First Arctic Blast Arrives

Temperatures dropped to 30 this morning despite a cold front remaining to our west. The cold front that I discussed yesterday was expected to move through the area before now, but the timing has been slowed and it's still located just west of the I-55 corridor. The limited moisture that is associated with this front is being squeezed into a small band of very light precipitation that is just ahead of the front. Clouds will increase this morning as the front approaches from the west and some light rain will likely occur. The temperature profile will cool with the onset of the rain, and if the rain is still occurring near 1 PM, a changeover to a few snow flurries will be possible. Accumulations will not occur, but don't be surprised to see a few flakes on your lunch break. After the frontal passage, the sun will quickly return this afternoon, but temperatures will continue to be very cold. The afternoon high will be 40, but gusty northwest winds will make the temperature feel like it's below freezing.

Low clouds will linger for a short period tonight as a true arctic air mass arrives, but this will not keep temperatures from plummeting. Given the nature of this air mass, I am undercutting the model guidance and NWS a lot and forecasting a low of 19 tonight, especially with clear skies and winds forecast to be very light or calm. Bring your pets inside and bundle up if you'll be outside for any length tonight!