Good day to you, residents of southeastern Vermont! After our advertised snowstorm that included a period of sleet before changing back to snow, we've got more active weather on the way.
Wednesday afternoon will see a mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain transitioning to pockets of freezing rain and plain rain into Wednesday night.
Rain, heavy at times, on Thursday may change back to snow before quitting. Very cold and fair weather arrives Friday and Saturday and may set the table for two potential winter storms on Sunday and again on Tuesday.
That's the wide view, so let's jump into the daily details for a closer look!
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For Wednesday, we will start off mostly cloudy as overcast skies develop in advance of incoming inclement weather. While we should see mixed snow, sleet and freezing rain to start in the afternoon, a milder southerly flow should push us above freezing, resulting in a steady, cold rain overnight.
However, I am concerned that the ground has been so cold with our recent Arctic outbreak that even if temps are in the mid 30s, rain could freeze on contact with roads and driveways, especially in the high terrain.
With so much snow pack and a frozen ground, expect slippery travel to develop in Windham County in the high terrain, and possibly even into the outskirts of Brattleboro on the side roads. Travel with caution Wednesday evening and night. Lows should hover in the mid to upper 30s.
For Thursday, we should see temperatures stay the same, and possibly even reach 40 degrees in the Brattleboro area. Rain will fall, heavy at times, and over an inch is expected. Do not be surprised if you hear a rumble of thunder in the afternoon as the storm's cold front gets ready to pass through.
We may also change back to snow before the precipitation shield departs to our east, and some mountain coatings are possible. Lows on Thursday will plummet into the low 20s.
For Friday and Saturday, high pressure builds into southern Vermont. Partly sunny skies with highs in the mid to upper 20s for Friday will lead to a calm and cold night with lows in the single digits. Saturday will be mostly sunny with highs in the upper teens to low 20s and lows again in the single digits with clouds increasing.
The period of Sunday through Tuesday will feature an upper level pattern that focuses another lobe of Arctic air down into Vermont. While much uncertainty remains, there are two chances for northern and southern stream low pressure centers to merge along the coast and produce substantial winter storms in our region.
For now, expect some snow-shower activity through this period, but be alert for greater storm potential, should it materialize.
Have a great week!