the late afternoon temperature in Dodge City will likey be around 10°F!
Figure 1. Surface map as depicted by the 3-hr NAM forecast showing the 70s in Southwest Kansas on Friday, 1/28
Figure 2. Surface map as depicted by the 69-hr NAM forecast showing temperatures in the teens in Southwest Kansas on Tuesday afternoon, 2/1
Figure 3. Official NWS forecasts for Dodge City, Kansas City, Springfield MO, and Norman OK for the upcoming winter weather event for next week. A winter storm watch is already in effect for Kansas City and Springfield MO.
Let it snow!
Comment by Nathan Raisbeck — January 30, 2011 @ 12:24 am