December 31, 2002
Just a brief discussion as it is very later and there are still come uncertainties, especially the second half of this week. A strong area of high pressure is building into Southeastern Canada as this is getting typed. During the next 12-96 hours, there are at least 3 key shortwaves to focus in on. The first is over Texas in the form of a closed low at 500mb. The second is headed across Southeastern Canada and will help to build high pressure in it's wake. The third, and potentially most important, is pushing into Northern California.
New Year's Day will feature rain beginning in the early afternoon. Rain will continue Wednesday night and could be heavy at times. As the storm system pulls in colder air at the surface in esponse also to building high pressure, the rain may end as a period of ice, sleet, and/or snow early Thursday. This sets the stage for storm #2 scheduled to arrive late Thursday or Friday morning. The threat for wintry precip is quite strong for Friday however, keep in mind that the first system on Wednesday looks sneaky as the high pressure funnels cold air in so rapidly early Thursday, that the 0C freeze line at 850 drops almost 500 miles in a span of hours.
Again, a short and somewhat sloppy discussion as it is very late. Bigtime potential for a wintry event this week after Wednesday. More later.
S.B.
