Feels Like Monday - Looks Like It Too...

Good Morning!

Before we get rolling today, I need to apologize for a forecast error.  I told you that I didn't see any snow in the forecast for the next few days, and that is flat out WRONG.  Last night when I posted this I was zoned out and didn't realize I had not refreshed my window with the NAM forecast model and the one that had the MOS (Model Output Statistics) in it.  Therefore, I was giving you a forecast on old data.  I apologize.  Let's move on and fix my goof with fresh data from this morning.

SUMMARY:  Gray and dreary around the area with some drizzle and light shower activity in a line from Midland all the way southwest back to Kalamazoo.  Have a look at the Grand Rapids NEXRAD radar image:

Grand Rapids NEXRAD Radar Reflectivity

This kind of activity stays with us throughout the day as the surface low works it's way up into the north-central part of Michigan, dragging his cold front along with him.  That keeps us damp for awhile, then the winds shift westerly and the temperature drops sharply.  I hate to say it, but we won't see those upper 50's readings again for at least a week, if not longer.  A trough shovels it's way in with some Canadian air, sending the mercury back into the near-freezing and sub freezing ranges.  In fact, we nearly chop the overnight low in half from the last two nights; 20's as opposed to 40's.  Seasonably cold weather after we get through Wednesday, with some sunshine to brighten things up in time for the weekend.  Average high is 44 and low 25 for this time of year here, and we run a bit cooler than that into Thursday.

PRECIPITATION:  We'll keep anything from drizzle to light showers in the area today, then as the temperatures drop, a few snowflakes can't be eliminated from consideration.  The good news is that the chances of said snowflakes falling become pretty low starting tomorrow.  We'll leave just a mention of some flurries in the picture for Tuesday into Wednesday.

Here's a look at the 5 Day Precipitation Forecast from the National Weather Service:

National Weather Service 5-Day Precipitation Forecast

As you can see, no major headaches for us regarding precip through 8 AM Saturday, just a half inch of liquid on the high side, and no late winter/early spring snow mischief in the works at this time.  You can't say the same for Ohio and points southeast, plenty of rain plus snow melt may cause some flooding problems.

Here's a look at the infrared satellite, showing all of us the clouds in the area that won't be moving out anytime soon:

Infrared Satellite Image

And here's the forecast for Jackson and surrounding areas including Parma and Tompkins:

Today, cloudy, damp, some drizzle or light rain; high 51 early, falling into the 40's by evening.  Wind SSW 10-15 MPH.

Tonight, cloudy, some lingering drizzle may change to flurries, sharply colder as compared to Sunday night, lows near 28, wind WSW 6-12 MPH.

Tuesday, continued cloudy, colder, a few flurries possible in some spots, high 34, wind W 6-12 MPH.

Tuesday night, continued cloudy and chilly, some stray snowflakes still linger, cold, low 19, NW winds 5-10 MPH.

Wednesday, mainly cloudy, a few afternoon peeks of sun possible, high 34.

Thursday, partly sunny, a bit milder, high 37.

Friday, a mix of clouds and sun, warmer still, high 40.

Saturday, increasing clouds, a stray shower can't be ruled out, high 44.

Sunday, becoming sunny and seasonably pleasant, high 45.

There's a look at your forecast for the next six days, I do hope that you have a great Monday!  Blessings.