1. The first part of the month has been very dry across the mid south with many locations having only trace amounts of rain. However, with a large surplus heading into the month we’re still above normal in terms of annual precipitation.
2. A low pressure system which produced a snowstorm over the Rockies will continue to move east and cut-off (GFS 500 mb height image) from the main jet over the Mississippi river valley. For us this means mostly cloudy skies will continue through Thursday with this very slow moving low pressure system. Southerly flow ahead of the cut-off low will allow for ample moisture to be drawn northward into the low for Monday night through Tuesday night across the region with a likelihood of showers. The southerly flow and moisture transport will be cut-off as high pressure moves (GFS 850 mb temp image Wed pm) into the deep south by Wednesday leading to only low chances for showers on Wednesday and Thursday. Highs should be in the low 60’s on Monday and Tuesday and in the 50’s for Wednesday and Thursday as overcast will be present for the entire period. The good news is by Friday the cut-off low should dissipate and the influence of this system will be no longer present across the mid-south past Thursday.
3. This week is winter weather awareness week for Kentucky and Indiana. Now is a good time for all of us to review our winter terminology and get prepared for what mother nature may have in store for us this upcoming winter. Speaking of the winter signs are pointing to a turn to a much colder across the mid-south by the end of the month, I’ll have more on this around the middle of the week.
MG