South-Central U.S. to Experience Weather Whiplash with Arrival of Wintry Conditions

Posted: January 2, 2022 12:19 pm

The south-central U.S. is going to be in for an abrupt change in weather in the coming days. The storm that whipped up the high winds in Colorado, triggering the sudden wildfires that destroyed over 500 homes on Thursday, will move into the South over the weekend.

Cold Temperatures Signal Arrival of Storm System

In addition to bringing the threat of wintry precipitation, the storm system will also accompany a sudden dip in temperatures. This change in weather will be quite the shift for an area of the nation that has been enjoying more moderate weather to start the winter.

While the record warmth will hang on through the first part of the weekend, the start of the week will see a drastic change in temperatures. The mercury is forecast to drop to below-normal readings in a time span of just a few hours. For example, after enjoying temperatures in the mid-80s on Saturday, the forecast calls for readings in the low-40s for Sunday morning, signaling the arrival of the new weather maker.

Little Rock, Arkansas will see temperatures in the 60s on Saturday before the cold air makes its way into the region. Over in Tennessee, residents will want to take advantage of the weather in the 70s before the front comes through. The much cooler readings will extend from the southern Plains states into the Mississippi and Ohio valleys on Sunday.

Precipitation Odds

This system will deliver a mixed bag of precipitation. Standing water produced by the rainstorm will be at risk of freezing over when the cold air pervades the region. Cities such as Memphis may add the chance of light snowfall to the mix. Along with the freezing rain, this could create a mess on the roads in time for the Monday commute.

A different storm positioned a bit to the northeast will produce the chance of snow flurries to a large area stretching from Arkansas and into northern Mississippi and western Tennessee during the day Sunday. This storm will then track to the east by Sunday night, bringing the threat of moisture to much of North Carolina, West Virginia, southern Ohio, and southern Virginia.

Standing water on the road may freeze as the cold air moves into the region. The chance of snowfall will exacerbate the treacherous road conditions. The threat of inclement weather will stretch as far as Charleston, West Virginia, and Knoxville, Tennessee by Sunday night.

The biggest danger in the southern Appalachians will be a flash freeze as cold weather infiltrates and affects the moisture already on the ground. A couple of inches of snow may accumulate in the higher elevations of the Appalachians.

There is also the chance that this system tracks farther to the north than anticipated. Should this happen, cities such as Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York City may get some snowfall out of it.

First Snow for Some?

Some areas may see the first snowfall of the season by Monday morning. Flakes may fly as far south as northern Georgia and upstate South Carolina. Even if there is no measurable snow accumulation, roads may freeze over and become icy in the overnight hours Sunday into Monday.

While cities to the south, such as Charlotte and Atlanta, are not forecast to see snow or ice, the bitter cold will be something to contend with as people head back to work and school after the long holiday.

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