I highly doubt there would be a winter storm during the first cold surge next week. Time is closing in now, and there hasn't been any solid consistency of a winter storm on the GFS or the Euro. I'm officially writing off a significant winter storm for next week. And honestly, I'm so glad I did not fall for all the "noise" from the ensembles. If the ensembles showed that kind of snow like we've been seeing in a 5-7 day window instead, I'd take it more serious. There needs to be time for things to "adjust" within the pattern if that makes sense. We would have a better chance at scoring a winter storm during transitions from moderation of temps to cold surges, not soon as a strong cold surge takes place. However, sometimes we do get lucky and score a winter storm as soon as a cold surge takes place. I'm just going with what normally ends up happening instead of following a "fine line."
Looking at today's 12z GFS 500mb, this does not look good for winter storm development next week if you ask me if this 500mb pattern holds true. Massive ridge to the north with a strong high pushing south from Canada. We'll have the cold, but as I've been saying, the southern branch will most likely become less active and suppressed during the first cold surge. There could be a chance of minor frozen precipitation with that system on the 24th at the onset. The high pressure rushes east before that system gets kicked out. That is not ideal for a massive widespread winter storm, for CAD, yes. I have a good feeling for the last week this month for a winter storm. So, I'm going all IN for the last week.
