Wintry Weather Could Affect the South and East Late Week

Chris Dolce
Published: January 2,2017
Colder temperatures are taking hold of a large portion of the Lower 48 states to start January, and that could set the stage for the potential of some wintry weather in parts of the South and East late this week into the weekend.
(MORE: Colder Temperatures on the Way)
Forecast guidance regarding this potential for snow has been and continues to be very uncertain which is not uncommon several days in advance. For this reason, keep in mind that the forecast you see on weather.com or on your mobile app will likely change the next few days, so be sure to check back often for the latest updates.
For now, here's a broad overview of what we are watching for later this week.
(MORE: January Tempeature Outlook)

Setup

The jet stream energy that could bring wintry weather to the South and East will first dump snow on the mountain West midweek. That energy will then pivot through the eastern states late in the week.
With cold air in place, that jet stream energy may tap enough moisture to produce snow and ice in parts of the South, Ohio Valley and East. If a surface low-pressure system forms in response to that energy, this could enhance the potential for wintry weather. Conversely, a more progressive and moisture-starved system with a weak surface low would decrease the odds.
(MORE: Daily Forecast Maps)

With cold air in place from high pressure, upper-level energy will pivot through the East. This could result in snow for parts of the South and East.

Timing

An initial round of light snow could ripple from the central Plains to the Ohio Valley and Appalachians Thursday. Then, Friday into Saturday another potentially more significant round of wintry weather could impact parts of the South and East.

Locations

Our most recent forecast maps for Friday and Saturday are shown below. As illustrated by the blue (snow) and pink shadings (wintry mix of snow, sleet, freezing rain), the potential for wintry weather is in play from the Deep South into the Tennessee Valley, Ohio Valley and the East.
(FORECASTS: Atlanta | Nashville | Raleigh)

Friday's Forecast

Saturday's Forecast

It is way too early to speculate on specific impacts and any potential accumulations at this time. The latest forecast information indicates that there is at least a chance of light accumulations.
There is no need to change any plans at the moment for later this week given the current uncertainty, but check back for daily updates this week.

MORE: Winter Storm Europa, December 2016