Colder Pattern Setting Up

Last week we the area was spoiled with temperatures nearly 10 degrees above normal.  That's all about to change.  We could be 10 to 15 degrees colder than normal later next week!  Here is a model average of temperatures.  This isn't necessarily a forecast, but more "guidance."

The reason for the colder weather is a dip in the polar jet stream.  The jet stream is an area of enhanced wind speeds roughly 8 miles above the Earth's Surface that acts as sort of a "steering wheel" for weather patterns.  Jet stream will dig deep into the Mississippi and Ohio River Valleys beginning this weekend, allow cold air from Canada to take over.  Along the jet stream, we'll see a few disturbances ride along the edge, bringing a few slight chances for light precipitation.

Just to show how cold it may get, one computer model has been consistent the past few days in giving us a few tenths of an inch of snow next week.  This is NOT a forecast at all, just ONE of many models forecasters use.

This model is just confirming what we've been thinking the last few days or so...colder air is on its way!