Good Wednesday, everyone. We have one more dry day before we get into our big storm system rolls into the bluegrass state. This is a massive system that will impact just about every state east of the Mississippi River to kick off that long Christmas holiday travel period. For us, it’s going to bring heavy rain, gusty winds and some wet snows.

This is the first of three systems we are tracking between now and Christmas. The other two are smaller, but have a chance to bring a little more winter weather in here.

Rain arrives from southwest to northeast later tonight and Thursday morning as our sprawling system comes together. Some fresh thoughts:

  • Heavy rain comes at us in waves for Thursday and Friday.
  • Local high water issues are possible across the eastern half of the state. That’s where a general 1″-3″ of rain may fall.
  • Rainfall numbers will be MUCH lighter across the west
  • Colder air crashes in behind our low as it moves northeast on Friday. That sets the stage for a switch to a mix of rain and snow and even a band of wet snow.
  • The best chance of snow is across central and eastern Kentucky.
  • Light accumulations are possible, but the wet ground will have something to say about that. We shall see.
  • Temps Friday night drop into the 20s, so slick spots may develop on roads.

Let’s talk about the heavy rain threat right off the bat. Some hefty totals continue to target the eastern half of the state…

Local flooding issues may develop and that’s something we will be watching for.

As far as the wraparound snow potential… The models are all in pretty good agreement on this happening. The NAM is fairly aggressive with this band of wet snow and some follow up snow showers…

It’s trying to throw a little slushy accumulation across the region, especially in the east…

As mentioned, the wet ground will have something to say about that.

The GFS is similar with this scenario…

The Euro is also trying to put down a little slush…

The look for the rest of Christmas weekend into the big day is taking on a little more of an interesting look. The Euro has the chance for some light rain and light snow with a quick hitting system on Sunday…

That same run has a slightly stronger system showing up with snow and rain by Christmas morning…

The European has a friend in the Canadian Model…

All we can ask for is a chance for snow on or around Christmas and that’s certainly the case this year. Most would settle for some festive flakes, but some snow on the ground would work, too. ๐Ÿ™‚

I will have your usual updates later today, so check back. Until then, make it a good one and take care.