The second of the two clipper systems mentioned in the last post is nearly here, but will only impact areas well to our south. We might see an uptick in snow showers and flurries locally this afternoon, but no accumulation is expected. If you are traveling to Indy and a bit further south you will encounter more snow (generally 3-5” by late tonight) with some blowing and drifting snow possible, too.

It will turn windy and even colder tonight, which should eventually fire up the lake effect snow machine and drive windchills below zero. We might see an inch or two at best from the lake effect by tomorrow afternoon. Any snow we get may get blown around at times and briefly reduce visibility. However, the biggest weather impact will come from the cold.

Temperatures early tomorrow and Monday morning are expected to settle in the low single-digits. Unlike the last time we were in the single digits, winds are not expected to be nearly calm. This time around, winds are expected to be 10-20 mph, which will drive windchills below zero.

If we see lake effect clouds Sunday or Monday morning, windchills may not get quite as low, but -10° to -20°F are certainly in play for each morning.

By Tuesday, our warm up will begin. Highs rise a few degrees each day next week and peak on Thursday in the 40s. There are a few chances for precipitation, but total amounts for the week look pretty meager. If the precipitation arrives during the day, it could mix with or fall completely as rain. Either way, outside of any lake effect snow we see tomorrow, very little rain or snow is expected over the next seven days.

Temperature outlooks have swayed back to strong signals for above normal temperatures in the 6-10 and 8-14 day range. In fact, the signals for the 8-14 day range are even stronger for warmer weather locally. Unfortunately, this warm outlook extends right through Christmas and does not bode well for it being snowy and white.

Fingers crossed we get back into a more active pattern late next week that could punt the warmer air, at least temporarily, in time for Christmas. But for now, this is just wishful thinking.