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.

More cold & for some, more snow

The winter forecast is due out in just over a week (November 18) as some areas have already had more snow than the last couple of years combined. It's been a weird setup lately and we aren't finished yet.

Arctic blast #1:

Here we go. It's arriving today (Friday) and will be around into the start of the weekend. So look at the afternoon wind chills that we are up against. We don't keep records on wind chills, so this part of the weather story won't make history.

Saturday morning cold snap:
With a high pressure settling close to central and eastern Kansas, we will have a very cold start to the day. And even with south winds Saturday afternoon, it's not going to be all that warm.

Late weekend-Early Monday:

Just ahead of Arctic blast #2, we could be looking at a round of wintry weather moving through Kansas. Looking at the last two days of data, this system looks to target Oklahoma, but southern Kansas will be on the northern fringe. Light snow should track across southwest and south central Kansas, but amounts will be light. We will provide a snowfall forecast on the air tonight and let you know what kind of amounts we are thinking.

Arctic blast #2:

A second wave of very cold air slides south for the beginning of the week. I've been looking at the record books and I don't think it will be quite that cold, but for mid-November, this is way out of place (considering the normal high is still close to 60).

Warmer weather will return soon! Highs in the 50s and even some 60s look possible around the middle of next week. Who's ready for a little November thaw? Have a great weekend.

Snow & Arctic air arriving

Now that Election Day is behind us, we can focus on this blast of winter weather that is about to spread over much of the country. The snow won't be as widespread, but cold weather is going to be gripping much of the nation soon.

Snow Update:

We still expect this to begin early Thursday in the northwest and then expand as the day continues. Heaviest amounts will setup along and north of I-70 where snow persists the longest. Farther south, we have a changeover from rain to snow, and that will cut into some of the amounts. Travel conditions shouldn't be that bad, but wet, slushy, and a few snowpacked areas will be an issue for afternoon and evening drive time. 

Arctic Air blast 1:

This comes down Friday into Friday night. High temperatures will struggle to warm very much, especially if we have any amount of snow cover. So I'm expecting Friday to have highs in the 30s around most of our state. Saturday morning starts in the teens and 20s.

Arctic Air blast 2:

This comes in at the beginning of next week. And it will be even colder than the first blast. I've checked the record book for different areas of Kansas and I don't think we will make history with this blast of cold air, but it will be interesting to watch. Afternoon highs will be 20-25° below normal. I think we will end up with more highs in the 30s for the beginning of the week.

Colder than normal weather continues through midweek, but as we get into the last weekend leading up to Thanksgiving (Nov. 17-18) and even into Thanksgiving week, I expect warming temperatures. We will be closer to normal, with highs in the 50s/60s returning before the holiday gets here.