Winter 2017-2018 Recap

Its been a while since the last entry but a winter season recap is as good of a reason as any to make a post. The 2017-2018 winter season appeared to drag on and not stop. After a mild February a cold and seasonably snow March and April reminded us that we do live in the middle latitudes. The region did not experience any major area wide snowfalls but the prime snow belt in Pennsylvania experienced a historic lake effect snow after Christmas into the beginning of the New Year. After a very mild October, cold settled in during November and became firmly entrenched from Christmas through the middle of January. During this stretch low temperatures dipped below zero on four days and high temperatures in the teens were common. Once this pattern broke a largely mild weather pattern with minor snow episodes held through the end of February.  Cold settled back in during March with below temperatures and snow fall. In April the cold continued but became more unseasonable with snow falling through the middle of the month. Meteorological winter ended with temperatures averaging near normal and the snow season ended with snowfall totals slightly below normal for most except near to above normal for areas south of Cleveland and east into the snow belt. 

Active Weather Pattern

After a nice January thaw the last two weeks of the month, the cold has returned to the area. Snow (3-6")and cold affected northern Ohio Monday into Tuesday before a quick thaw arrived on Wednesday.  A cold front moved through on Thursday and ushered in a return to below normal temperatures. A generally cold pattern will hold for the next week with several storm systems tracking across the region producing rounds of precipitation.

Today was cold with lake affect snow falling in the snow belt. Snow fall amounts for areas affected were generally one to three inches. High temperatures were only around twenty. Saturday high temperatures will  be in the thirties (30's) as a storm system approaches from the west.

On Sunday a low pressure system will travel across the Eastern US. A northern low pressure system will generate snow across the area beginning during the early morning hours. With high temperatures expected to be in the thirties (30's) accumulations should be held in check. A couple inches of snow is expected during the day with a few more  possible in the snow belt Sunday night. Monday conditions should be quiet with high temperatures in the twenties (20's).

On Tuesday another storm system will begin to organize over the Southern Plains. Thunderstorms, some severe, will be likely across Texas as wintry precipitation breaks out to the north of a stationary front. Local high temperatures will be around thirty (30).

On Wednesday the storm system will trek through the Ohio Valley. The intensity and track of the storm system is uncertain  at this time. Depending on how it evolves the area may see heavy snow or a change over to rain. Stay tuned to the forecast early next week for more specifics on this storm.

Cold and Snow Return

The cold outbreak that that began during Christmas broke as expected this past Monday. The thaw lasted much of the week with high temperatures peaking in the the 60's on Thursday.  A pacific storm system moving onshore in California earlier in the week brought devastating floods and mud slides to areas around Los Angeles. This storm system has brought a strong cold front east with cold arctic air returning to the eastern half of the Nation.

Today a strong cold front has continued moving east with an area of slow pressure tracking northeast along it. This combination has brought rain transitioning to freezing rain then sleet and then snow to the Ohio Valley. Local high temperatures in the morning were around sixty degrees before dropping sharply into the twenties.

Forecast snowfall amounts today will range from three to seven inches across much of the Cleveland area. Snow fall amounts will increase as you move east.

On Saturday the storm system will quickly move east and snow will end during the morning hours. Dry conditions will rule for the rest of the weekend. Cold air will remain over the area with high temperatures on Saturday and Sunday in the upper teens.

On Monday a clipper type system will approach the area from the northwest. Snow will spread across the day with accumulations likely. High temperatures will be in the twenties on Monday. On Tuesday and Wednesday high temperatures will be in the teens with generally dry conditions.

On Thursday high pressure will be moving east which should allow the start to a moderating trend. High temperatures should be in twenties with additional warming expected to close out the week. A storm system will be possible along the East Coast which could alter the speed of moderation.