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Pattern Dazzling December

Wild Weather Monger said:
IDK. I think I prefer the further west/stronger look.
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There are two dynamics at play in this situation: the SE Canada vortex and the ridge over BC/Alberta. If the ridge over BC can be strengthened and moved further north, it will cause the shortwave to lose more latitude before tilting negatively and producing precipitation. This will allow the shortwave to tap into moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, as shown by the 12z GFS model. In general, a stronger +PNA (Pacific North American pattern) increases the potential for storms further south.

The SE Canada vortex is an important factor in keeping the shortwave tilted positively and allowing it to move eastward. If the vortex is too weak or fast, it can cause the ridge to build in and the shortwave to tilt negatively before reaching the Southeast, leading to a cutter-type storm. This can also result in warmer air moving ahead of the system. On the other hand, if the SE Canada vortex is strong, both waves could consolidate and everyone stays dry as shown by the CMC model.

Notice the difference between the snowy 12z GFS vs the meh 12z Euro. The 12z GFS has a strong SE Canada Vortex and a taller ridge over BC.

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I wasn't a fan of the 18z EPS/Control because it moved unfavorably in both domains, a less positive PNA and weaker SE Canada Vortex. The strength of the wave in the NW is rather trivial because it can gain energy in other ways.

TLDR: Our snow chances increase by strengthening the ridge out west and strengthening the SE Canada vortex.
 
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As is in most cases the models aren’t going to nail a system that is still 180-200 hours out .. I would have to assume that there will be changes in the exact location and strength of pieces we want and may not even know exist at this range. Which will eventually create different scenarios we maybe weren’t anticipating to see. If we are thinking based on pure climatology .. it wouldn’t make sense to have a storm ride of the east coast like todays runs have been hinting at. You would tend to see something a little further west. I would suggest that eventually models hint at a western jog with time. It may not be fun to see but models don’t get the correct answer this far out usually ever. I hope I am pleasantly surprised. This is strictly about the 22-23 storm I could certainly see a better outcome for us with the 25-27 storm but that’s even further away with further changes likely to come. All in all the pattern is nice and can produce in multiple ways. I just don’t think we’re going to be easily slam dunking widespread winter storms without any wrenches getting thrown in our way.
 
NickyBGuarantee said:
Oh if only it could go out a litttleeeee longer ? next few days will be interesting to see if it’s onto something with that initial system. Every system effects the one behind it so it’s important we know for sure what happens to each one.
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It's still running! to 192 hrs.. and once this run completes, i'll start another one. Seeing it show a major miller A is pretty neat. Haven't really tested it's accuracy beyond 144 hrs, though.
 
Myfrotho704_ said:
In my very own opinion, this system that brings the cold is gonna trend to a inland runner/cutter, but after that is game on
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I definitely tend to agree with that. I will say though, it wouldn’t suprise me if more areas were in play for CAD ice with the first system. I think, like the past couple days, there will be strong CAD and there’s gonna be a lot more snowpack in place by next Thursday in the northeast.
 
The interesting thing about this pattern is that the week leading up to the storm a lot of locations at least in NC will already be seeing somewhat BN temps(40s for highs, upper 20s-lower 30s for lows) so even if it cuts, there could be some CAD ice like @Chazwin says.
 
Chazwin said:
I definitely tend to agree with that. I will say though, it wouldn’t suprise me if more areas were in play for CAD ice with the first system. I think, like the past couple days, there will be strong CAD and there’s gonna be a lot more snowpack in place by next Thursday in the northeast.
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Maybe not with this 1st round, but I would carefully watch for a system coming in as the cold air pulls out that could possibly be a big icestorm in the CAD areas. Say around or just after New Years Day. About like 1999, but colder and much colder ground temps. Nothing really on the models yet, but just a feeling I have. We have had a good many events through the years on the back end of cold snaps.
 
Wow, another crazy day of runs, just catching up. All said and done, it seems to me the 25th and after is still the time frame. I just don't think the ridge is going to be tall enough, steep enough to dig enough for the 23rd. I could be wrong, hope bounceys model come to fruition. But let's get the cold established and see what happens.

And let's hope the euro doesn't destroy the block.
 
Stormlover said:
I saw that, but where are the maps? Any info on this model?
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It’s his own in house model. He linked it in an earlier post. As much as I like winter weather I don’t know if I like the idea of half an inch of ZR with 6-10 inches of wet snow on top.
 
LukeBarrette said:
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Huh, that’s a weird comeback for this system. Better than nothing I guess
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I feel like this is the type of system that we won't end up seeing much on the short-range models, but could end up seeing some snow showers on the radar. Would likely be virga since dewpoints would initially be in the 20s.
 
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