Lehigh Valley Prepared for Light Snowfall Amid Larger Winter Storm

The Lehigh Valley is forecasted to receive 1 to 3 inches of snow on Monday, with the bulk of storm activity affecting the Central Plains and Mid-Atlantic regions. Winter weather advisories have been issued for nearby areas, focusing on hazardous travel due to icy conditions. Snowfall amounts may be reduced due to dry air limiting accumulation.

A snowstorm expected to affect the Lehigh Valley on Monday will likely deposit between 1 to 3 inches of snow throughout the day. The primary impact of the storm is anticipated to unfold across the Central Plains and the Mid-Atlantic regions, as indicated by the National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center. Areas bordering the Valley, such as Berks and Montgomery counties, will experience winter weather advisories due to anticipated hazardous travel conditions resulting from icy and slippery roads.

Tonight, the Lehigh Valley may receive initial snow accumulations of less than half an inch. Following that, heavier snowfall is predicted before 2 p.m. Monday, with potential additional accumulations of less than half an inch into Monday night. Meteorologist Bobby Martrich from EPAWA remarked that the snowfall expectations for the Valley and central New Jersey would be lower than previously thought.

The snowfall amounts are expected to be highest in the southern regions of the Valley as outlined on the EPAWA snowfall map. However, the forecast also notes that the presence of “Arctic high pressure from Canada,” which entails very cold, dry air, will inhibit snowfall accumulation. The National Weather Service explains that dry air may absorb moisture from the snow through sublimation, effectively reducing the total snowfall measured on the ground.

To the south of Pennsylvania, regions such as Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia are predicted to receive significant snowfall, ranging from 6 to 10 inches. The Storm Prediction Center has warned that blizzard conditions will prevail in certain parts of Kansas and Missouri, characterized by wind gusts exceeding 40 mph and snowfall potentially reaching over 15 inches, marking one of the heaviest snowfalls seen in a decade. However, conditions in the Lehigh Valley will remain relatively calm, with west winds expected to reach up to 5 mph tonight, and calm conditions predicted for tomorrow before gusts increase to 20 mph later in the evening.

The anticipation of the current winter storm is based on extensive meteorological analysis, with forecasters predicting varying impacts across different regions. While the Lehigh Valley is expected to have moderate snowfall, nearby areas face more severe weather advisories, highlighting the diverse effects of winter storms. The incorporation of atmospheric conditions, such as the presence of dry air from Arctic high pressure, plays a crucial role in determining the final snowfall amounts as it impacts moisture retention in the atmosphere.

In summary, the Lehigh Valley is set to experience a light snowfall event on Monday, with predicted accumulations between 1 to 3 inches. Meanwhile, regions to the south may encounter more severe winter weather conditions. The overall impact of the storm will be tempered by the influence of dry air, which is expected to limit snowfall accumulation in the Valley. Caution is advised for travelers in the surrounding areas where hazardous conditions are expected due to icy roads.

Original Source: www.lehighvalleynews.com