Capital Weather Gang: January 30, 2011 - February 5, 2011

Update on upcoming wintry weather chances

It's been a raw, dreary and sometimes drizzly day out there, but with nothing in the way of frozen precipitation. Might that change? Well, we're tracking three opportunities for wintry weather over the next several days, though none are close to a sure thing as of yet.

By Dan Stillman  | February 5, 2011; 6:05 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (45)
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Forecast: Showers today, storm threats ahead

We've got a bit of a "nuisance" rain shower threat today, but don't expect too much to fall overall. While it could end with a few flakes I would not bet on that either. We finish the weekend on a pleasant note tomorrow before multiple storm chances present themselves next week.

CWG's Express & Detailed Forecast

By Ian Livingston  | February 5, 2011; 5:00 AM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (50)
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PM Update: Freezing rain advisory tonight N & W

A storm to the south lifts north overnight providing light rain late for most of the region. But some of the cold spots well west and northwest of the District may see some light freezing rain. Any freezing rain turns to rain during the day Saturday.

CWG's Detailed Forecast

By Jason Samenow  | February 4, 2011; 9:15 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (12)
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Dallas gets pre- Super Bowl snow dump

Four to six inches of snow blanketed the Dallas Fort Worth metro region this morning just two days prior to Sunday's Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Green Bay Packers.

By Jason Samenow  | February 4, 2011; 5:00 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (11)
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Three possible storms: will any pack a punch?

Even if the winter of 2010-2011 hasn't delivered a knockout blow like Snowmageddon of a year ago, we've had plenty of action of track. The next six days present three opportunities for winter weather punches of varying force. In terms of snow, Saturday's potential is anemic, like a feather to your face, if even existent. Then a weather system Monday night could produce a lightweight hit. Thursday's snow punch - which may be followed by the fiercest Arctic blast of the season - could be the heavyweight. On the other hand, it's farthest away and could whiff or get washed out.

By Jason Samenow  | February 4, 2011; 1:30 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (45)
Categories:  Updates, Winter Storms  
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Snowmageddon memories a trending topic

The Twitter universe is buzzing with Snowmageddon memories since we put out the request. And right here on the CWG blog, we've had some great stories told. Keep them coming.

By Jason Samenow  | February 4, 2011; 11:40 AM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (4)
Categories:  Capital Weather Gang, Latest, Snowmageddon  
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Snowmageddon: One year later...

This weekend marks the one year anniversary of the historic Snowmageddon storm of February 5-6, 2010 which dropped 18-32 inches of snow across the metro region.

By Jason Samenow  | February 4, 2011; 10:00 AM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (36)
Categories:  Capital Weather Gang, Latest, Snowmageddon  
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Forecast: Plentiful clouds before storminess

Today's shaping up pretty nicely. Winds are light and sunshine helps warm us up into the 40s. A small storm moving up the coast provides a risk of a bit of wintry precipitation late tonight, yet it's mainly rain into Saturday. Sunday is looking sweet, but more storm threats are looming as we head deeper into next week.

CWG's Express & Detailed Forecast

By Camden Walker  | February 4, 2011; 5:00 AM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (37)
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PM Update: Cold, clouds increase Friday

Temperatures are a good 15 degrees colder than the same time yesterday thanks to the Arctic front the pushed through yesterday. The cold air mass sends us into the deep freeze tonight but begins to slip away tomorrow as storminess develops to the south.

CWG's Detailed Forecast

By Jason Samenow  | February 3, 2011; 3:45 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (18)
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Saturday storm: Light ice & rain, ending as snow?

Model guidance continues to indicate the storm to impact the region Friday night and Saturday is no big deal. But, there is the possibility of some frozen precipitation at the beginning and end of the event particularly in the north and west suburbs.

By Jason Samenow  | February 3, 2011; 2:25 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (32)
Categories:  Latest, Winter Storms  
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Queensland, Australia slammed by cyclone

Wednesday morning (Eastern Time), cyclone Yasi made landfall as a powerful Category Four storm (Category 5 on Australia's scale) along Australia's northeastern coast in Queensland with maximum sustained winds of 155 mph. (What we call hurricanes, Australian's call cyclones).

By Jason Samenow  | February 3, 2011; 12:45 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (4)
Categories:  International Weather, Latest, Tropical Weather  
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Name Chicago's snowstorm

Guess what? The Chicago Tribune is encouraging suggestions for naming the monumental storm that just buried Chicago with almost 2 feet of snow and 10 foot drifts. As we Washingtonians are now pros at naming storms, let's give our Windy City neighbors some help.

By Steve Tracton  | February 3, 2011; 10:30 AM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (47)
Categories:  Humor, Latest, U.S. Weather  
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Forecast: Chilly but sun in abundance

Cold sunshine today. The next system to approach the area comes in Friday night. It may be just cold enough to produce a bit of sleet or freezing rain, especially north of the city, but quickly switches to rain. Sunshine returns and temperatures warm nicely on Sunday and Monday.

CWG's Express & Detailed Forecast

By David Streit  | February 3, 2011; 5:00 AM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (45)
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PM Update: Brief warmth quickly turns colder

We saw a brief taste of warmer weather today, but that will quickly be forgotten as colder air spills back in this evening and overnight. Tomorrow, we're back down in the 30s again like we have been for extended periods this winter. Next up? Chilly through Friday then a storm this weekend that's looking like rain.

CWG's Detailed Forecast

By Ian Livingston  | February 2, 2011; 3:15 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (42)
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Saturday storm trending wet not white

Computer models are now indicating that another storm will likely impact the area over the weekend, probably on Friday night and Saturday and probably with mainly rain.

By Wes Junker  | February 2, 2011; 1:45 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (31)
Categories:  Latest, Winter Storms  
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Cooling off the heated climate change rhetoric

The Trenberth dustup is only the latest skirmish in an increasingly heated climate of confrontation between mainstream climate scientists and climate skeptics. Ever since the so-called "climategate" emails in 2009, the intensity of the climate debate has reached new levels, with climate scientists receiving not only insulting emails, but even threats of bodily harm, with some threats referred to the FBI.

By Andrew Freedman  | February 2, 2011; 11:00 AM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (114)
Categories:  Climate Change, Freedman, Latest  
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Blizzard ends in Chicago

Snow continues to fall heavily around Chicago with wind gusts to around 30 mph, and visibility of a quarter mile or less. Chicago O'Hare has received 19.5 inches of snow through 9 a.m. central time according to official If just 3.5 more inches fall, this Groundhog Day blizzard will become the biggest one-day snowfall in Chicago history.

By Jason Samenow  | February 2, 2011; 10:15 AM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (21)
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Forecast: Morning rain, midday warmth

Our solid soaking should come to an end by early-to-mid morning, with any icing issues likely confined to areas well north and northwest of the metro area. Once the rain stops, highs near 50 should fell pretty great, even with some gusty afternoon winds. We get few breaks in the weather department lately, and the next storm threatens snow or rain Friday night into Saturday.

CWG's Express & Detailed Forecast

By Dan Stillman  | February 2, 2011; 8:25 AM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (50)
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No shadow for groundhog Phil: Winter to end?

On the 125th anniversary of Groundhog's Day in Punxsutawney, Pa., groundhog Phil failed to see his shadow this morning at 7:25 a.m. amidst overcast skies, light rain showers, and temperatures in the mid-30s. According to folklore, no shadow for Phil means there will be an early spring whereas had he seen his shadow, it would have signified six more weeks of winter.

By Jason Samenow  | February 2, 2011; 7:25 AM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (16)
Categories:  Humor, Latest  
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Ice to mostly stay north; do your homework

The bottom line is that most, if not all of the metro region should be ice-free for the a.m. commute. But check temperatures before heading out in the morning and allow extra time due to the possibility of some heavy showers.

By Jason Samenow  | February 1, 2011; 9:55 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (32)
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Amazing reports about massive Midwest storm

NASA is calling the storm exploding over in the Midwest "one of the largest winter storms since the 1950s." Yesterday, we talked about what all of the ice and snow the storm might bring. Now it's well underway.

By Jason Samenow  | February 1, 2011; 7:00 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (54)
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PM Update: Rain and freezing rain tonight

After this morning's freezing drizzle induced glaze, the mercury has rebounded just above 32 across much of the metro region. To the west, a "beast" of a storm is winding up in the Midwest. As it advances east and northeast, freezing rain and rain breakout across the area tonight. The precipitation ends tomorrow morning as rain before a brief push of mild air for the afternoon.

CWG's Detailed Forecast

By Jason Samenow  | February 1, 2011; 4:00 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (38)
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Weather Service website falters at critical time

Anyone attempting the to access the National Weather Service (NWS) website over the last 36 hours has likely encountered significant problems. The website's performance has been persistently sluggish and, at times, content has been inaccessible. This comes at a time when a massive, life threatening storm is impacting more than 100 million people with warnings and advisories in 20 states.

By Jason Samenow  | February 1, 2011; 2:30 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (28)
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Ice threat tonight focused on northern Md. & Pa.

Precipitation is likely to resume between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. tonight. Around the District and to the immediate north and west, the precipitation may begin as light freezing rain. North and northwest of Montgomery county, a period of freezing rain is likely. The farther to the north and northwest you go, the greater the risk of significant icing as the cold air will be deeper and more persistent.

By Jason Samenow  | February 1, 2011; 11:15 AM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (110)
Categories:  Latest, Winter Storms  
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Forecast: AM mix, rain or ice for round 2 tonight

Patchy ice is likely this morning. While heavy precipitation is not expected, untreated surfaces may be slippery and require slow, careful driving and walking. Another round of precipitation tonight and tomorrow should bring mostly rain inside the beltway and south, but the chance of more icy trouble increases in the northern suburbs.

CWG's Express & Detailed Forecast

By Matt Rogers  | February 1, 2011; 5:00 AM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (87)
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Update on weather for next two a.m. commutes

A bit of light snow and sleet has left a very light accumulation in spots this evening with little to no impact. After last week's midweek mess, however, a lot of folks are concerned what the potential for wintry and wet weather may mean for tomorrow morning's and Wednesday morning's commutes. Here's our latest thinking...

By Dan Stillman  | January 31, 2011; 10:25 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (17)
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Snow storm to bury Midwest, New England

National Weather Service advisories and warnings are in effect in more than 20 states as a powerful storm cranks up in the Midwest. A blizzard warning is in effect for Chicago, where 12 to 20 inches of snow is possible. Other cities which may experience blizzard conditions include Tulsa, Kansas City, and Detroit. Snow is expected to begin tonight and tomorrow from southwest to northeast and continue into early Wednesday

By Jason Samenow  | January 31, 2011; 6:30 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (34)
Categories:  Latest, U.S. Weather, Winter Storms  
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PM Update: Light freezing rain overnight

Winter weather advisories have been hoisted for the area starting at midnight tonight and continuing until noon Tuesday as part one of a complex storm system approaches. We're not expecting major icing tonight, but it only takes a little to cause problems. Much of Tuesday appears quiet, but another dose of moisture heads in late and while it should be rain in the city, the icing threat continues to the north and west.

CWG's Detailed Forecast

By Ian Livingston  | January 31, 2011; 3:00 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (92)
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Breaking down the double ice threat

Between tonight and Wednesday midday, parts of the metro region may experience two periods of iciness. The first event - for which a winter weather advisory has been issued (except south) - spans tonight and tomorrow morning and should be minor. The second event - late Tuesday night into Wednesday morning - will feature heavier precipitation. However, it likely turns to rain from the District and to the southeast, with the odds of significant icing increasing as you go north and northwest toward Loudoun county in Va. and Frederick and Montgomery counties in Md., where a Winter Storm Watch is in effect.

By Jason Samenow  | January 31, 2011; 12:45 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (79)
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Commutageddon: could we all have done more?

As we look back at last Wednesday's catastrophic commute, the question arises- could better forecast information and communication helped avert the horrific "commutageddon" scenario that unfolded?

By Jason Samenow  | January 31, 2011; 10:23 AM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (95)
Categories:  Latest, Recaps, Winter Storms  
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Forecast: Light wintry mix tonight

Wintry weather is back in the forecast but no need to panic. The light mixed precipitation possible tonight into tomorrow morning's rush hour may cause some slipperiness but won't be crippling. Then we catch a break tomorrow afternoon before the next round of precip - probably rain - late tomorrow night and Wednesday.

CWG's Express & Detailed Forecast

By Jason Samenow  | January 31, 2011; 5:00 AM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (66)
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Big Midwest snow looms, wintry mix & rain for D.C.

Late Monday through Wednesday, a complex storm system will throw a variety of precipitation types across the metro region. The precipitation will probably start as a snow, sleet and/or freezing rain Monday night into Tuesday morning. By the time the second, more intense part of the storm arrives Wednesday, the model are forecasting temperatures warm enough to support all rain.

By Wes Junker  | January 30, 2011; 2:30 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (94)
Categories:  Latest, Winter Storms  
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Forecast: A pretty pleasant Sunday

Our weather peaks today in terms of pleasantness with some sun and an extra degree or two for daytime highs. As we begin the week, though, we take a turn for the worse with precipitation chances as early as late Monday and likely lasting into Wednesday. Will it be wintry, wet, or both?

CWG's Express & Detailed Forecast

By Brian Jackson  | January 30, 2011; 5:00 AM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (49)
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