Forecast from class:
Athens:
Low: 26
High: 41
KCNI:
Low: 20
High: 34
Well, we've got a mixed bag weather-wise today. For the most part, the conditions were not very enjoyable, with light rain and chilly conditions -- including some winds that are beginning to pick up as the pressure gradient over the region tightens between an exiting low-pressure system and an approaching surface high. On the bright side, there was a bit of wintry fun in the more elevated portions of N GA and everyone else (despite not having the most pleasant weather day) received no notable impacts (i.e., there was no widespread freezing on the road [as in January] or line of severe storms knocking down trees everywhere [like this past weekend]). It should be worth noting that there is a very slight potential for black ice in places where water remains on the road once the temperatures dip below freezing overnight; however, the early end of the rainfall, generally light accumulations, and strengthening winds should preclude any notable freezing. The chances might be slightly higher in those areas of extreme N GA that received snowfall today; however, it does not appear widespread freezing is a major concern.
Nevertheless, those gusty winds helping to prevent much icing will do little to help our sensible temperatures as they plunge overnight. Athens is forecast to reach a low in the mid-20s this evening (already cold), but the winds (probably on the order of 15-25 mph, especially during the morning and afternoon hours) will drive apparent temperatures into the mid-teens (potentially to just below 10 in the NW portion of the region). Some of the coldest frigid "feels like" temperatures will also coincide directly with the morning commute for many. Hence, wearing layers of warm clothing is advisable for anyone planning to be out tomorrow morning. Those warm clothes will likely still be needed when you are heading home from school or work, as highs are only forecast to reach the low-40s throughout the Athens area. The story will be very similar throughout N GA, albeit slightly colder. Locations region-wide will likely dip into the low-20s, potentially falling below 20 in the extreme N and NW portions of the state (especially in places of higher altitude). Highs will struggle to rebound region-wide, with the mercury only expected to get into the mid-30s for much of the region. Winds will be similar (if not a bit stronger than Athens in some locations, particularly with elevation) at a noticeable clip of 15-25 mph sustained winds and gusts up to 30 mph.
Altogether, it is evident that third winter (by my count) is here to stay for a few days -- but we are not without hope. Although temps will remain colder tonight and into the beginning of the weekend, we will see slow moderation of our airmass as we head into the latter part of the weekend and into next week. This will slowly raise minimum and maximum daily temperatures into more pleasant ranges, potentially approaching 70 by the middle of next week. There is also no meaningful precipitation forecast until (at least) later next week, so we can finally rest from the parade of storms we have received this year.
That being said, make sure you take any relevant action against the cold for the next couple of days (particularly checking on the 4 P's -- people, pets, pipes, and plants) and look forward to the end of this brief wintry period as we head into the weekend (to which we're over halfway there). Stay safe, stay warm, and Go Dawgs!!!
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