…Updated Aviation Discussion…
.Forecast Update…
Issued at 950 PM EST Mon Nov 14 2022
Evening satellite data shows mid-high level cloudiness streaming into the region from the southwest ahead of the next weather system. Current temperatures across the region ranged from the upper 30s to the lower 40s.
For the overnight period, the forecast remains on track.
Precipitation is expected to develop to our west and track eastward into the forecast area late tonight. Model soundings show good saturation through the DGZ resulting in snow development aloft. However, much of the high resolution guidance keeps a warm layer of air aloft with sufficient thickness to keep much of the
precipitation across KY falling in the form of rain. The exception to this may be across portions of southern IN and far northern KY where some evaporative cooling at precipitation onset may lead to a mix of rain/snow. A risk of some freezing rain will be possible across our far eastern counties, especially in some of the deeper valley locations where temps may be at or just below freezing. These would be counties generally along our NE border with Jackson.
With most locations staying above freezing tonight, given the latest forecasts, little if any accumulation of wintry precipitation is expected. Hazardous travel does not appear to be likely, with the exception over in the far eastern areas if temps can get to near 32 prior to precipitation starting. Will issue a Special Weather Statement for our far eastern counties to mention the possibility of a wintry mix and some slick spots in the morning.
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.Short Term…(This evening through Tuesday)
Issued at 300 PM EST Mon Nov 14 2022
Relatively quiet weather across the region this afternoon as surface high pressure departs to the northeast. Mostly sunny skies have prevailed, although we are beginning to see increasing high clouds across southern KY. Surface observations reveal temperatures have warmed into the mid to upper 40s so far, with a few locations dancing around the 50 degree mark.
As we move through this evening, a compact shortwave that is currently traversing the TX Panhandle will begin to lift
northeastward, swinging through the OH Valley during the day Tuesday. Cloud cover will begin to increase across the area this evening ahead of the approaching system, with cloud decks gradually lowering overnight. Precipitation will then begin to overspread the area from SW to NE in the pre-dawn hours and continue through the morning before pushing off to the northeast during the afternoon.
In general, temperatures are expected to be in the mid to upper 30s as the precipitation moves in early Tuesday morning, with some locations nearing the freezing mark. Model soundings indicate saturation will extend into the DGZ, with snow then melting as it falls through the warmer near-surface layer, reaching the ground as rain. However, in areas that are hovering closer to 32 degrees, evaporative cooling in any heavier precipitation rates will likely be enough to mix in some snow. Best chances to see a wintry
rain/snow mix will be across southern IN and north-central KY into the Bluegrass region, but do not expect more than perhaps some very light accumulations. And while road temperatures are generally expected to remain above freezing, cannot rule out some slick spots developing in the morning along bridges and overpasses. As
temperatures warm into the lower to mid 40s by the afternoon, expect rain to be the only p-type by mid-morning.
.Long Term…(Tuesday night through Monday)
Issued at 310 PM EST Mon Nov 14 2022
We will begin the long term period with a broad upper level trough over the central US. At the sfc, high pressure located over TX/OK will be nosing into the Bluegrass State. Upper level troughing will keep general cloudiness over our region for much of Wednesday, helping to keep temps in the low 40s throughout the day. A quick- passing shortwave looks to tap into shallow low level moisture and provide enough support in a below-freezing column to result in some very light snow chances for Wednesday evening and overnight. Model soundings show saturation mainly below 700mb for areas along and north of the I-64 corridor, with slightly drier air to the south. Limited moisture will result in mostly flurries along and north of I- 64, though some measurable snow is not out of the question. Some, but not majority, of EPS and GEFS members pick up on some minor snow accumulations. Additionally, NBM projects a 34% probability of SDF receiving more than 0.01″ of snow by Thursday morning. Over at LEX, NBM paints a slightly higher 42% probability of receiving more than 0.01″ of snow. Regardless, a dusting is expected with maybe some locally higher amounts topping out in the tenths. Impacts should be minimal given the expected minimal snow amounts and time being overnight.
With the trough axis swinging east by Thursday, should see sunshine slowly return from south to north through the day. The upper flow flattens out and becomes more zonal, and should have drier, but cool, weather in store for the rest of the work week. Friday brings a re-enforcing cold shot to the region as high pressure builds further east. Highs on Friday will range from the low 30s north of I- 64, to upper 30s down across the KY/TN line. Coldest air of the season thus far arrives Saturday morning, with gelid morning lows in the teens. Currently appears that it won’t be a record cold for most climate sites, though BWG would be the one if any to at least tie their current low record for 11/19. BWG’s record low for that day is 17F (1951), and current forecast is 18F. Will stick with mean NBM solution for now, but it’s worth mention that the 50th percentile NBM comes in a bit lower with min temps for Sun and Mon mornings.
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.Aviation…(06Z TAF Issuance)
Issued at 1211 AM EST Tue Nov 15 2022
VFR conditions will prevail at the start of the forecast period, but cigs/vis will quickly decrease to MVFR/IFR levels toward or just after sunrise as rain and low level moisture push in from the southwest. Rain will move east of the region during the afternoon hours, but enough low level moisture will be in place to keep mist going at most TAF sites with reduced visibilities. Cigs/Vis will improve toward sunset and after sunset, though MVFR stratus will linger beyond the end of the forecast period.
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.LMK WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES…
IN…None.
KY…None.
&&
$$
Update…MJ
Short Term…JML
Long Term….CJP
Aviation…DM