I have question what do the long term charts or whatever say about more precip for the SE? Reason I ask this is because their have been reports of the possibility of nuclear plants shutting down. This will drive up the cost of electricity for everyone especailly if you live in state where electricity prices have been deregulated. Big pocket issue potentially and more important than the next big snow etc.

Ch. 9's Howard Bernstein on the Don & Mike said he thinks there is a possible winter storm mid-week next week. I know its too early to tell - but I like having hope.

Dave,
Despite recent rains, severe drought is still widespread in the Southeast. It will take a prolonged period of rainfall to dent the deficit. In this area, we're starting the year about 50% down so far in January. Yes, it is much more important than when the kiddies get their next snow day.

My parents in North Georgia had some snow this week...a light snowfall isn't lots of moisture but it would help. AND their kiddies got to have a snow day.

I know I'm a big old dreamer. But did you guys see the 18z GFS run for Feb 9. That's the best model run this winter showing us getting hammered by a bomb. I think I'll save it cause it looks so pretty. Too bad that run cant hold for...uh...about ten days..:(

Dave:
You are wise to be concerned! This problem will have a negative impact on nearly everyone if it continues into the summer. Many folks have no idea how serious the potential is. Much higher electric bills, water shortages or rationing, higher food prices etc. etc. Reagan National has only received 52% of normal precip. year to date. Richmond Int. down to 31%

Some of the main rivers in the Shenandoah that feed the Potomac are only flowing one third of normal for this date!! We are already in a moderate drought, things will get much worse rapidly in the spring, if this pattern continues.

We should jump for joy the next time we receive a soaking rain or heavy wet snow and pray that it is only the beginning!!

Here is the lotto link for Feb 9....for my last post

http://www.nco.ncep.noaa.gov/pmb/nwpara/analysis/namer/gfs/18/fp0_360.shtml

That is nice ChrisfromVA, but it looks like the 540 mb line is a little west of DC. Could just be a nasty rainstorm if I understand it correctly.

Well, first of all, we should be looking at the GFS 360 as much as an 8yr old should be looking at porn....here's a closer look:
http://www.nco.ncep.noaa.gov/pmb/nwpara/analysis/namer/gfs/18/images/gfs_pcp_360l.gif
I'll warn you that it's pretty much Fantasyland.....but you will see the 540 line (is south of Charles county) with 850 temps, which are about 5,000 feet up...but literally.......that would be a ton of snow.

MTBR, hilarious analogy. Ok, makes sense now.

Okay so what does the 540mb line mean? I thought the big deal for the rain/snow line was the 850 temps...and are the blue temps degrees below freezing and the red above?

And why am I checking a weather blog before I go to bed??? A snow addict???

I hate to be one of those people who long for the good old days... but somehow there's gotta be a way to show the week's forecast at an easy glance like there used to be. Isn't that the most essential, basic information?

Thankfully, the well written daily analyses remain top notch.

Bill -- It is indeed essential and basic, which is why I am glad to say we are working hard on getting an at-a-glance forecast up on the site. Should be withing the next couple weeks, so bear with us, and thanks for the kind words.