Thursday Evening (2/5) Weather Discussion

(Updated 5pm)

Below is a look at some of the highlights from the cold front and southern stream coastal system which grazed parts of the area today.  These have now pushed well to our east and phased into one single system, a little too late for significant impact here...this has been a common theme so far this winter.

Last 24 Hours Precipitation Estimates

Diminishing winds and clear skies will be ideal for radiation cooling tonight.  Low temperatures will range from the low 20s across the tidewater to the teens in the piedmont.  Western Valley locations may even approach single digits.  The good news is this cold looks very progressive with warmer air quickly reestablishing itself.  Return flow as high pressure works off the coast will moderate temperatures a bit tomorrow and even more so this weekend.  If you didn't take advantage of the almost spring-like conditions Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday will be your second chance.  Widespread 50s with lots of sunshine on consecutive days is very hard to beat in early February.

Looking ahead, the clipper system mentioned yesterday is still on track to swing through the area late Sunday into Monday.  Still watching to see if we can thread the needle and see enough digging for snow across the area.  The more likely outcome continues to be light rain (possibly mixed with snow at higher elevations) but not ready to completely write it off yet.  Regardless, cooler temperatures return behind this system for the early part of next week.

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