Weekend storm update

We still have a storm on the way for the weekend and while there have been some slight changes, the forecast for the weekend won't look or sound that much different. There are several challenges when it comes to forecasting a winter storm, and we dedicate so much time to digging through all of the data. Bottom line here is that travel may not be much of a problem Saturday morning, but conditions will likely go downhill late Saturday afternoon and into the night (especially in western Kansas

The storm is just now forming up in southwestern Canada and will begin to influence our weather on Friday. We will likely start with some sun Friday morning, but clouds will advance to the north going into the afternoon. Drizzle or light rain will develop after dark.

Saturday will start with rain and drizzle for much of the state. I think sleet or snow will be possible in northwest Kansas in the morning. Then we will watch for the rain/snow line to move south late in the day and into Saturday evening.

The only slight change is that I think more of western Kansas will have a chance of heavier snow, with light amounts still expected central and east. Basically, west of a line from Hays to Dodge City, chances are increasing for about 4 inches of snow or more. I think widespread 1-3 inch amounts seem reasonable for much of central and south central Kansas. It doesn't look like a historic snow event, but the timing of storm will likely make driving tough for the weekend.

Bitter cold will slide in behind the snowfall, so for a couple of days (Sunday and Monday) we should expect highs in the teens and 20s. It is still February after all.