Warmer and Wetter Days Ahead

Although the winter solstice occurred at 5:03 PM today, marking the official start of winter, we will be seeing some above average temperatures this week.  Despite increasing cloud cover, temperatures will rise into the mid-50s tomorrow as a warm front works its way into the area and our winds take a southerly turn.  Tuesday will be even warmer as high temperatures may even flirt with 60°.  However, that does not mean that this will be a good week to be outdoors.

Along with these increasing temperatures, we will also see an increase in our rain chances.  A low pressure system will move through our area tomorrow through Wednesday.  As shown in the graphic below, the cold front associated with that low pressure system will move through on Tuesday and bring us our greatest chances for rain during the day on Tuesday and Tuesday night.  Although thunderstorms are possible, no severe weather is expected at this time.

Surface forecast map valid for 6:00 AM CST on Tuesday, December 23rd courtesy of the NWS Weather Prediction Center 

There is a chance that the rain will still be hanging around on Wednesday night and will switch over to snow.  However, due to the warm temperatures and substantial amounts of rain that will have already fallen, it is not likely that we will see much snow accumulation if we see any at all.  The graphic below shows the forecasted precipitation totals for tonight through 6:00 PM on Christmas Eve.  We could accumulate over an inch and a half of rain over the next three days before the precipitation is expected to switch over to snow.  So, this will be a very wet week, but do not get your hopes up for a white Christmas.

Quantitative precipitation totals forecast map valid from 6:00 PM CST on Sunday, December 21st thru 6:00 PM CST on Wednesday, December 24th courtesy of the NWS Weather Prediction Center.

 Looking further ahead, both rain chances and temperatures will decrease once this cold front passes. Check back on Christmas Eve for more details on any snow chances as well as your Christmas and weekend forecast.

Forecast:

Tonight:  Mostly cloudy skies, lows near 35°, and winds out of the southeast at around 3-5 mph.

Tomorrow:  Mostly cloudy skies, a slight chance of isolated afternoon showers, highs near 56°, and winds out of the south at around 8-12 mph.

Tomorrow Night:  Cloudy skies, a 70% chance of showers late, lows near 50°, and winds out of the south at around 10-15 mph.

Tuesday:  Cloudy skies, an 80% chance of showers and possible thunderstorms, highs near 58°, and winds out of the south at around 8-12 mph.

Tuesday Night: Cloudy skies, a 90% chance of showers and possible thunderstorms, lows near 48°, and winds out of the south at around 7-10 mph.

Christmas Eve:  Cloudy skies, a 60% chance of showers, highs near 50, and winds out of the west at around 8-12 mph.

Forecaster: Arden Gregory