1/25 AM All Zones: Transitional pattern will continue

A large Nor’Easter which impacted the area over the past few days has finally begun to pull northeastward this morning, bringing moisture and associated unsettled weather with it. This comes as welcomed news to many after nearly three days of unsettled weather including rain, wind, wintry precipitation and coastal flooding. Improved weather is expected today as skies clear and the sun shows its face once again.

Temperatures are likely to average several degrees above normal this afternoon. Despite northwest winds in the storms wake, a modified airmass with Pacific air still exists across both the United States and parts of Canada. So the air being transported into the region is still warmer than normal in nature and not of arctic origin. Temperatures this afternoon will rise into the upper 40’s throughout the area, and possibly even the lower 50’s in some spots.

The next disturbance arrives later today and into Thursday as a transitional pattern (see post title!) continues throughout the United States. Fast moving disturbances — and lots of them — will be the trend over the next several days. With this particular disturbance, low pressure moves well to our north and west, bringing our area into a very weak warm-sector of sorts from later tonight into Thursday.

Simulated radar showing the anticipated progression of a disturbance moving through the area from late Wednesday into Thursday.

Simulated radar showing the anticipated progression of a disturbance moving through the area from late Wednesday into Thursday.

Clouds increase area-wide late tonight and drizzle/light showers will become sporadic by the morning hours on Thursday. A period of steady rain is likely over Southern New Jersey as some moisture and lift shift eastwards on Thursday morning as well. The frontal boundary associated with the disturbance to our northwest approaches the area on Thursday afternoon, with showers and a few scattered downpours moving through the region.

Much colder air moves into the Northeast US behind the mentioned cold front, with temperatures falling Thursday Night into Friday. Ironically, forecast models suggest that even after this shot of colder air, temperatures will remain slightly above seasonal normals into Friday afternoon.

We continue to monitor the potential for multiple light wintry weather events beyond this weekend. Stay tuned for a long range post later today with more details.