Winter Thaw Begins

A much warmer pattern looks to lock in through the extended forecast period as the westerlies associated with the polar jet are located across the northern U.S. The subtropical jet will remain active over the southern U.S., so it's not likely we'll get tremendously warm. High pressure to our east will allow for a southerly flow to develop today, which should allow for an increase in lower level moisture. Moisture began increasing in the mid-levels last night as evident by the spotty cloudy cover across the region. This mid-level moisture should remain in place today and will lead to partly cloudy skies. This will keep temperatures from reaching their maximum potential, but we should still top out around 55. Clouds should thicken and lower some this evening and overnight as moisture continues to increase. Lows tomorrow morning will be near 29. Tonight's freezing temperatures will probably be the last we see for at least 10 days.