Fog, Chilly Days Ahead and Major Arctic Blast in the East

 Today, restoration efforts are almost complete and the last group of customers without power will likely   receive it today. A ridge will set up offshore for the last days of November, leading to fog and drizzle. In other words, Seattle at its finest. However, out east, the first major arctic blast will commence and major lake-effect snow is almost a guarantee. 

    Let's start with the situation in the northwest. 


A weak ridge will situate itself offshore. Since it isn't overhead, it leads to a unique situation known as an inversion. An inversion is when there isn't a lot of movement in the upper air winds causing air to become stagnant. This causes a cold pool to develop in the lowlands and valleys. So while the lowlands are stuck in fog and drizzle, the mountains get to bask in the sun. This is exactly what will happen through this Thanksgiving weekend. Seattle and Portland will struggle to get out of the mid 40s with lows in the low 30s and possibly even into the upper 20s in the valleys. This could be the first freeze for many in the northwest as we haven't had many good opportunities for it this season. If you're looking for sun, head up to the mountains, where skiing conditions will be excellent through this weekend. Not much in terms of precipitation coming up, other than some light showers and drizzle in the lowlands. One issue to watch out for will be freezing fog. Areas of dense fog will develop in the nights and mornings for most lowland areas and when temps on the surface drop to or below 32, the moisture on the road will freeze leading to dangerous driving conditions. Other than that, no major weather-related issues for the rest of the week. Our first chance of rain looks to hold off till next Wednesday. 


Eastern Arctic Blast

Meanwhile, on the other side of the country, weather may be spoilsport in Thanksgiving travel plans.

Beginning on Thursday, cold air will begin to spill south from Canada into the Midwest and Northeast. Temperatures will be 10 to 20 degrees below normal. In Minnesota and Michigan, this could mean highs in the teens!! 

The blast of cold air will also be accompanied by major lake-effect snow for the shores of the great lakes.

By the end of the weekend, parts of the Northeast will be buried in more than 3 feet of snow!!

Buffalo will be one of the most hard hit areas from this snowstorm with up to 40 inches of possible in the vicinity!!

The Bills v 49'ers game will be one to watch!!

Obviously, this will make travel very difficult and I hope people stay off the roads once the snow starts!!

Have a great Thanksgiving!!

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