January 21, 2002
Just a quick review of the storm from Saturday that went through the region. The storm behaved as expected and left no big surprises for the area. Only doubts that were obvious for us with this storm were the high snowfall totals that many outlets were going with for the event. As pointed out prior to the storm, there was really no mechanism to give anyone in the area more than 6" of snow. There was no phasing, no blocking, etc. With the relatively quick movement of the system and lack of heavy QPF, the forecast of 3-6" fell right in line with what our area received. Here are a few totals from around the area:
DELAWARE COUNTY:
-CHADDS FORD 5.0
-MEDIA 4.5
-CLIFTON HEIGHTS 4.1
-UPPER DARBY 4.0
-SECANE 4.1
PHILADELPHIA COUNTY:
-PHILADELPHIA INTL APT 4.0
-SOMERTON 4.0
MONTGOMERY COUNTY:
-POTTSTOWN 4.5
-GREEN LANE 4.0
-AMBLER 5.2
So, for the first accumulating snow event in the immediate PHL area this winter, it was an 'average' snowfall. Accumulations could have been much higher if the heavier band of moisture shifted North about 50 miles, but as pointed out above, everything went off without a hitch.
On Monday, we have the *chance* to see more wintry precipitation, but would lean against that idea for now in the immediate PHL area. The catalyst for the precipitation is an upper level disturbane swinging through the midwest. Per guidance, a weak area of low pressure (or really just a wave in this case) will try to develop off of the Mid Atlantic coast during the day Monday. Moisture is fairly limited with the system, so anything that falls will be minor. For the general PHL area, we should see light rain develop (or showers) in the afternoon. However, it will be a close call between plain rain and frozen precip, especially later in the evening as surface and low layer temps cool off. Farther N&W of the city, the precipitation will be in the form of light snow or a mix. I would not rule out the possibility for a bit of freezing rain in some areas well N & W of the city. Again, not a big deal, just a nuisance type of precipitation. High on Monday in the upper 30s to near 40 in Philadelphia.
Temperatures look to rebound into mid week as a trough begins to dig into the Rockies with ridging developing out ahead of the trough into the East. Not sure how far North the 'milder' temps reach, but am certain that they reach as far North as our area by Wednesday. High temperatures may reach 50 by Thursday with another storm likely around that time. More details later, but looks like a rain event for now with another cooldown by next weekend.
So, an up and down week temperature-wise for the area. Seasonably chilly Monday with light rain in the afternoon, possibly mixing with frozen precip later in the evening, especially North and West of the city. Again, not a big deal, just a nuisance. Going to be a close call, but generally, would lean against seeing any frozen precip in the immediate PHL area. If things change, there will be an update midday. Temps rebound by Wednesday with highs getting around 50 on Thursday with what appears to be a rainstorm to affect the region around that time. That's all for now. Take care!!
S.B.
