Winter Awakening
By Geoff Bansen
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- After a warm, well above average end to the weekend, temperatures will begin to reflect the season - and then some!
The Delaware Valley is experiencing a double shot of cold air this week. The first comes today, in the wake of the strong front that brought the weekend rain and mild temperatures. Temperatures Monday morning are the warmest they will be all week. Although they started out in the upper 30s and low 40s, they have already begun their descent and will continue to fall steadily throughout the day.
The second shot will come late Tuesday into Wednesday behind another area of low pressure; this time, it will bring snow instead of rain. Unfortunately for our snow enthusiasts, this will be a light snow event with minor accumulations. Expect only an inch or two of snow to fall, mainly during the late morning and early afternoon hours. Albeit a small amount, this could still cause some problems on untreated roadways, so refrain from throwing caution to the wind.
Speaking of the wind, Monday will be quite blustery. Sustained winds of 15-20 mph will be accompanied by the occasional gust of 30+. The brisk winds will diminish tonight, but they'll be right back at it again on Wednesday. Combine that with temperatures that won't escape the 20s, and it's going to feel bitter by midweek. Wind chills will be frigid -- teens Monday night and Wednesday morning, single digits Wednesday afternoon and evening, and into the negative values Wednesday night into Thursday.
Today would be a good day to take some winter precautions. Make sure to have winter attire handy this week, especially for children. Plan to bring plants and pets indoors. Take a few minutes to make sure thermostats are working properly, and that oil tanks are full. And for our fireplace friends, a few extra logs certainly won't hurt!
There is a chance of a few flurries on Wednesday, but otherwise the remainder of the week looks to be mainly dry.
Winter is certainly here, so bundle up this week!
