Getting Back To Average Mid-Week

Good afternoon! Cold air sticks around today with lunch time temperatures around freezing for much of the valley. I have better news for Wednesday, though, as ridging works in. 

Looking at the latest 500mb heights and winds (half way through the atmosphere), strong ridging is working in, providing some much needed warmer temperatures and sunny skies. Unfortunately, this won't last long as rain is back in the forecast late Thursday and Friday.

As seen from the chart above, ridging will play a big role in keeping things seasonable Wednesday and early Thursday. As we get into early Friday, showers move in from the west. Snow is seen on the leading edge of this system but by the time it arrives in east TN, we will see all rain. Early models show amounts up to an inch through Saturday, but as this system evolves we will have a better idea on totals. For the time being, enjoy sunny skies and slowly warming temperatures.

With clear skies overnight, temperatures will be very cold to start the day Wednesday. Looking below, bus stop and morning commute temperatures will be in the low 20's, so dress warm and in layers. We will eventually warm up to average high's for this time of the year (in the upper 40's). 

If you can endure another day of below average high's today, warmer air is on the way for Wednesday.