Weather Blog: First Snow Of 2014, Then Arctic Cold
By Justin Drabick
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The first winter storm of the new year remains on track to arrive in the Delaware Valley on Thursday evening. A fast moving clipper type system currently located over the central U.S. will combine with a stronger low currently near the Gulf Coast. Where and when exactly the two systems phase into one will determine how much snow we receive. This phasing won't take place until later on Thursday allowing for possible changes in the forecast.
Snow will spread west to east during the evening on Thursday. Areas to the north and west of Interstate 95 are likeliest to see all snow. Across southern New Jersey and Delaware a wintry mix of snow, rain and sleet will change to all snow by evening as northerly winds develop allowing for temperatures to take a nose dive. The steadiest and heaviest snow will continue overnight and end early Friday morning.
At this point, we are currently thinking 3-6" inches in the Philadelphia area and in New Jersey with 6+ inches in the Lehigh Valley and Poconos with higher amounts across Northeastern Pennsylvania, Northern New Jersey and New England. These amounts can still change depending on the storm development on Thursday.
As the storm departs Friday it will turn brutally cold. Temperatures will not make it out of the teens Friday afternoon and wind chills will be below Zero at times Friday through Saturday morning. Saturday morning temperatures will be in the single digits in many locations. Temps during the Eagles game Saturday night will be in the 20's with lighter wind.
Happy New Year and stay warm!!
