Winter Weather Update for this weekend

As we get closer to the weekend more models start to come into play on helping to forecast the winter weather event everyone is focused on for this weekend. The latest model to come into the fray is the NAM Model and much like the others the data is all over the place. 

The NAM Model

The above image from the NAM Model shows a possibility of wet snow or very cold rain over the area and county around 7am Sunday Morning.There will be pretty war air aloft and the soil temperatures will also be warm as well. If we see snow falling on Sunday morning it will be evaporating and melting on the way down. A cold rain event with some snow mixed in is the most likely scenario.

The NAM shows accumulation for snowfall down toward the southern part of the state. I think this model is way off in that aspect.

The European Model

The European Model Image above is showing a chance for a wet snow over the area and county around 7am Sunday Morning. Again I think due to warm air in play along with the position of the low and high pressure systems involved. We are looking at more of a cold rain event with some wet snow mixing in at times. 

The one place where I feel the European Model has been showing a more clear scenario is the accumulations. I feel like this is the most likely possibility of actual accumulation from this event. mainly the mountains and the foothills with areas around the county have some snow on elevated surfaces. Otherwise most of the snow will melt on the way down or as it hits the ground.

• Look for rain to move into the county late Saturday evening and change over to a mix of wet snow and rain during the overnight hours on Sunday morning.
• Accumulations limited to elevated surfaces
• I would not expect to build a snowman in this storm

I will continue to keep you updated throughout the day right here and on social media. As always thank you for following Rowan County Weather!