Of the notable factors in our weather forecast – and there are several – the one that will probably stand out is an incessant wind that only builds until early Thursday morning. And that’s when the other notable factor, snow, may need a bit of cleanup along with any debris that blows in.
Spring arrives at 4:01 a.m. Thursday, and on this last day of winter a blustery, wet and cold day will be the rule with rain expected most hours, along with possible thunderstorms after 2 p.m. The National Weather Service is all but dismissive of any severe thunderstorm activity in our area, with that risk closer to the state line.

NWS Graphic
Aside from thunderstorms, though, winds will become sustained mostly over 20 mph by mid afternoon with gusts to 40 by nightfall, and a Wind Advisory takes effect at 7 p.m. for the following 12 hours. By 3 a.m. Thursday gusts could exceed 50 mph, threatening tree, utility and other damage.

NWS Graphic
Those high winds bring cold air into the picture and after a brief period of mixed precipitation…likely close to 9 p.m., snow is forecast to take over. Visibility may be the worst factor, however roads will likely become slick as temperatures dip below freezing after midnight, and between 1 and 3 inches could collect by daybreak.

NWS Graphic
Sunshine, diminishing winds and temps in the 30s then set the stage for cleaning up whatever remains on Thursday – the first day of spring.



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