A significant spring storm system will continue to grab headlines through the short-term. In addition to a raging blizzard across the northern tier into the Great Lakes, severe weather will be an issue across the deep South today. Here on the home front, morning rain will give way to drier conditions for the afternoon and evening hours only to return yet again tonight and into Sunday morning.
At times, rain will fall at a moderate to heavy intensity tonight into Sunday, especially across the eastern half of the state. Additional rainfall totals of 1″ to 2″ can be expected in and around the city, itself, and points east.
The other item of interest tonight will be the tight temperature gradient across the state. Don’t be surprised by perhaps as much of a 30° spread from north to central parts of the state this evening as the “backdoor” cold front begins to drop south. You’ll certainly notice once the front passes.
Eventually, cold will overwhelm and the second half of the weekend will wrap up on a downright “raw” note. As precipitation wraps around the area of low pressure Sunday night and Monday, it’ll fall as snow here. In fact, snowfall intensity is likely to be great enough to put down a coating in spots Monday morning across central Indiana.
Drier weather returns Tuesday before a weak weather system deliver gusty winds and a possible shower Wednesday (not a big deal). The majority of the upcoming week will run well below average- highlighted by the coldest day on Monday and reinforcing chill Thursday and Friday.
Our next storm system of significance will be slated for an arrival next weekend. While we’ll have to fine tune timing as we get closer, plan on increasing rain chances as the day progresses next Saturday.
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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.
Our next storm system will arrive Monday. Clouds will increase overnight and showers (mostly light) will arrive on the scene during the day. Rainfall amounts aren’t expected to be significant this go around (in general, 0.25″ to 0.40″ for most). Winds will turn strong and gusty during the day Monday, continuing Tuesday and Wednesday.
Colder air will get pulled into the Ohio Valley Tuesday evening and as upper level energy moves overhead, mixed rain and snow showers will develop Tuesday night through Thursday morning.
By next Thursday morning, widespread lows in the 20s can be expected.