Thursday Evening, December 22

TONIGHT: Clouds will continue to increase overnight with winds out of the southeast under 9 mph. Temperatures will be near 30 degrees along and north of Hwy 50, with locations south of 50 flirting with freezing. This poses a problem, as low level moisture creeps in after midnight, with the potential for a winter mix after 3 am. We’ll have to watch for the potential for freezing rain/ice as we head into the AM commute hours.

FRIDAY: Temperatures to start off the day will be near the freezing mark. The AM commute could be slick, as there is an increasing chance of seeing a winter mix. Take caution as you head out the doors tomorrow morning. The winter mix is likely from 3 AM until about 10 AM, where it will then transition over to rain. Highs through the day will top out near 40 degrees with winds out of the southeast under 15 mph. Ice accumulation will not be likely, but a trace can’t be ruled out through the day. Most of the accumulation will come as rain through the evening hours. Up to .25″ of rain is expected along and north of Hwy 50, with nearly .50″ likely further south near I-44.

EXTENDED: Heading into Christmas weekend, temperatures will be on the increase. Temperatures will warm into the 40s by Saturday with much of the day remaining dry. Christmas looks breezy & warm with temperatures in the mid to upper 50s, possibly near 60. As a cold front moves in Sunday night, showers and t-storms will increase. A strong storm can’t be ruled out on Sunday evening. Total rainfall amounts for the weekend are expected to come in at .50″ to 1.0″. For additional weather updates follow @ABC17Stormtrack on Twitter.