All Eyes Turn To Next Week...

Well now that this storm has basically missed our area, we can turn our eyes to the next developing situation that warrants our attention. It's over a week away, but the computer data is hinting at a potential winter storm for the Mid-Atlantic next Wednesday (1/28). The overall upper level pattern is expected to become a split flow over the week. This could be a major factor in helping us get winter weather in Virginia. We'll need the northern stream to supply the cold air and the southern stream to supply the moisture. It looks like the cold will gradually settle in, particularly behind a system that passes by on Tuesday (assuming the data is correct this far in advance). It's unusual to see such agreement this far out between the GFS (American) and European models. I have posted the maps from each model, effective next Wednesday morning. I find it rather interesting that this is a similar set-up to a somewhat "surprise" storm we had pop up on December 5, 2005 which dumped a quick 3-4 inches on Metro Richmond with slightly higher amounts to the north. Of course that was an early season storm and this one will be in the heart of winter. I certainly see some good potential here...so stay tuned!

Here's the European solution:























And here's the GFS solution: