1/18 – Rob Knight’s FRIGID…But Warming Forecast

Another bone-chilling morning across the viewing area this morning with Arctic high pressure centered over northern Louisiana. Under clear skies last night, temps were able to dip into the upper teens/low 20s through the area/region. If we can deal with the cold for another 30 hours or so, we`ll finally see temperatures remain above freezing. High pressure will move slowly eastward and be centered over Georgia by Saturday morning. We`ll run one more night with Freeze and Hard Freeze Warnings tonight, but admittedly, it will be a close call as to whether we actually verify the criteria.

A weakening southern stream shortwave will move across the area late Friday into Saturday. Lower layers will be moisture starved, and will continue the dry trend of the previous forecaster. The good part is that everywhere will be comfortably above freezing before anything happens.High-pressure ridging should still keep Sunday dry as onshore flow kicks in, certainly at least some potential for marine fog to develop by Sunday afternoon/night.Temperatures will moderate into the 40s today and into the lower to middle 50s on Friday. As onshore flow kicks in, will finally see temperatures jump to a little above normal on Saturday, and most areas will be 10 degrees or more above normal on Sunday. Can`t see going above guidance on readings today into Friday, as guidance usually a little quick to warm things up in return flow after an arctic outbreak.

The next system to affect the Gulf coast will move in Monday with scattered showers and a possible t-storm.