FOX44 - Burlington / Plattsburgh News, Weather & Sports12.14.11 A Wet/Icy Thursday Expected

12.14.11 A Wet/Icy Thursday Expected

As the next storm system takes aim on our region, I expect a wet and, for some, icy day on Thursday. Much to the chagrin of skiers and riders, this one looks like mainly rain (again!).

Here's the set up. Low pressure and a large rain shield will dig out of the midwest today. As it approaches our region overnight, that moisture will run into colder air. I am forecasting temperatures to drop near or just below the freezing mark tonight, which will allow for a period of sleet or freezing rain early on Thursday morning as warm air overrides the cold pool at the earth's surface.

The coldest areas, and therefore the greatest risk of sleet and freezing rain will be in eastern Vermont, as well as interior New Hampshire. Temperatures here will fall into the upper 20s by around 3 or 4am and remain below freezing for a good chunk of the morning. 

While I dont expect much, if any, ice accumulation for most areas, there will likely be a light coating for some places in the Upper Valley and Northeast Kingdom. Our Sky Tracker weather models have a good handle on ice accumulating to as much as a tenth of an inch in some of the White Mountain region of New Hampshire. For the Champlain Valley and most of New York, temperatures will warm quickly in the morning, and precipitation will fall as just plain rain for much of this storm.

Otherwise, as warm air filters in aloft and finally mixes down to the valley floors of eastern Vermont, a gradual changeover to just plan rain is expected by late morning.

A strong southerly wind can also be expected. Most valley wind speeds will range from 10-20 mph, while the mountain tops will sustain winds of nearly 45-65 mph on Thursday. (sorry skiers and riders, looks like the lifts may be closed tomorrow).