December’s snowiest open in 26 years possible
Despite Wednesday’s emerging sunshine, the arrival of new clouds later today signals the approach of what is likely to be the first in a series of snow systems starting late Wednesday night. By Thursday morning, as December 2005 and the first hours of meteorological winter arrive, 1-2” of snow may fall. Given the strong upper air features and cold temperatures accompanying this system, it’s even possible a few 2-3” totals may occur. Such accumulations would be the heaviest recorded the first day of December since 2.7” fell 26 years ago in 1979.
Factoring in the day’s blustery SW winds, Tuesday’s temperature plunge produced a level of chill which felt 44° colder. Actual thermometer readings plummeted from 61° to 28° in just 30 hours from noon Monday to 6 p.m. Tuesday. The pullback was the equivalent of the decline in normal temperatures which takes place between late October and mid-January.
--Tom Skilling