Rain For Most, Mixed Precip For Some, Snow In The Smokies

Mostly cloudy skies start the day off and will continue to hamper the area through tonight. A low pressure system, currently across the Midwest, is poised to pass through the Ohio Valley this evening. This will bring precipitation chances into tonight. Rain shower chances increase in potential through the afternoon, with the highest chance overnight. As a cold front swings across the area and temperatures crash down, a change over to mixed precipitation (rain/snow) will be possible. Locations higher in elevations will have the best chance to see the mix or changeover, while those in the valley will be lucky to see a few wet flakes late tonight into Wednesday morning. Outside of the Valley and Plateau, accumulating snow is increasingly likely for the Smokies. Elevations above 2,000 feet face the best chance of receiving a dusting to half inch (on grassy and elevated surfaces), while the highest peaks of the Smokies could see several inches up to half a foot. 

​Check out this graphic below, which depicts the probability of exceeding 2" tonight. (Greater than a 20% chance- keep in mind this is low in resolution, so probabilities are much higher for the peaks of the Smokies)

Here is a play-by-play of a potential outcome. Though this should be taken with a grain of salt, it does represent the overall message. Showers will sweep through tonight, before cooler temperatures force a rain/snow changeover. The highest elevations along North Carolina will see mostly all snow late tonight into tomorrow, with activity tapering off into Wednesday afternoon. Thereafter, high pressure fills in Thursday, bringing warmer temperatures and plenty of sunshine. Plenty of sunshine and even warmer air finds us Friday.

Looking towards this weekend, a strong area of low pressure will pass by north. This will bring the chance for thunderstorms, some of which could be strong, along with a soaking rainfall. Be sure to check back in with this weekend's system, as it could pack a punch across portions of the Deep South. Have a good one, stay warm through tomorrow, and enjoy the sunshine and mild temperatures Thursday and Friday.

Pre-recorded for 5pm weather broadcast