Arctic Blast Slams Into Region

Howdy friends, and Happy Hump Day. After hearing about all of the school closures, hopefully y’all are prepared (both physically and emotionally) for the cold. Some of you may like the cold temperatures, but its no joke when an Arctic blast slams into the region.

We did have some (very dry) snow overnight, with areas getting between a dusting and 1 inch. The roads are slick this morning, so please be cautious if traveling.

Winter Weather Advisory

A Winter Weather Advisory will expire at 8 AM this morning. The combination of snowfall and gusty winds will make travel hazardous.

Pictured below is overlooking WKU at 3 AM this morning.

Wind Chill Advisory

The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Chill Advisory for a portion of our area until 1 PM today. The cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.

Dangerously Cold

If you’re like me and love the warmer months of the year, I’m sorry. This Arctic air will keep our high temperature in the crisp teens, and our low temperature will dip into the single digits.

The main concern will be the winds. Strong winds will be coming from the northeast, and are expected to be steady at 10-15 mph, with gusts up to 25 mph possible.

HRRR modeled surface winds at 8 AM. (Pivotal Weather)

Let’s talk wind chills. The combination of Arctic air and strong winds makes conditions outside dangerous. Expect wind chills to be in the -5°F to -10°F range.

HRRR indicated -10°F wind chills at 9 AM (Pivotal Weather)

Negative wind chills are a serious situation. Without a wind-blocking coat and multiple layers, the wind can whisk away the warmth from our skin.

With temperatures this cold, frostbite can occur within 30 minutes of exposed skin, so don’t forget gloves, ear muffs, and a face mask to block the bitter wind.

Remember, if you’re cold, our furry friends are too!

Some snow flurries may linger this morning, but skies should have some clearing by later this afternoon. A chance of some flurries look to return tonight ( 6-11pm), but accumulation should be light (if any).

Polar Vortex

By now I’m sure you’ve heard a lot of talk about the Polar Vortex, but do you know what it is?

As seen below, the Polar Vortex is an area of low pressure and cold air at the North and South poles. In the wintertime, it can become less stable and expand, which will send cold Arctic air into the US.

The science behind the Polar Vortex (NOAA)

You learn something new every day! (Giphy)

Cold on Thursday (But Not As Cold As Today)

If there’s any good news, it’s that temperatures will be “warmer”. High pressure briefly moves into our area, and winds will be shifting to be out of the southeast.

High pressure sets up over KY. (Pivotal Weather)

Unlike today, the high temperature for tomorrow will hit the mid 30s, with winds much calmer (5-10 mph). Yes, the mid 30s is still cold, but it’ll be much better than the negative wind chills we have today. Temperatures should stay above freezing heading into Thursday night. A warm front will be pushing into our area, and will bring rain chances beginning around 11 pm.

Light Rain Throughout Friday

Light rain showers should persist into the afternoon hours on Friday.

GFS indicates rain across our area. (Pivotal Weather)

While the amount of rainfall should stay under 0.25 inches, temperatures will be warmer than Thursday. Expect temperatures to hit the mid 40s in the afternoon (this is exiting!).

Excited to see temperatures climb back into the 40s. (Giphy)

By Friday evening, rain should exit, but clouds will remain. Low temperatures will bottom out in the mid 30s. If you are excited for the weekend, then check back here tomorrow for information about Saturday’s forecast (Hint: it’s looking really nice).

That wraps up today’s forecast. Hope you have a great Wednesday and rest of the week! Make sure to follow @wxornotBG on Facebook and Twitter for weather/forecast updates.