Pinpoint Weather: Changing pattern for Friday as mountain snow and valley rain return

Posted: Jan 14, 2021 / 01:31 PM EST / Updated: Jan 14, 2021 / 05:50 PM EST

Pinpoint Weather: Changing pattern for Friday as snow and rain return

Looks like the mild pattern is coming to an end and the chance for us to see some measurable snow in the mountains is also upon us. A cold front will move through Friday and provide rain ahead of the front and a wintry mix as it crosses. There is a good chance for some measurable snow in the Alleghany Highlands Friday afternoon and overnight while the rest of the region will be dealing with some wet snow and/or cold rain.

Friday starts out on the dry side but quickly evolves into a wet and sloppy day. The roads for the evening commute will be a bit tricky as the wet pavement is always a concern for drivers. Add some snow to the mix and we have a rough commute. The good news is that the road surfaces are fairly warm from our mild pattern this week, so the wet snow will not accumulate on many roads, just make for a wet ride.

Friday night the temps will drop below freezing so areas of black ice are possible. The rain and wintry mix will still be lingering around until at least midnight then the cold air of the night will freeze some of the remaining water.

Saturday morning may still be on the slick side but as the day moves along the region will slowly dry out. Temperatures for the rest of the weekend and into next week will be a couple degrees below normal, but still not bitter cold, just “wintry cold”.

Sunday will be brisk and crisp as the mountain breeze arrives from the Northwest. Snow will accumulate on West Facing Slopes again as the mountains squeeze out the snow. As the mountains squeeze out the snow, that means less moisture for the eastern communities. Rain shadow effect is what this process is called when the mountains scour our all the moisture and lay it down on one side of the mountain, while there is none left for the other.

Monday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, will be chilly and breezy. Again, some snow may fall on the west side of the Appalachians, but not much left for the rest of the regions.