TURNING WARMER; WET SYSTEM LOOMS

A more noticeable push of warmer air will be felt today as surface winds begin to veer more out of the south. This should allow temperatures to easily make their way into the 20s for daytime highs. At the same time, a weak disturbance caught by the westerly winds aloft will bring in clouds and the potential for some light snow or flurries. Like yesterday, any light accumulations will be confined well to our south.

By tonight, a warm but wet air mass taking shape across the southern Great Plains will march its way northeastward. The moisture will be arriving first before the warmer air does by Friday morning. This means that the precipitation type may start off as a mix bag of light freezing rain, sleet and snow before changing to all rain. Areas around the immediate Quad Cities and points south will likely see a light wintry mix during the morning before changing to all rain starting around lunchtime. Further north, the light mix of freezing rain and sleet will last a bit longer before changing to all rain late in the afternoon. As a result, roadways could become a bit dicey especially the more north you go. The bulk of the rain arrives near evening, which clouds return to a light snow before tapering off before sunrise on Saturday. Right now, flooding does not appear to be a concern except for poor drainage areas due to snow blocking the storm drains.

The relatively mild air will remain in place through the weekend with afternoon high around the mid to upper 30s. A small shot of cold air arrives by early next week along with a round of light snow.

-James Z.

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