Zeta Strengthens Rapidly Winter Storm Southern Rockies & Plains Soaking Rain East Late Week
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Zeta Strengthens Rapidly Winter Storm Southern Rockies & Plains Soaking Rain East Late Week
There are two big players that will be driving the weather this week for the East Coast. The first is Tropical Storm Zeta which strengthened rapidly overnight and will become a hurricane today as it heads for the Yucatan Peninsula. Top winds are 70 mph and it is moving northwestward.
Nothing has changed in the forecast outlook. The important part for us is that Zeta will make landfall Wednesday along the Central Gulf Coast and then the remnant low will turn northeast and accelerate. The other factor is a major winter storm in the Southern Rockies and Southern Plains with 1 to 2 feet of snow possible in parts of New Mexico into Northwest Texas. That low will eject east northeastward, pick up Zeta and set us up for a soaking rain here later Thursday into Friday.
The weather models are all rather clear on this. This could be at least a 1 to 2 inch rain producer if not more in some areas. We will get into the specifics a bit more later today but it might put a solid dent into the drought in Southern and Southeastern New England. Also note that on the northern fringe of the precipitation shield a mix or a change to wet snow is indicated for parts of Upstate NY and Central New England and we can’t argue against that.
SATELLITE
REGIONAL RADAR
Meanwhile in the short range it is about an onshore flow and lots of clouds. There are some scattered sprinkles showing up on the regional and local radar. There is also some patchy drizzle around that the radars are not picking up. This will be the story today with most highs in the 50s to perhaps a few low 60s in the warmest inland spots. The chance for sun today is slim to none.
LOCAL RADAR NEW YORK CITY
LOCAL RADAR PHILADELPHIA
With no real push to get the clouds out of the way or at least dry things out, we have more of the same tonight and Tuesday. Gloom and doom for the most part but with not much rain around. Highs again will be in the 50s to near or just over 60. Wednesday we might be able to get some breaks of sun into the mix with highs in the upper 50s and lower 60s. Then in comes the rain from our Southern Plains/Zeta combo storm with temperatures in the 50s and it will be raw with a soaking rain Thursday night and Friday. Highs will be in the upper 40s to lower 50s. Weather conditions finally improve and we should get the sun back this weekend.
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MANY THANKS TO TROPICAL TIDBITS FOR THE USE OF MAPS
Please note that with regards to any severe weather, tropical storms, or hurricanes, should a storm be threatening, please consult your local National Weather Service office or your local government officials about what action you should be taking to protect life and property.
