Snow still Expected for West Virginia Appalachians, But Amounts Less

Large Area of Eastern U.S. Likely to See Season's First Frost, Too

A early season cold shot will be delivering some chill to a large expanse of the eastern U.S. this weekend. A piece of energy will spin over the Mid-Atlantic states and this will help to capture some moisture and pull it back into the mountains of West Virginia. This will help to provide for some snow showers to elevations above 3000' with some minor slushy accumulations possible during heavier bursts.

For many of us along and east of the Mississippi River and east to western Ohio and as far south as the Tennessee River could experience the season's first frost, especially Saturday night/Sunday morning. This will be the result of high pressure settling in and allowing for clear sky conditions and light winds.

This chill is short-lived, though, as the high will quickly allow winds to turn more southerly, early next week, as it drifts to the south-southeast. This will allow temperatures to quickly rebound into the 70s and 80s.

Kentucky Lake Region Forecast (September 30, 2011)

Still Breezy and Rough on Area Waters, Saturday; Better Lake Conditions Sunday

Until an area of high pressure nears the region later on Saturday, winds will remain breezy and that means another day of rough waters on area waterways. The high settles to our west, Saturday nigh and Sunday and this brings us our coolest air of the air of the season, to date. Some pockets of frost will be possible away from area water ways.

The winds will become more southerly early next week and that leads to a quick warm up with 80s returning by midweek. It will remain warmer until the next cold front arrives around the 10th of October.

Saturday
Sunny and Crisp
Still Breezy
Low: 40 High: 62 Wind: N 10-15

Sunday
Sunny  
Low: 36 High: 65 Wind: NNW 5-10

Monday
Mostly Sunny and Warmer
Low: 41 High: 74 Wind: NW-W 5

Tuesday
Mostly Sunny
Low: 45 High: 79 Wind: Light SSE

Wednesday
Mostly Sunny
Low: 50 High: 81 Wind: SE 5

Thursday
Mostly Sunny
Low: 53 High: 82 Wind: S 5-10

Friday
Mostly Sunny
Low: 56 High: 82 Wind: S 10

St. Louis Metro Area Forecast (September 30, 2011)

Frost Possible for Northeast Missouri through Central Illinois; May Impact Portions of the Metro East

A chilly high pressure system is settling into the region and this will bring us clear sky conditions and lighter winds for the weekend and it will also be quite chilly during the morning hours. The coldest morning will arrive Sunday morning and that is when pockets of frost are possible, especially to the north and east of the Metro area.

The high will begin to provide for a more southerly wind by Monday and that will lead to a quick warm up with temperatures rebounding to near 80 degrees by midweek. The next front appears on track to arrive around the 9th of October bringing the next best chance for any precipitation.

Saturday
Sunny and Crisp
Low: 43 High: 61 Wind: NNE 5-10

Sunday
Sunny and Warming
Low: 40 High: 69 Wind: NW 5

Monday
Mostly Sunny and Warmer
Low: 45 High: 78 Wind: SSW 5

Tuesday
Mostly Sunny
Low: 53 High: 81 Wind: S 5

Wednesday
Mostly Sunny
Low: 54 High: 82 Wind: S 5-10

Thursday
Mostly Sunny
Low: 56 High: 82 Wind: S 10

Friday
Mostly Sunny
Low: 61 High: 84 Wind: S 10-15

North Alabama, Southern-Middle Tennessee Forecast (9/30/2011)

Frost Possible Across the Cumberland Plateau, Still Chilly for the Remainder of the Area, too

High pressure will dominate our weather through the weekend and it is ushering in the coolest and chilliest air of this early fall season. The high will provide for clear sky conditions right through the weekend and that mix with lighter winds, Saturday night/Sunday morning, will allow for temperatures to fall to near 40 degrees in the urban areas and into the 30s in the rural locations. The coolest locations will likely be across the Cumberland Plateau in southern Tennessee and into Jackson/DeKalb and Eastern Madison Counties in Alabama. This is where some pockets of frost are possible, Sunday  morning.

The crisp air will not linger long as a quick warm-up settles in during the first half of the upcoming work week and by midweek the 80s will be back. It will also remain dry until a front arrives around the 10th of October.

Saturday
Sunny and Crisp
Still Breezy
Low: 42  High: 65 Wind: N 10-15 (Gusty)

Sunday
Sunny
Chilly Morning
Low: 38 High: 64 Wind: N 10

Monday
Sunny and Warmer
Low: 41 High: 74 Wind: N 5-10

Tuesday
Mostly Sunny
Low: 47 High: 79 Wind: NE-E 5

Wednesday
Mostly Sunny
Low: 48 High: 81  Wind: SE Light

Thursday
Mostly Sunny
Low: 52 High: 82 Wind: SE 5-10
Friday
Mostly Sunny
Low: 54 High: 82 Wind: SE 10

Saturday
Partly Cloudy
Low: 57 High: 84 Wind: S 10

Sunday
Mostly Cloudy with Showers/Storms Possible
Low: 54 High: 76 Wind:N 10-15

Thanks for reading,

“Doppler” Dale

First Appalachian Slushy Snow Likely This Weekend

All remains on track for a strong early surge of cold air into the eastern U.S. for this weekend and it appears the system may be a bit stronger and with more moisture than earlier thought. This would lead to some snow falling at and above 3000' in the Appalachians from the West Virginia/Virginia border northward into central Pennsylvania. Some heavier slushy accumulation is possible across the mountains of eastern West Virginia where 2"-4" of accumulation is possible; however, most locations highlighted in the graphic below will only see a trace to 1" of slushy accumulation.

The other concern will be the threat for an early frost along and north of I-70 from central Illinois into Pennsylvania.

Temperatures won't remain chilly for long as the cold pool will lift out early next week and be quickly replaced by a building ridge. This will allow temperatures to warm quickly from west to east through early next week with temperatures climbing 6 to 10 degrees day after day for a couple of days, especially along and west of I-65.

The next pattern change will likely not enter into the eastern U.S. until October 10-14.

Kentucky Lake Region Forecast (September 29, 2011)

Breezy and Gusty Conditions Will Make It Rough for the Lakes

The cold front that has been discussed for a few days is on track and will pass through the region this evening/tonight and that will usher in noticeably cooler air for the weekend. It will also become very breezy and gusty and that will lead to some rough conditions on the area waterways.

The other concern will be the threat for patchy frost Sunday morning. Temperatures will be falling into the 30s for most of the region, except for those right near the water. Those further inland could chill enough to allow for some patchy frost, especially across southern Illinois.

The chilliness won't last long and the 80s will make a quick return as they are expected again by midweek. They will then remain into next weekend before the next cold front arrives between the 10th and 12th of October.

Friday
Mostly Sunny, Breezy and Cooler
Low: 50 High: 69  Wind: NNW 15-20 (Gusty)

Saturday
Sunny and Crisp
Still Breezy
Low: 40 High: 62 Wind: NNE 10-15

Sunday
Sunny  
Low: 36 High: 65 Wind: NE-E Light

Monday
Mostly Sunny and Warmer
Low: 41 High: 74 Wind: SW 5

Tuesday
Mostly Sunny
Low: 48 High: 79 Wind: Light and Variable

Wednesday
Mostly Sunny
Low: 50 High: 81 Wind: S 5

Thursday
Mostly Sunny
Low: 53 High: 82 Wind: S 5-10

Thanks for reading,

“Doppler” Dale

St. Louis Metro Area Forecast (September 29, 2011)

The cold front has arrived and now it will turn sharply cooler for much of the weekend. Breezy and gusty conditions are expected for Friday and that will add the chillier feel but temperatures will still rise into the upper 60s. The coolest day will be on Saturday as highs will struggle into the low 60s after starting out in the 30s to near 40 degrees. Some frost is possible from northeast Missouri into central Illinois but in general the Metro area will likely not see much if any frost.

A quick warm-up will begin to set in on Sunday as temperatures will be nearly 10 degrees warmer in the afternoon. Nearly the same type of rise is expected on Monday as highs near 80 degrees, once again. The 80s will then remain through much of next week with no rainfall expected. The next cold front system likely won't enter the region until, at the earliest, the 10th of October.

Friday
Sunny, Breezy and Cool
Low: 51 High: 69 Wind: NW  15-25 (Gusty)

Saturday
Sunny and Crisp
Low: 40 High: 61 Wind: NNE 5-10

Sunday
Sunny and Warming
Low: 43 High: 69 Wind: S-SW Light

Monday
Mostly Sunny and Warmer
Low: 45 High: 78 Wind: SSW 5-10

Tuesday
Mostly Sunny
Low: 53 High: 81 Wind: SSW 5

Wednesday
Mostly Sunny
Low: 54 High: 80 Wind: S 5-10

Thursday
Mostly Sunny
Low: 56 High: 82 Wind: SSW 5-10

Thanks for reading,

“Doppler” Dale

North Alabama, Southern-Middle Tennessee Forecast (9/29/2011)

30s Likely Sunday Morning with 60s in the Afternoons

Not much change in the forecast thoughts from the past few days as a cold front is still slated to pass through the Valley Friday morning. Behind it, it will turn quite breezy and gusty for both Friday and Saturday and it will also be noticeably cooler. It will take a few days for the full force of the cool air to be felt as Sunday morning will likely see the chilliest temperatures will most of the region dropping into the 30s. Will have to watch things closely as some spots in southern-middle Tennessee and in northeast Alabama may see some frost; however, widespread frost is not likely

A quick warm-up will set in for the middle of next week and temperatures will rise to near 80 once again and stay there through the remainder of next week. Not significant cool spell looks like it will arrive between the 10th and 14th of October

Tate Farm's Pumpkin Pick'n Forecast

Friday
Sunny, Breezy and Cooler
Low: 54 High: 73 Wind: NNW 15-20 (Gusty)

Saturday
Sunny and Crisp
Still Breezy
Low: 42  High: 65 Wind: N 10-15 (Gusty)

Sunday
Sunny
Chilly Morning
Low: 38 High: 64 Wind: NNE 5-10

Monday
Sunny and Warmer
Low: 41 High: 74 Wind: NE-E 2-5

Tuesday
Mostly Sunny
Low: 47 High: 79 Wind: SE 5

Wednesday
Mostly Sunny
Low: 48 High: 81  Wind: SE 5

Thursday
Mostly Sunny
Low: 52 High: 82 Wind: SE 5

Thanks for reading,

“Doppler” Dale

Everything Still On Track for a Cool, Crisp Weekend

First Flakes of Snow Possible Across Northern Great Lakes/Highest Peaks of Appalachians 

Nothing significant has changed in the thoughts for this weekend from the Mississippi River eastward and south to the Tennessee River. Still expecting lots of sunshine, breezy conditions and cool, crisp temperatures. Still believe the largest expanse of 30 degree readings this season will be experienced Saturday night/Sunday morning.

For those of you who live across northern Wisconsin and into northern Michigan could see the first snowflakes of the season late Friday into Saturday and also for the central Appalachians that stretch along the Virginia/W. Virginia border northward into Pennsylvania, Saturday. In general, a chilly rain is likely with some flakes of snow mixing in or a brief period of light snow possible. NO snow accumulation expected with this event.

Graphic obtained from AccuWeather.com

Through next week, a large ridge will build over the center of the nation and this will lead to widespread 80s in the afternoons from the Southeast into the Plains. The cool weather will lift northward into the Northeastern U.S. and a second pool of coolness will drop into the the western U.S.

Graphic obtained from AccuWeather.com

Kentucky Lake Region Forecast (September 28, 2011)

Waters Likely to be Rough Friday and Saturday

A strong cold front is ready to take aim on the Lakes region and that will allow for significantly cooler conditions this weekend. The front will arrive late Thursday afternoon and upon its arrival winds will turn from the southwest to the northwest and increase to 15 mph. Ahead of the front it will be much warmer with highs spiking into the low 80s but this will be short-lived

The front will usher in the coolest air so far this season and we will see highs this weekend only in the 60s. Morning lows are also likely to dip into the upper 30s Saturday and Sunday morning. The other noticeable feature will be the breezy conditions. Winds will be 10 to 20 mph Friday and Saturday with gustier conditions at times. This will cause the lakes to become very choppy and rough.

Smoother waters will set in for the end of the weekend into next week as high pressure dominates. Temperatures will also be on the rise with highs climbing back to near 80 by midweek.

Thursday
Clouds Increase in the afternoon/evening
Becoming Breezy
Isolated Showers Possible (15%)
Low: 56 High: 83 Wind: W-NW 10-15

Friday
Mostly Sunny, Breezy and Cooler
Low: 50 High: 67  Wind: NNW 10-20

Saturday
Sunny and Crisp
Low: 40 High: 62 Wind: NNE 10

Sunday
Sunny  
Low: 38 High: 65 Wind: NE-E 5

Monday
Sunny and Warmer
Low: 41 High: 74 Wind: SE Light

Tuesday
Mostly Sunny
Low: 45 High: 79 Wind: SSE Light

Wednesday
Mostly Sunny
Low: 50 High: 81 Wind: S 5

North Alabama, Southern-Middle Tennessee Forecast (9/28/2011)

Another warm day into the mid 80s can be expected, Thursday, in advance of an approaching strong cold front. The front will arrive Thursday evening and it will definately be noticed on Friday as it will be much cooler and quite breezy, too.

Cool and even crisp conditions can be expected through the weekend with morning lows dipping down into the upper 30s to near 40 degrees across the region. With sunny skies the afternoons will warm into the mid and upper 60s but it will stay breezy through Saturday adding to a bit of a chill.

Thursday
Mostly Sunny
Clouds Increase Late
Low: 58 High: 84 Wind: SW 10

Friday
Sunny, Breezy and Cooler
Low: 54 High: 71 Wind: NNW 10-15 (Gusty)

Saturday
Sunny and Crisp
Still Breezy
Low: 42  High: 65 Wind: N 10-15

Sunday
Sunny
Low: 38 High: 67 Wind: NNE 5-10

Monday
Sunny and Warmer
Low: 41 High: 74 Wind: ESE Light

Tuesday
Mostly Sunny
Low: 45 High: 79 Wind: ESE Light

Wednesday
Mostly Sunny
Low: 48 High: 81  Wind: SE 5-10

St. Louis Metro Area Forecast (September 28, 2011)

The cut-off low that has been slow to lift out of the region has been finally moving and lifting northeastward, today. The end result has been less cloud cover and warmer temperatures but the warm-up will be short-lived as a very strong cold front will be arriving on Thursday. As it arrives it will compress the air overhead and that will allow the region to warm to near 80 before the winds shift to the northwest and increase to near 20 mph. This will allow the chilly air to arrive for the end of the week.

Morning low temperatures will cool into the 40s and possibly even some upper 30s in the outlining areas, especially  north and east of the Metro Saturday and Sunday mornings. Afternoon highs will only be in the 60s but abundant sunshine will prevail to help the afternoons feel a bit warmer.

It will turn noticeably warmer again by the middle of next week with highs nearing 80 once again.

Thursday
Mostly Sunny Start
Increase in afternoon/evening clouds
Becoming Breezy
Low: 60 High: 83 Wind: W-NW 10-20

Friday
Sunny, Breezy and Cool
Low: 48 High: 65 Wind: NW  10-20 (Gusty)

Saturday
Sunny and Crisp
Low: 40 High: 63 Wind: NNE 5-10

Sunday
Sunny and Warming
Low: 43 High: 69 Wind: SE 5

Monday
Mostly Sunny and Warmer
Low: 45 High: 76 Wind: S 5-10

Tuesday
Mostly Sunny
Low: 50 High: 79 Wind: S 5

Wednesday
Mostly Sunny
Low: 54 High: 80 Wind: S 5-10

Cool End of the Week, Then Warmer Next Week

Little change in the over all thoughts for this weekend as a reinforcing, stronger shot of cool air arrives into the Mid-Mississippi, Ohio and Tennessee Valleys. The coolness will linger in the mornings but afternoons will quickly begin turning warmer as we head into the start of next week. Looks like a warmer pattern will then likely hold until mid October.

Be sure not to miss a forecast discussion, update or forecast by signing up for the daily email. You can simply do this by entering your email in the box at the top right of the page. Remember the winter outlook is coming this week so don't miss it! Get signed up for the email update today!

Forecasts for Huntsville, St. Louis and the Kentucky Lake region are now available graphically on the right side of the site. But since the Tate Farms forecast only is three days here is the remainder of the 7 day forecast for the Huntsville area.

Wednesday
Some Afternoon Cloudiness
Low: 57 High: 81 Wind: W 5-10

Thursday
Mostly Sunny
Clouds Increase Late
Low: 58 High: 82 Wind: SW-NW 5-10

Friday
Sunny, Breezy and Cooler
Low: 54 High: 71 Wind: NNW 10-15 (Gusty)

Saturday
Sunny and Crisp
Low: 45  High: 68 Wind: NNE 5-10

Sunday
Sunny
Low: 40 High: 69 Wind: NE 5-10

Monday
Sunny and Warmer
Low: 39 High: 74 Wind: ESE 5

Tuesday
Sunny
Low: 45 High: 79 Wind: SE 5

Thanks for reading,

“Doppler” Dale