A cold pair of days is on the way with two cold mornings to start each of them.  The core of this particular cold snap arrives Wednesday morning when many areas right to the coast will be below zero.  This could very well end up being the coldest day until next winter.  At some point this time of the year, we reach the last of the truly arctic mornings and I believe Wednesday low temperature in Portland could be the last time we get that cold.

This doesn’t mean an end to cold air at all, just not THIS cold.  The cold air begins to relax Wednesday night in time for precipitation and wind to move through the area with the next weather event.

A new storm arrives sometime Thursday morning and if the timing holds, will begin after  the morning commute.  If you are scheduling meetings and travel this week, stay away from Thursday if possible.  The exact track of the storm isn’t known right now, however, there is a strong possibility of travel delays from it on Thursday.  This storm is going to not only be a factor in our weather, but also Boston, New York, Philadelphia and even Washington, DC.

The cold air in place over us now will be departing Thursday so the forecast challenge with this storm is going to likely be the dreaded rain/snow line.   The storm has potential to bring significant amounts of snow or mixed snow and sleet to the area. 

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The track is critical because those areas to the left of the track will receive mostly snow, while those closer to the track will see more of a mix of sleet and snow or even rain.  Just along the path of the storm there would likely be a period of snow followed by a change to rain.   The storm is going to be loaded with moisture so the stakes are high on this one.  The ski areas could see their largest storm of the season if things play out in just the right manner.  We will know more on this later Tuesday.

There will be wind and the snow will likely be heavy and wet so I am already thinking about the possibility of power issues.  I am only mentioning this now in case it happens.  I wouldn’t rush out and buy any extra supplies yet, but do be thinking about it.

Of course, tonight’s models could change much of this, but we do have agreement there will be a storm, so something is likely to occur.  Enjoy the calm before the storm the next couple of days. It looks like more shoveling is on the way.

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