BLOG: February 16th Morning Weather
By Kate Bilo
"I Love The Smell of WAA in the Morning..."
WAA in weather terms = Warm Air Advection, and that's what's going to give us a nice little spring preview for the rest of the week!
Ahhh, quiet weather. Yesterday I went through the daily weather for Philadelphia since December 1st and calculated how many days featured at least a "trace" of snow at the airport. There were 25 days. Out of 76. That's an average of something falling from the sky one out of every three days, and of course that doesn't take flurries into account. It was an active winter and it's been a long time since we've had an extended stretch like this without a storm threat. Now, that may change early next week as a system looms with the chance for rain and perhaps some snow or ice for the President's Day holiday, but before we get there, let's talk about some WARMTH!
Yesterday was one of those days that LOOKED warmer than it actually was. I got all excited to take my dog for a walk, stepped outdoors and realized that my light jacket was woefully inappropriate for those chilly, biting winds. Fooled by the sunshine - and I really should know better! But today, tomorrow and Friday will be gorgeous. Low 50's today but a nice mild breeze, nearing 60 tomorrow, and by Friday... well, all bets are off on Friday.
A very strong southwest flow will take over the region on Friday and I'm not ruling out the POSSIBILITY that the mercury could rise all the way to the 70 degree mark. Now, if this happened, it would be a record-breaker, taking down a 120-year-old record! We hit 69 on the 18th of February back in the great year of 1891... anyone remember that one? I didn't think so. But it will be close! Great day to get outside, maybe leave a little early, take the kids to the park, go for a jog along the boardwalk... just enjoy this little taste of spring while realizing that it's not going to last, and we are still firmly planted in winter.
A cold front shatters our springtime dreams on Friday night, coming through generally moisture-starved but I think there could possibly be a rain shower or two overnight. Saturday is very windy and noticeably colder at 48, and then Sunday is a seasonably chilly and sunny day. Tracking a system for early next week - could start as some ice on President's Day and then a rain/snow threat Monday into Tuesday. Stay tuned for more on that!
And, while we're at it, go ahead and post your prediction or your wishful thinking for Friday's high! Do YOU think we'll break a record?
Kate Bilo
Morning Meteorologist
CBS3 and CW Philly
