Good evening, gang. We’re putting the wraps on the weekend and heading into the week before the week before Christmas. Complicated, huh? As we head into this week before the big week, we find the pattern changing toward a full blown harsh winter setup for much of the country.

Let’s break down the week ahead:

  • A potent low pressure in the plains will turn into a blizzard for some areas of the plains and upper midwest late Monday through Wednesday.
  • That low will turn east toward the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley Tuesday and Wednesday. At the same time, another storm takes over along the east coast and lifts northward.
  • What does all this mean for Kentucky? A lot.
  • Heavy rain and gusty winds will move in for Tuesday night and Wednesday. Some thunder may be noted in the far west, but the strong storm threat is south of us.
  • A powerful cold front sweeps through here Wednesday night and Thursday. This will initially dry our skies out as temps crash.
  • As the storm cranks along the east coast, and that may be near blizzard strength, an upper level system drops in here from the northwest.
  • Ample low-level moisture under that upper level system will likely create rounds of light snow and snow showers from Thursday night into next weekend.
  • My early thought is that our region can get into some light accumulating snows during this time. In terms of snowfall, this isn’t a big deal other than it’s a week before Christmas.

The GFS still isn’t giving us the same solution with back to back runs, but the most recent run is one I can support as it matches my thoughts…

The EURO is in the same ballpark as well…

That storm serves as the introduction to what’s likely to become a severe cold period across much of the country for the rest of December and into January.

The Ensembles continue to show brutal cold for much of the country…

CANADIAN ENSEMBLES

GFS ENSEMBLES

They’re not without snow chances during this same time. The Canadian Ensembles show flakes flying for every state in the lower 48 at some point over the next 2 weeks…

The GFS Ensembles aren’t too far behind…

 

For the first time this cold weather season, I’m seeing the potential for a bigger winter weather maker. Let’s initially highlight the period of December 21-23 for that possibility. The southern stream is about to become very active as bitterly cold air invades the country.

Enjoy the evening and take care.