Welcome to the first day of the meteorological winter! Many wait until the astronomical winter solstice on Dec. 21. But we weather and climate folks like to get a head start on things. Actually, the seasons align up better this way in the record books.
So with winter here, the forecasts for the first seven days of December promise winter-type weather. Chilly, low snow levels and blustery winds. A sharp cold front arrives Saturday night and Sunday with cold air behind it, which will lower the snow level to 1,500 feet Sunday afternoon — maybe 1,000 feet.
The chances of low-elevation snow here in the city? At this point, I don’t think so. You will probably see wet flakes in the showers and maybe, if enough cold air can accumulate, all snow, but sticking is unlikely right now. As I have said, if it happens, it will be on short notice most likely.
Cold air is definitely forecast, but the usual pattern is by the time it gets cold enough to snow at sea level, we run out of moisture. So stay tuned this weekend to the latest forecasts as when we will have a better idea. Best chance may be the middle next week.
