BLOG: Cold Returns

The cold has returned - and it's going to stick around a while.

We are still dealing with the storm that started around here on Saturday. However, now we are on the back part of the storm - the cold side of the storm. Gusty northwest winds have made a connection with the lakes again. Snow bands are dumping accumulating snow in the mountains of Garrett and Allegany Counties. Like last week, this is such a strong lake-effect event that snow showers are making it east of the mountains. Scattered rounds of flurries and snow showers will continue through early Wednesday.

Also coming in on those gusty northwest winds is a new round of harsh, Arctic air. Temperatures will hover in the mid 30s this afternoon, with the wind chill in the 20s. Even with the wind, we are going down to near 20 degrees tonight and only topping out near 30 degrees tomorrow. The wind will start to back off Wednesday, but the cold air will stick around. Expect highs in the low 30s Wednesday. At the same time, another storm will move our way.

This next storm is a much weaker one. It will come through pretty quickly on Thursday with a little snow or rain. It will also keep the cold air around. Highs on Thursday and Friday will still only be in the 30s.

There is the chance for another weak storm to come through sometime over the weekend or early next week. Then, it looks like the cold air will get renewed again behind it for the rest of the week leading up to Christmas.