Lehigh Valley Forecast: Light Snow Expected Amidst Dry Air Influences
The Lehigh Valley is expecting a snowfall of one to three inches on Monday, while surrounding regions will face winter weather hazards. Arctic high pressure and dry air may curtail snowfall totals, causing evaporation before accumulation. Neighboring states anticipate heavier snowfalls, with blizzard conditions forecasted further south.
The Lehigh Valley is poised to experience a new layer of snow Monday, with accumulations expected to total between one to three inches by the afternoon, according to forecasters. The National Weather Service (NWS) defines this impending storm as focused primarily in the Central Plains and Mid-Atlantic regions, where heavy snowfall, ice, and freezing rain are forecasted. Meanwhile, neighboring regions such as Berks and Montgomery counties face winter weather advisories due to the potential for hazardous traveling conditions.
Meteorologist Bobby Martrich from EPAWA indicated that the snow amounts in the Lehigh Valley and central New Jersey will likely fall short of initial expectations, with predictions now suggesting lesser totals than previously thought. One of the contributing factors to this reduction is the influence of Arctic high pressure from Canada, which introduces very cold and dry air into the region. This dry air can lead to sublimation, wherein snow converts into water vapor before reaching the surface, resulting in diminished snow accumulation.
Furthermore, areas situated south of Pennsylvania, including Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia, are anticipating larger snow totals of six to ten inches. The Storm Prediction Center has warned that blizzard-like conditions could occur in parts of Kansas and Missouri, with snowfall exceeding fifteen inches and wind gusts reaching upwards of forty miles per hour. In contrast, the Lehigh Valley will experience relatively calm weather, with projected west winds of up to five miles per hour tonight and gusts potentially reaching twenty miles per hour by Monday evening.
The impending snowstorm affecting the Lehigh Valley highlights significant weather patterns observed in the Central Plains and Mid-Atlantic regions. These areas are predicted to experience powerful snowfalls accompanied by ice and freezing rain. In contrast, the Lehigh Valley is expected to see limited snow due to the impact of Arctic high pressure and dry air, which are contributing to a decrease in snowfall expectations. Understanding the mechanisms of sublimation and local atmospheric conditions is crucial for forecasting snow accumulation effectively. Additionally, neighboring states are bracing for more substantial snow totals, illustrating the variable nature of winter weather across different regions.
In summary, while the Lehigh Valley is set to receive a new blanket of snow, the expected accumulation of one to three inches reflects a notable decrease due to the predominance of dry Arctic air. This phenomenon not only affects local weather conditions but distinguishes the Valley’s experience from those of nearby regions anticipating much heavier snowfall. As meteorological predictions continue to evolve, it is essential for residents to remain informed about changing weather patterns and to exercise caution while traveling.
Original Source: www.lehighvalleynews.com
