Before we discuss some of what has our attention as we move through the next couple of weeks, check out this cool visible satellite image from this morning. The snowpack shows up nicely. It’s also neat to see the high resolution modeling understand where that snow pack is and the associated cooler forecast highs compared to areas south and north that didn’t see the heavy snow Saturday.
As we look ahead, a wet week is in store for the region. Periods of widespread rain, heavy at times, will come at us in waves:
- Monday evening-Tuesday
- Thursday
- Next weekend, including Easter
When totaled up, widespread 2″ totals can be expected, with locally heavier amounts.
After a brief relaxation in the unseasonably cold regime, well below average temperatures are expected to return as we move through early April. It’ll feel more like winter than spring through the better part of the first half of the month.
It’s also too early to think about yesterday as the last snow of the season. Given the early April look, it wouldn’t surprise us if an additional snow event or two came along…
(As a reminder, you can always catch our most up-to-date 7-day forecast in the top left of the homepage).
Heavy, wet snow will continue through the majority of the day for central Indiana. At times, banding will produce snowfall rates in excess of 1″ per hour. On the southern periphery of the snow zone, a mixture of sleet and rain will mix in at times, but as precipitation rates increase, dynamic cooling will keep the predominant precipitation type as snow even on the southern tier.
Despite marginally cold pavement temperatures, the heavy snowfall rate is having no problem accumulating on area roadways and multiple traffic hazards have already been reported this morning, particularly in Boone County. If you don’t have to travel today, it’s best to remain at home.
The “big dig” will begin in earnest Sunday morning as dry conditions return and the added increasingly strong March sun angle will also help in clean up efforts by afternoon.
We remain very impressed with the prospects of banding which could include snowfall rates of 1″ to 2″ per hour Saturday morning into the afternoon hours. With such snowfall intensity, even marginally cold surface/ pavement temperatures will allow for slick and hazardous travel across many central Indiana communities Saturday. Additionally, within localized heavier bands, don’t be surprised for a report or two of thundersnow across central Indiana. Please share your reports with us as things unfold tomorrow! Finally, an icy mixture of sleet and freezing rain will also mix with the snow at times along the southern periphery.
Snow will continue to fall through the overnight and into Wednesday morning before eventually diminishing across eastern parts of the state early Wednesday afternoon. At times, snow will be heavy and we continue to expect tough travel tonight into the daytime Wednesday across southern and eastern Indiana. When shoveling and cleaning things up Wednesday, remember this snow event will take on a heavy, wet characteristic.
As mentioned in this morning’s video update, the longer range pattern is one that continues to suggest colder than average temperatures will rule the day. Until we can shake that negative NAO we don’t anticipate any major improvements in this pattern. Remember, we’re only the messenger… 🙂