U.S. National Radar

Comet Ison Viewing Guide

Friday, January 29, 2010

Weather synopsis: January 29


7:00pm temperatures through out the Northeast have been cold to say the least. Temperatures have been in the 0s to 10s with wind chill values much colder. Expect more of the same temperature wise as this stubborn air mass lingers tomorrow and into our Saturday. After Sunday we can expect moderating temperatures, though it will still be cold it wont be nearly as cold as its been. This past week in Buffalo over 1 foot of snow has fallen with the latest round of Lake Effect Snow. Regions to the south are also expecting some significant snowfall as well as moderate icing. Looking forward, Lake Effect Snow will likely re-develop sometime this up coming week producing additional amounts of snow across Western New York.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Weather synopsis: January 28


12:30pm a cold sharp front associated with a clipper system is working its way through the Northeast. Temperatures ahead of the front are in the 30's, behind this frontal boundary temperatures have taken a significant plunge with current readings in the 10's in Buffalo. Expect falling temperatures through the day as this round of arctic air settles in over the Northeast. Bone chilling cold will be felt for the next few days. Along with the low temperatures winds will also be an issue essentially making it feel much colder than it is. Winds should gust up and over 40MPH. Wind chill values will be well below zero in most cases. This cold front is also creating enough instability to produce wide spread snow showers across the region. Reports from NYC of up to 1.0" of snow have been observed with another inch not out of the question by day's end. Over the Great Lakes the passage of this cold front has re-oriented the winds over the lakes producing more Lake Effect snow over the lee-ward side of the lakes. Total Lake Effect snow accumulations in and around Buffalo should amount between 7.0" to 16.0" by the time the Lake Effect activity tappers off this Saturday.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Weather synopsis: January 27



10:50am temperatures in the Northeast range between the mid 20's across the eastern Great Lakes and mid 30's along the coast. There is a Lake Effect Snow Advisory in effect for the city of Buffalo as a southwesterly wind over Lake Erie is producing moderate snow showers. Additional snow accumulations by days end could range between 4.0" to 7.0". These Lake Effect snow bands will develop south of Buffalo and work their way north to Niagara Falls. The heaviest snowfall amounts will be in the most persistent squalls. Lake Effect snow is forecast to redevelop for the remainder of the work week as the wind orientation will be right off the Lakes with another round of significant snow on Thursday likely. Winds are forecast to change course by Friday, the Lake Erie snow machine will cease, total snow accumulations for the week will range between 6.0" to 12.0" with some locations picking up more than that. Temperature wise, extreme cold will be felt across much of the Northeast as the thick of the current arctic air mass moves in from Canada. High temperatures forecast from Thursday through Saturday will be in the 10's and 20's in the Northeast with lows below Zero to the 10's, when you factor in the wind it will fell much colder so bundle up. NCEP forecast models have hinted towards a potential coastal Low Pressure System affect the Major cities along the coast this weekend, as of now the forecast models predict a blocking High Pressure System that should veer the coastal low to the south into the Mid-atlantic. This should spare the big cities like New York and Boston from a potential Nor'Easter,

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Weather synopsis: January 26



2:20pm temperatures in the Northeast are divided by a cold front that is working its way on eastward. Ahead of the front temperatures are in the 40's with the last rements of this week's the storm system taking its final toll. Behind the front temperatures arein the 20's and 30's with Lake Effect snow showers off Lakes Erie and Ontario. Locations east of Lake Ontario near Watertown could pick up between 6.0" and 12.0" of snow with in the next 24hrs. Locations downwind of Lake Erie will pick up an additional 1.0" to 3.0" of snow including the city of Buffalo. South of Buffalo up to 6.0" of additional snow accumulations are in the forecast as those Lake Effect snow bands could be more presistant. A chance for Lake Effect snow will linger through much of the week across the eastern Great Lakes with a presistant cold wind. NCEP forecast models agree that this cold pattern will carry on for the foreseeable future with a storm system likely impacting the coastal regions of the Northeast especially NYC and Long Island with significant snow and wind by this weekend.

Monday, January 25, 2010

Weather synopsis: January 25


7:20pm the storm system that produced the heavy rain in the region is moving away. This storm has produce impressive rainfall with 2.20" reported in Erie County. Flood warnings were issued with the rain combined with melting snow causing water levels to rise. In the wake of the storm, temperatures began to drop steadily as time progressed. The forecast temperatures will continue to drop through the week as an arctic air mass continues to settle in. By the end of the work week High temperatures should top off in the middle to upper 10's across Western New York. Winds are expected to change directions and will be oriented off Lakes Erie and Ontario. This will produce Lake Effect snow showers. Locally 1.0" to 3.0" of snow can be expected with higher amounts into Syracuse and locations south of Buffalo. By the end of the work week yet another storm system will make its way into the Northeast. Primarily coastal regions will be impacted as this will be more of a coastal storm. With cold temperatures in the forecast we could be dealing with snow along the major cities from Boston to New York and farther south into the Mid-atlantic into Washington D.C. and Philladelphia this Friday and Saturday.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Weather synopsis: January 24


10:40pm the weather across much of the eastern third of the nation has been rather soggy to say the least. A rather dynamic storm system has taken the place of the High pressure system that produced the fair weather on Friday and Saturday across much of the Northeast. Flood advisories have been issued up and down the eastern sea board where heavy amounts of rain is being observed and can be expected to continue. Regionally forecast rainfall could very well range between 1.0" across the interior to 3.0" along the coast. South of the region the heavy rain could be accompanied with some embedded thunderstorms, some of which could produce severe weather and locally heavier amounts of rain. The rainfall is forecast to dissipate from west to east across the region on Monday. This storm system is currently dragging a sharp cold front and with its passage temperatures will plummet through out the course of the week as an arctic air mass settles in. As the storm system pulls away and temperatures drop, wind orientation across the Great Lakes have the potential to produce lake effects snow showers for a good portion of the week. This arctic air mass combined with the current progressive weather pattern could yield a snowier time period ahead. NCEP forecast models seem to agree as data seems correlate with colder temperatures for the days ahead.

Friday, January 22, 2010

Weather synopsis: January 22-25


At 1:20am temperatures in the Northeastern U.S. are pretty chilly but still above average ranging generally between 10's in the interior to low 30's along the coast. Temperatures continue to oscillate between seasonable conditions and mild temperatures as the jet-stream reconfigures itself producing a dynamic weather pattern. The weather in the Northeast is being dominated by High Pressure creating sinking air and a chillier night relatively speaking. This High Pressure system will act as a blocking mechanism as it should divert a storm system that is moving up from the South and steer it clear from the region. As the High Pressure system progresses eastward, its clockwise flow will shift winds from the south again, re-introducing mild temperatures into the region. A storm system will move in from the west and likely impact the region by the latter half of the weekend. With mild temperatures in place rain will be on tap. With the recent Arctic Cold invasion and some areas still covered in snow combined with mild temperatures and heavy rain this situation will likely create flooding. Rain should continue through Monday. Behind this system temperatures will likely take a tumble. Looking ahead, NCEP forecast models suggest another period of bitter cold so don't put away the Arctic gear just yet, we've only entered the thick of the season and old man winter always has tricks up his sleeves.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Weather synopsis: January 18


At midnight the temperature in Bronx County, NY is 43°F under mostly cloudy skies. The rain storm that has impacted the region this past Sunday has produced a considerable amount of rain and wind. Rainfall amounts have been recorded over 0.5" in NYC to greater than 1.5" over Long Island combined with a melting snow pack causing some flooding. Considerable wind gusts have also been reported ranging between 40MPH in the Bronx to over 50MPH at Shinnecock inlet in Long Island. Unseasonably mild conditions continue after weeks of bone chilling cold, we reached a high temperature of 50°F today. Temperatures are running some 15° to 20° above the average for January standards. Climatologically speaking, these mild temperatures aren't that unusual as it is typical to see a prolonged period of mild temperatures in the month of January within the contiguous United States. This phenomenon is known as the January Thaw. These mild conditions however will likely be short lived as we are only entering the thick of the Winter season. A cold front will sweep the region tomorrow and drop our temperatures to more seasonable readings tho not nearly as cold as we've experienced thus far this Winter season. This cold front has the potential to initiate a few light snow showers within the region Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, I want to emphasize the word light; any precipitation that does fall shouldn't have any considerable impact on any event plans or travel arrangements. Looking ahead, temperatures will likely oscillate between cold and mild readings for the foreseeable future. The next real chance for any considerable precipitation will arrive by the weeks end. A storm system will likely impact the region on Friday the 22nd through Saturday the 23rd with a mix of Rain and Snow as temperatures will run right on the precipice of supporting frozen and liquid precipitation. Looking far ahead, NCEP forecast models are predicting a colder pattern to return to the region with the possibility of a storm system impacting the Northeast region near Ground Hog's Day. I want to mention that a forecast this far into the future is subject to change as weather, especially this time of year; is dynamic and virtually unpredictable even with the most sophisticated forecasting equipment and super computer calculations.

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Weather synopsis: January 16


Currently in the Bronx the temperature is 42°F under mostly clear skies. High temperatures today should hit 50°F as our warm streak continues. A storm system over the Gulf of Mexico will be moving northward to our region by Sunday the 17th. This low pressure system will feature heavy rain and strong winds. The low should move out by Tuesday and in its wake colder temperatures should move in. On Wednesday a clipper system will move in from Canada and has the potential to produce steady snow showers.

Friday, January 15, 2010

Weather synopsis: January 15


At 9:19am the temperature in the Bronx is 38°F with an overcast sky. Warm weather has infiltrated the region with high temperatures returning to the 40's. This temperature rebound is the result of a shift in the weather pattern that will allow the subtropical jet-stream to bring milder conditions. A storm system brewing over the Gulf of Mexico will initiate heavy rain an possible severe thunderstorms for the Southeast this week then it will begin to work its way northward up the east coast sometime this weekend into early next week. With warmer temperatures influencing our weather the precipitation will likely fall in the form of rain for the most part and it could be heavy at times. In the wake of this system a cold front will drop temperatures by Tuesday 19th.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Weather synopsis: January 7-14


At 1:23pm the temperature in the Bronx is 37°F with fair skies. Today has been the warmest day of the year thus far as we managed to climb above the freezing point. Clouds will be on the increase tonight ahead of a clipper system that will arrive in the early morning on Friday. This system will produce some light to moderate snow across the region that could accumulate 1.0" to 2.0" by the time the precipitation stops early Friday afternoon. Following this system a cold front will drop temperatures once more for early next week. NCEP forecast models are indicating a rebound in temperatures by late next week. This should bring a much needed opportunity for milder temperatures into the tri-state region at least temporarily before temperatures return to a colder range.

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Weather synopsis: January 2-6


THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN UPTON, NY HAS ISSUED A WIND ADVISORY FOR THE TRI-STATE AREA AND A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR EASTERN LONG ISLAND. At 2pm the current temperature in The Bronx is 25°F with an overcast sky and snow showers in the area. Today will be blustery with winds howling over 30MPH and gusting up and over 50MPH. This combination of cold air and wind will make it feel much colder than the actual air temperature. Wind chills will be in the single digits. A band of moderate snow has developed and is going to affect eastern Long Island with 2.0" to 5.0" of new snow. The snow combined with a strong wind will create near white-out conditions periodically throughout the day over Long Island. NYC will experience some on and off light snow and could pick up an additional 1.0" of snow before its all said and done. The cold and windy conditions will stick around so expect a frigid Sunday. Winds will subside by Monday but it will remain cold through the week. The next chance of precipitation should come by Friday with a potential coastal storm developing. NCEP forecast models are in disagreement as to what track this storm system might take, some bring it far enough off shore that we will have a sunny day, some bring it close enough to the coast to give us another snow event.

Weather synopsis: January 1


The current temperature in the Bronx is 33°F with an overcast sky and light snow. 2010 has arrived like a lion with a Nor'easter churning over the waters of the Gulf of Maine. This system will continue to influence the weather over the tri-state region with light snow showers and blustery conditions through our Sunday. A moderate snow band may develop sometime on Saturday and Sunday that could affect parts of eastern Long Island with accumulating snow with lighter snow in NYC before the system finally pulls away. In the wake of this storm cold weather will prevail with temperatures struggling to reach the freezing point at least through the entire first week of the New Year. By Friday the 8th NCEP forecast models are hinting toward a slight possibility of another coastal low pressure system forming off the east coast that could have a potential impact on our weather.

Thursday, December 31, 2009

Weather synopsis: December 31


THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN UPTON, NY HAS ISSUED A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY UNTIL 6PM. Currently in the Bronx the temperature is 30°F with overcast skies and moderate snow falling. Our coastal storm that we've been tracking over the past few weeks now has pulled a fast one on us. The precipitation has developed earlier than expected. As temperatures still haven't had a chance to moderate much a deeper pocket of cold air is in place and has allowed the precipitation to fall as all snow for the majority of the morning. Expect snow accumulations to range between 2.0" across Long Island to 5.0" as you head away from the coast. NYC can end up with 1.0" to 3.0" before this pocket of precipitation moves away. Expect the snow to mix with sleet and some rain later on as we head into the afternoon hours. There will be a lull in the precipitation so we will have a pocket of dry weather for a period today but very light rain and snow showers could return just in time for the ball drop in Time Square. Behind this system we will be left with cold temperatures and gusty winds once again making it feel much colder than the actual thermometer reading. On Saturday and Sunday we will also have some snow flurries develop as this storm intensifies off the New England coast over the Gulf of Main. The bitterly cold air will stick around. This will set the stage for a second round of snow by next week with another potential coastal storm forming though it is too early to tell.

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Weather synopsis: December 30


At 11:50am temperatures in the Bronx are in the 20's with partly cloudy skies. What a difference a day makes, yesterday we were talking about the bone chilling cold; in contrast, today its rather pleasant without the wind. High temperatures should climb just above 32°F with clouds on the increase tonight. The top headline has been the potential New Years day Nor'easter, NCEP forecast models have been reorienting the configuration of this coastal storm day by day. Latest model analysis now indicate that our region will escape the brunt of this storm system as the storm sets its sight on norther New England, though we will still fell some impacts as the low travels up the coast. I still expect a rain/snow/sleet scenario beginning around 2pm New Years eve, the precipitation will likely change to plain old rain as temperatures increase slightly through the evening. By Friday, a mixture of rain and sleet will be on tap and should move out by evening. Saturday, colder air moves into the picture as this coastal storm intensifies over the Gulf of Maine an wraps some frigid air temperatures behind it. This might create some scattered snow flurries but the main story will likely be the frigid air and the wind on Saturday. The cold conditions should stick around for the foreseeable future, I find that the best way to combat the cold is to dress in layers, wear a scarf or two, and if anything else make sure to wear a nice warm hat that covers the ears and the face.

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Weather synopsis: December 29


At 8:37pm the temperature in the Bronx is 16°F (wind chill -1°F) under chrystal clear skies with gusty winds. Needless to say, today was a cold one to say the least as a cold front ushered in an arctic air mass. This front also whipped up the winds making air temperatures fell much colder. Winds have been reported between 50MPH and 65MPH all over the region. A wind gust of 53MPH has been reported in parts of NYC, in Suffolk county winds were reported up to 61MPH and a gust of 63MPH was reported in Nassau county. Winds should subside tonight but it will remain bitterly cold. Temperatures will be relatively warmer tomorrow but still rather chilly in the 30's. It wont feel nearly as cold as today did as winds should be light and variable. On New Years Eve a coastal storm will develop off the Delmarva peninsula south of Long Island. This Storm system will rapidly intensify as it churns up the North East coast. Latest NCEP forecast model data now indicate that this coastal storm will veer slightly east of my previous projected storm track. This will prove to be a tricky forecast indeed. This eastward jog could yield a snowier scenario for the greater NYC metropolitan area. It now looks as if the precipitation will likely start as a light snow possibly mixing with sleet and rain along the immediate coast around the 2pm hour. This light precipitation will likely subside around 9pm. Temperatures will likely hold steady and increase slightly near the midnight hour so any precipitation that fall at the time of the ball drop will be mostly in the liquid variety. Then as the storm deepens it will likely initiate a rain/snow mix in the early morning on Friday. If enough cold air wraps into the system we could have a period of light to moderate snow with rain and sleet mixing in from time to time on Friday. Across Long Island precipitation will like be mostly rain but here too, snow could be developing if it gets cold enough. By Saturday this storm system will experience an explosive strengthening phase just east of the New England coast as it meanders about over the Gulf of Maine. Parts of northern New England will experience monumental amounts of snow. Even Boston could potentially whind up with significant snow totals. We cant rule out the chance of seeing some snow as far south as NYC and Long Island on Saturday with this intense coastal storm. Only time will tell as to what events will transpire with this New Year storm. Though it is only a few days away, due to the dynamics of this coastal storm it is too early to make a precise forecast.

Monday, December 28, 2009

Update: New Years Day Storm


At 9pm the temperature in the Bronx is 30°F under partly cloudy skies with gusty winds. Here is the latest analysis of the potential impact from the projected New Years Day coastal storm. Precipitation will likely start as snow initially in time for the Ball Drop in Time Square across coastal regions including NYC and Long Island before warm Atlantic air wraps around the storm to produce a mix with rain then eventually change to all rain by early Friday morning. NCEP forecast models are indicating that cold air will wrap back around the storm system at some point in time between Friday late afternoon and early Saturday morning, we could see the rain mix with snow and sleet then change back to all snow at some point in time. This is a preliminary analysis of a scenario that is still days away and any change in the storm orientation and projected track can have a big impact on this forecast.

Weather synopsis: December 28


At 11am the temperature in the Bronx is 38°F with clearing skies. An Upper level Low pressure system has produced some light precipitation this morning, mostly in the form of rain as temperatures were above freezing. This system will feature an associated cold front that will sweep the region today, so don't expect the mild conditions we've enjoyed yesterday to continue today. In fact, temperatures will likely be falling steadily through the day. Low temperatures tonight should bottom out in the upper teens to lower twenties. The departing upper-level Low combined with a High pressure system in its wake will create a tight pressure gradient developing breezy conditions today and tomorrow making it feel much colder than the actual air temperature. Winds will be steady at 25-35MPH with higher gusts. Looking ahead, NCEP forecast models have been indicating a coastal storm developing potentially near the New Year holiday. The exact track and intensity of this system is rather uncertain at this time, as is the case with many North Eastern winter storms, if this storm veers just 50 miles to the east or west of the projected storm track it can mean the difference between a classic Nor'easter with snow and wind or a cold rain on January 1st. The storm track will determine the exact position of the 32° line. At this point in time it is too early to make a precise forecast of how this coastal storm will transpire, however it is likely that we will have a coastal storm brewing on New Years day. As of current forecast model analysis, the precipitation should hold off until after the Ball Drop in Time Square but it will be cold nevertheless so bundle up.

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Weather synopsis: December 27


At noon the temperature in the Bronx is 45°F with chrystal clear skies, expecting a high around 50°F. The storm system responsible for last night's rain has moved out of the region. In its wake we are left with very mild temperatures and fair weather, however this will be short lived. An upper level low pressure system over the Great Lakes associated with the same departing storm will move through the Northeast. Precipitation wise, this system should have enough instability to produce some light snow with little accumulations on Monday and early Tuesday as it drags a sharp cold front. The main feature with this storm will be gusty winds and then a sharp temperature drop. Temperatures will drop by some 15° to 25° by Tuesday. This will set the stage for a potential significant snow storm likely around the New Year holiday. Though it is still too early to make a precise forecast, over the past weeks NCEP forecast models have been more inclined towards a rather impressive coastal storm developing with a 1,2 punch to the region. The first round is likely on January 1st or 3rd with round two likely January 8th or so. NCEP forecast models indicate temperatures cold enough for frozen precipitation for the most part. Both scenarios have the potential to produce significant snow respectively. I want to reiterate however that this is still days away and it is too early to call any shots. Weather is very dynamic especially this time of year and it is difficult to accurately forecast a storm of this magnitude this far in advance.

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Weather synopsis: December 24


9pm the temperature in the Bronx is 30°F with a clear sky. Temperatures were above freezing today and we had some melting of the snow pack. As temperatures fall below freezing tonight patches of ice may develop creating some hazardous driving conditions. Tomorrow expect increasing clouds as a storm system approaches. This is the same storm that is wreaking havoc in the Great Plains. Ahead of this storm an influx of warm air should keep precipitation primarily in the form of rain especially along the coast. This rain combined with temperatures above 40°F on Christmas and Saturday will yield melting of the snow pack. This combination will create flooding especially in poor drainage areas. On Monday yet another system will approach the Northeast. This system will drag a sharp cold front that will whip up the winds as well as usher in an arctic air mass. Precipitation should be light and if its cold enough it will fall in the form of snow or a wintry mix. Temperatures behind the front will drop dramatically by some 10° to 20°, and it should remain fairly cold through New Years day. NCEP forecast models are still exhibiting indications of a potential coastal storm developing on or near the New Year holiday, however this scenario is still several days away and its too early to tell what will transpire.

Monday, December 21, 2009

Weather synopsis: December 21-25


Today is the winter solstice, first official day of the winter season. Today the sun is angled in a manner where we receive the least amount of daylight making today the darkest day of the the year. The weather around the tri-state will remain fairly tranquil for the coming days. Temperatures will stay chilly right through Christmas, but we will receive a good deal of sunshine. A storm system is getting ready to track across the country this week and should arrive here just in time for Christmas. This will likely have major impacts on travel . This storm will produce heavy rain up and down the Pacific coast. Inland, heavy mountain snow will be likely. As the storm progresses eastward it will morph in to a major winter storm. By the time this system reaches the east coast it will likely have enough warm air to produce some Icing inland and heavy rainfall along the Atlantic shore from Florida to Mane. Looking far ahead, NCEP forecast models are hinting towards a possible Nor'Easter around New Years day, there is still ample time to track this scenario and its still too early to tell if it will even develop.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Weather synopsis: December 20



Currently in the Bronx, the temperature is 33°F with breaks of sunshine. The Blizzard of 2009 has hammered the area with heavy snow. The highest snow measurements reported came from the National Weather Service in Upton,NY on Long Island recording 26.3" with NYC reporting up to 14.5". Generally, snow totals ranged between 4.0" northwest of NYC, to 1 foot in NYC, and over 2 feet across Long Island. This was a powdery type of snow so we did have white-out conditions all through the night. Looking ahead we can expect to enjoy sunshine for the coming days, nevertheless it will be fairly chilly with highs ranging between 30° and 35°. The next chance of precipitation will arrive just in time for the Christmas holiday. This time the air will be warmer and rain will fall.

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Weather synopsis: December 19



A WINTER STORM WARNING AND A BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE NEW YORK CITY METROPOLITAN AREA. THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN UPTON, NY HAS ALSO ISSUED A COASTAL FLOOD WARNING FOR ALONG THE MID-ATLANTIC COAST UP THROUGH THE COAST OF NEW ENGLAND INCLUDING NYC AND LONG ISLAND. Currently in the Bronx, the temperature is 30°F with an overcast sky and snow. The snow developed around 1pm and is picking up in intensity. The storm system responsible for the snow is now churning up the coast and intensifying as time progresses. This storm has already been an over achiever producing 2 feet of snow in the Baltimore/Washington D.C. region. The minimal central pressure of this Nor'easter is deepening, we are dealing with a stronger storm than was anticipated. I now expect snow totals in the Five Boroughs and into Long Island to be between 1 to 2 feet by tomorrow. With the storm system intensifying we will also see the winds associated with this Nor'easter to be stronger especially across Long Island. Winds have the potential to gust over 60 MPH and perhaps approaching hurricane force as the peak of this storm. This Blizzard will likely rank in the top 10 in the record books. The storm quickly move out by noon tomorrow. Expect cold temperatures to linger as an arctic air mass continues its influence in the Northeast. The next chance of precipitation will come on Christmas Day. At the moment, NCEP forecast models are calling for a rain/snow scenario but we are still days away.

Friday, December 18, 2009

Weather synopsis: December 18



THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN UPTON, NY HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM WARNING AND A BLIZZARD WARNING FOR THE NEW YORK CITY METROPOLITAN AREA FROM NOONTIME SATURDAY TO NOONTIME SUNDAY. Currently in the Bronx the temperature is 26°F with light winds and clear skies. This is the calm before the storm. A strong coastal storm will be churning off the waters of the Southeast coast. This system will rapidly intensify into a full blown Nor'easter. The storm will track along the coast and produce very heavy snow for the entire megaplex from Virginia to Mane. Total accumulations for the New York metropolitan area will be at least 1 foot of snow. Along with the heavy snow, the deep low pressure system will create a tight pressure gradient resulting in very strong winds. Winds will gust up and over 50 MPH. This combination of snow and wind will create a bona-fied Blizzard, the first real Nor'easter of the season.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Weather synopsis: December 16


19°F In Buffalo, NY under a broken sky with light snow showers. Lake-Effect snow is falling off the warm lake waters. Fortunately for Buffalo any snow that falls today will not amount to much. However, folks in Syracuse, NY will have a greater influence from Lake Ontario and will pick up 6.0" of snow or more by tomorrow. It will remain bitterly cold for the coming days. The next real chance of an accumulating snow will arrive in the Northeast just in time for Christmas as NCEP forecast models are indicating a storm system developing off the coast around that time frame.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Weather synopsis: December 15


32°F in Buffalo, NY under an overcast sky with snow falling. The snow is due to a weak storm system passing by creating some Lake-Enhanced snow off the lakes. Expect general accumulations in the greater Buffalo metro to be less than 3". The snow bands off Lake Ontario will produce more impressive amounts from Rochester to Syracuse where up to 10" of snow can accumulate within the most persistent snow bands. A cold front has swept the region and is responsible for the cold weather we will be experiencing through the upcoming days in the Northeast. It looks like we will have an active weather pattern once again after this weekend with several chances of snow. A white Christmas is becoming more likely for the Northeast.

Weather synopsis: December 14


43°F in Buffalo, NY under cloudy skies. Rain is overspreading the area with the approach of a weak storm system. Temperatures will tumble as a cold front associated with that storm system ushers in a shot of cold temperatures. We will be running some 10° below the average. As the temperatures tumble tomorrow, the precipitation will mix with and then change over to snow by the evening hours. Accumulations will range between 0.5" to 3.0" across the Buffalo/Niagara Frontier.

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Weather synopsis: December 12


Currently in Buffalo, NY the temperature is 28°F under mostly cloudy skies. Lows tonight will be in the mid to uppper 20s. Cloud coverage will increase as a weak storm system approaches. This system will produce a light mix of precipitation for Sunday. Relatively warm temperatures will spread the region from Sunday through Tuesday before another arctic airmass moves in.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Weather synopsis: December 11


Currently in Buffalo, NY the temperature is 21°F under mostly sunny skies with breezy conditions. The Lake-Effect snow band has drifted south of the Buffalo/Niagara region. This snow band will continue producing blizzard conditions for the south towns of western New York. Tonight, the snow band will drift back into the Buffalo region, producing and additional 1.0" to 2.0" before winding down on Saturday morning. General snow accumulations have ranged between 6.0" to 12.0" from Buffalo northward and 12.0" to 24.0" from Buffalo southward. Some localized areas picked up nearly 3 feet of snow. Along with the snow, temperatures are running between 10° and 20° below the average for this time of the year. Looking ahead, we do ave some moderation in temperature forcast for Sunday through Tuesday. Temperatures will range from 35°F to 40°F with a chance of rain and snow showers. NCEP forecast models are indicating yet another shot of cold arctic air by mid-next week along with additional chances for snow for the Great Lakes and Northeast.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Weather synopsis: December 9


THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED A HIGH WIND WARNING, A LAKE-EFFECT SNOW WARNING AND A LAKE-SHORE FLOOD WARNING FROM THIS EVENING THROUGH THURSDAY EVENING/ THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ALSO ISSUED A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING UNTIL 3:30 PM. Currently in Buffalo, NY the temperature is 46°F with severe thunderstorms. A dynamic storm system is plowing through the region producing severe thunderstorms capable of producing penny size hail and dangerous lightning. This same powerful storm system is winding up over the Great Lakes. Ahead of the storm a surge of warm air will keep the precipitation in the form of rain with heavy rain falling over southern New England including New York City and Long Island. Snow is falling over northern New England and areas east of Lake Ontario. Behind the storm, much colder air will keep the precipitation in the form of snow over the western Great Lakes. Winds will be on the increase as this storm progresses northeast ward. Winds will be sustained at 30-40 MPH gusting up and over 60 MPH off Lake Erie producing flooding along the eastern shores. Along with strong winds, the coldest temperatures of the season will infiltrate the Great Lakes and Northeast throughout the day today. The combination of strong winds and cold air over Lake Erie will set the stage for a significant Lake-Effect snow event particularly for the immediate south towns of Buffalo. Snowfall amounts will be around 5.0" to 11.0" from Buffalo northward. However, heavier amounts for a narrow region just south of the city of Buffalo where snowfall rates of 2" per hour will develop. Snow accumulations of 12.0" to 24.0" are likely with locally heavier amounts. Along with the snow, winds will be howling and Blizzard conditions will develop as the wind whips up the snow that has fallen dropping the visibilities to near whiteout conditions. In addition, strong winds combined with a cold arctic air mass will make temperatures feel much colder. Windchill advisories may be posted as windchill values drop to near 0°F. The snow showers will linger through Friday but the cold air will stay in place. This cold air infiltration will produce additional chances of snow for days to come for the Northeast and Great Lakes.