1/14 All Zones Short Term Update: Periods of snow today

A developing low pressure system to the south and southeast of the area, along a temperature gradient in the Mid Atlantic states, will continue to develop later this afternoon and into the early part of this evening. Enough lift exists for the development of precipitation throughout the area, particularly in parts of East/Southeast PA and New Jersey.

Snow is having some trouble reaching the ground currently, thanks to dry air in the middle and lower levels of the atmosphere. Radar is depicting a large amount of virga – or evaporating precipitation – throughout Northern NJ and Southeast NY. These areas are likely to continue to remain dry, with only very light snowfall at times as the atmosphere gradually moistens this afternoon.

Radar imagery as of 1:00pm.

Radar imagery as of 1:00pm.

Over Southeast PA and parts of NJ, forecast model soundings show enough moistening of the atmosphere and remaining lift for occasional light snow, briefly moderate under bands of heavier precipitation. Snowfall accumulations should be relatively negligible, but still, light road impacts are possible in the suburbs.

The system shifts gradually east tonight with snow showers ending from west to east. Impacts will remain very negligible throughout the area, but cold air will filter in later tonight and any standing water may freeze as a result, creating the potential for some  black ice in spots.