Pattern shift happens this week

If you didn't know any different, based on the weather today you might think we have slipped into mid December or January. This is some very cold air that has settled in from Arctic areas and will be slow to move out. Snowfall reports this morning: Jetmore-4", Cimarron-4", Wakeeney-3", Hays-2.5", Ness City-2.7", Lakin-4", Wichita-2", Russell-2"

Just look at wind chills for this afternoon (Monday) at 2 p.m.:

And Tuesday afternoon isn't that much warmer:

Arctic air continues to hold strong over much of the area, so don't expect a big temperature climb even with a sunny day on the way.

Pattern Shift Coming:

The pattern shift that we are looking at takes place around Wednesday/Thursday. The bitter cold should push on to the northeast, leaving Kansas with warming temperatures that should reach 50s (could get to 60s if we didn't have any snow on the ground) by Wednesday & Thursday. The snow left on the ground will definitely thwart any big warm up coming our way. There is a chance we will see a quick shot of Arctic air coming Saturday, but I'll update you on that as the week continues. It likely won't be around for very long (if we do in fact see it arriving this weekend)

Looking ahead to Thanksgiving week:

I don't foresee any major storms at this point during Thanksgiving week. Our pattern as of late has been very active and it's likely a sign of what's coming as we move through the winter season. However, during a very busy travel week, the weather should cooperate for much of the week. Temperatures look like 40s and 50s around Kansas. Bitter cold should have retreated back to Canada and west of the Rockies, it looks like a milder period ahead.