KBGM
Things could then get very interesting Saturday afternoon,
Sunday and Sunday night as a potential winter storm approaches
the area. Guidance has come into better agreement that upper
level energy will emerge across the southern Plains/Texas
panhandle region Friday evening; with a surface low redeveloping
in the lee of the Rockies likely over Oklahoma. This system
looks to have ample moisture associated with it as it tracks
across the US. There looks to be some phasing with a northern
stream disturbance...but the details such as exact track and
precipitation amounts remains uncertain. Felt confident enough
to bump PoPs up to high end likely Saturday evening into Sunday.
Current guidance would suggest snow breaks out from SW to NE
across our forecast late in the day Saturday as strong isentropic
lift develops, and moisture is forced up and over the low level
cold dome of air already in place.
Overall the consensus is for a strengthening surface low to
pass by to our south, across the Mid-Atlantic, and perhaps turn
the corner, moving along the eastern sea board. Ensemble means
and model consensus, show a good chance for average QPF amounts
around three-quarters of an inch Saturday afternoon through
Sunday night...with WPC ranging from about 0.50" NW to 1.25" SE
of liquid. Its too early to pinpoint any specific, possible
snow amounts, and there is even some potential for a wintry mix
across portions of NE PA, depending on the track of the low.
Snow ratios could be high in parts of the area with this type of
set up...but again we will have to wait and see how this plays
out. This period will certainly need to be watched very closely
though as the potential for a plowable snowfall is increasing
for much of our forecast area. Temperatures are tricky and will
depend on where the above mentioned storm system tracks. It does
look to be trending colder, with below average temperatures
likely over the weekend and into early next week.