Records? We’ve Got Records, And Looking Ahead…
Meteorological spring began March 1st (though you wouldn’t know it with all of the cold and snow lately). Snow dominated the headlines in March with nearly a foot that fell. Cold also was a story as temperatures ran significantly below normal. Check out these impressive stats, courtesy of the Indianapolis National Weather Service:
- The 10.2″ of snow that fell at Indianapolis on the 24th set the daily snowfall record and 2nd snowiest March day ever.
- The 11.6″ of snow at Indianapolis resulted in March 2018 going down as the 6th snowiest March on record.
- Temperatures ran 3.3° below average.
Though we’re only a few days into the month of April, the fourth month of the year is already trying to “out do” March. Sleep has been few and far between here in the good ole forecast office with such an active start to the month. From the heaviest Easter snow on record to setting the wettest day in April ever and widespread flooding, we’ve had it all in just the first (3) days!
- Indianapolis recorded 3.9″ of rain on the 3rd- good for the daily rainfall record and greatest amount of rain within any April day on record.
- Easter snow: though some places received more (3.2″ at Whitestown and up to 6″ of snow at Lafayette and Frankfort), Indianapolis accumulated 2.1″ which set a record for snowiest Easter and snowiest April 1st.
At one time what looked like another snow-starved snow season is now getting oh so much closer to “average,” with the late season rally. As the saying goes, “it’s never over until it’s over!” In Whitestown, we’re now over 30″ on the season! Indianapolis is up to 22.7″ on the season and only 3″ below average.
Looking ahead, the upcoming couple weeks should continue to promote an active pattern. Temperatures should follow the colder than normal theme and precipitation should run above average. For the snow, we’re not done with that yet, either! Speaking of snow, we’re tracking additional opportunities for snowfall this weekend and again early next week… Hang in there, spring will get here eventually…
Most of the daytime Easter Sunday will feature dry conditions. Clouds will increase, lower, and thicken through the afternoon ahead of an area of low pressure that will track through the lower Ohio Valley Easter night. This will spread precipitation into central Indiana towards 5p-6p. Initially, precipitation is likely to begin as a cold rain, but we expect a rather quick transition to wet snow shortly after the onset. Periods of moderate to heavy snow will fall into the nighttime across the I-70 corridor. This will lead to reduced visibility and slick travel as snowfall rates will (once again) overcome marginally cold surface and pavement temperatures. If you must travel tomorrow night and early Monday, expect roadways to be slick at times- including being slush and snow covered.
Another winter event is possible next weekend, including the potential of additional accumulating snow. Should we get snow down, the possibility of near-record cold is present with the late season blast of arctic air next weekend. Lows in the 10s aren’t out of the question at least one night next weekend- likely Sunday.
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.