Tracking the return of arctic air
TODAY: Wednesday is another colder than average day, just a bit warmer than Tuesday. We expect highs in the upper 30s to near 40° by the afternoon. Winds will start from the south, but switch to the north around midday along a cold front. This front will pass without precipitation initially.
TONIGHT: Some light wintry mix to flurries will develop behind the front. Little precipitation is expected, so accumulations will likely be a trace at best. Statistical odds of an inch of snow are near zero. Cold air will steadily filter into the region via 10-20 mph north winds. Temperatures fall to single digits for some in the north by sunrise.
EXTENDED: Thursday morning is cold enough for us to issue an ABC17 Stormtrack Weather Alert Day. Low temperatures are forecast in Columbia around 10°. For reference, the all-time record cold temperature for December 4th in Columbia is 2° in 2006. Wind chill will be the number to pay attention to, however, as these may be as cold as 0° to -10°. Fortunately, wind will be light as high pressure settles in at the core of the cold in the north. Thursday's highs are expected in the 20s. We look to warm into the weekend, with dry weather and highs in the 30s and 40s Friday through Sunday. The pattern will be active, but confidence in precipitation any one particular day is low.
