April storm more like a March one

The next storm on the horizon is one that will resembles more of a March system - the only thing lacking will be a severe storm potential. We mentioned last week that chances of large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes are almost zero when you have a forecast that is so cool for mid-April. It would be more likely to set some kind of late season snow record than having severe storms.

Timing:

The majority of the moisture will show up Thursday evening, starting in western Kansas, then moving east during the night. 

Friday morning:

Safe to expect some snow will be falling in western Kansas, but how far east the rain/snow line gets is something to be figured out as the week continues. As of this writing, it looks like Salina, to Great Bend, down to Medicine Lodge and west - snow is quite likely.

Friday evening:

There is a good chance some rain and snow will still be occurring into the evening hours. It is expected to taper from north to south into Friday night, and should all be over with by Saturday morning. 

Accumulation thoughts:

The snow may come down at a fairly heavy clip in western Kansas early Friday, but latest ground temperatures are in the upper 40s and 50s and that should help to limit major accumulations. It's going to take another few days to iron out the specifics of how much snow, but confidence is high that areas in the west will see more than just grassy areas covered. 

Rain amounts:

Many areas haven't had any decent rain so far in April, so a good 1-2" is probably welcome news. Again, as you look at the map above, some of it will be snow. Remember that we average about 2-3 inches of moisture in the entire month alone, so this will catch us up and even put some areas above normal as we head into the second half of April.

Snow records:

If the April snow accumulates across northwest Kansas, it won't set records for latest measurable. That record (at least for Goodland) is actually in late May. It's hard to imagine 2.5" of snow around Memorial Day, but that's what happened in 2006 to set a record for latest measurable snow. Noteworthy April snows in Goodland include one from 1922, 1989, and 1984.