Once again, ominous maps of heavy snow bands across parts of the Southeast are starting to appear on social media. I am already getting questions about these snow maps just like we did with the last big storm. This is a good reminder that you should never trust a snow map more than a couple of days ahead, because the models cannot get the details of the atmospheric temperature structure right more than 2-3 days before the event occurs. Any model runs that are currently posted are likely to be one run of one model with the worst case possible, not what is most likely to happen. Some of the alternate maps are showing more ice than snow or snow in different locations and amounts. Be prepared and watch trusted forecasters, not social mediarologists!

What we do know is that another cold outbreak is on the way and there is a very high probability of colder than normal temperatures to occur in the 6-10 day window next week. Exactly how cold it will get is still debatable, although it may be a bit colder than last time because there is a lot more snow on the ground to the north of us to keep the Arctic air from modifying. It is looking more likely that another storm will develop in the 8-14 day time frame and that could have wintry precipitation, but it is too early to say anything more specific than that.

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