Good Thursday afternoon. While we track clipper snows across the region over the next few days, my focus is on what follows. I continue to think we are heading toward a harsh and prolonged period of winter for much of the country.

The closer we get to next week, the colder it looks as a deep trough settles in. This will likely be accompanied by rounds of accumulating snows that add to the cold weather woes. Temps from Tuesday through Friday may be in the teens for highs with single digit lows possible.

By next weekend into the following week… the polar vortex is going to try to return. The new GFS goes wild with temps…

GFSThat would be absolutely brutal if it comes to pass and could cause widespread issues across the country. With the pattern I see taking shape… snow chances will become frequent into February. Buckle up!

Back to the clippers…

Light snow bands come at us in waves with the first this afternoon across central and northern Kentucky. The next arrives later this evening into the overnight and is area-wide. The upper level disturbance swings on on Friday with widespread snows breaking out. Accumulations are a good bet with an inch or two possible for some areas. Other areas get less than 1″. I just can’t pinpoint exactly where because of the showery nature of the snows. Slick roads will be possible.

The next clipper zips in Saturday evening into Sunday morning with another band of light accumulating snows.

Here are some tracking tools…

 

Current temperatures

 

I-75 @ Winchester Road Lexington

I-75 @ Winchester Road

I-75 @ Iron Works Pike Lexington

I-75 @ Clays Ferry Bridge South Between Lexington and Richmond

US 60 @ US 127 Frankfort

US60 @ US127

US 127 @ Frankfort Frankfort

US127 @ Frankfort KY

I-75 at MP 36 London

I-75 @ MP 36

I-71/I-75 at Buttermilk Pike Near Covington

I-71/I-75 @ Buttermilk Pike

I-64 @ 3rd St. Exit Louisville

I-64 @ 3rd St. Exit

Downtown Louisville @ 2nd & Broadway Louisville

Downtown Louisville @ 2nd & Broadway

I-65 @ 234 Near Bowling Green

I-65 @ 234

I-24 MP 4 @ US 60 Paducah

I-24 @ US 60 MP 4

Take care.