Warmer!

Temperatures today and tomorrow will once again feel like spring is on the way. Highs today should range from near 40 in the northeast to the upper 50s in the southwest; and from the lower 40s to upper 50s tomorrow. Lows tonight in the mid 20s to lower 30s should be expected as clear skies will allow plenty of cooling still. Beyond Wednesday the weather once again turns to a late winter scenario with rain and a few rumbles of thunder possible in the south, rain/freezing rain and snow, and all snow in the north. In other words, a messy situation is in the forecast for Wednesday night through Thursday for much of the state.

Precipitation should begin over the southwest half of the state on Wednesday night or early Thursday, and continue throughout the day on Thursday; even into Thursday night for the eastern third of the state. Lows Wednesday night should be in the lower 20s across the north to the mid 30s in the south. Highs on Thursday are expected to range from near 20 in the northwest, to the lower 40s in the extreme southeast. As the entire state moves into the cold sector late Thursday, overnight lows on Thursday night may range from near zero in the northeast to the lower 20s in the south.

With the complex and wide range of forecasted temperatures, it puts several questions in the forecast for precipitation type across the state. It does appear that much of the northern third will see snow throughout the system, leading to anywhere from 2-6 inches of accumulation. Between Highways 18 and 30, there definitely seems to be potential for freezing rain as well with lower levels warmer to above freezing while surface temperatures remain at or just below freezing. With many varaiables still uncertain, the amount of ice accumulation is a big question, but does appear that it could range from just a glaze to a tenth of an inch or more. For the southern third, most precipitation looks to fall as rain as temperatures stay well above freezing as the precip nears its' end. Some snow may mix in very late with any lingering showers, but little accumulation appears likely at this time.

Enjoy the two days of warm weather, we'll look to more winter weather by Wednesday night.