JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Is there a chance of snow this weekend? Yes, it’s possible across the Sunshine State. However, the chance of seeing it is very low.
We will be tracking an area of low pressure, which will move across our area on Saturday. Thereafter, it will deepen off our coast and move up to the Carolinas and the Mid-Atlantic. With enough cold air in place, this system will only bring snow. The question is, however, how much snow will fall and where will the accumulation start?
The most significant impacts from this system will be felt across the Carolinas late Saturday, where major impacts are expected.
Major impacts will remain across the Carolinas on Sunday as the area of low pressure moves up the coast.
Major impacts will remain across the Carolinas on Sunday as the area of low pressure moves up the coast.
Heavy wet snow will be possible across the Carolinas. In fact, several spots could pick up over 8″ by Sunday afternoon. The highest totals will likely be found across the Carolinas, where a Winter Storm Warning is in effect.
A few flurries will be possible as far south as Tampa.
No accumulation is expected, but with the warmer ocean water interacting with the colder air and upper-level moisture, that could allow a few flurries to develop. Factoring in the stronger wind, which could blow a few flurries over land. Again, no accumulation is expected in the Sunshine State.
You might have heard of lake effect snow. The same process could occur over the ocean, especially across the Gulf! Here’s an example for a lake. The same applies to activity over the ocean.
Remember, during the winter months, water temperatures are warmer than the land because water retains more heat and takes longer to cool down.
When the wind pushes the air mass over the lake it warms and rises.
As the air rises, clouds form. The clouds and moisture move over cooler air on land and snow occurs.
Therefore, a few flurries will be possible, especially across the west coast of Florida, where the wind will be onshore (northwesterly wind).
Bomb cyclone
You may have also heard of the term “bomb cyclone”. This system will likely be referred to as one because the cyclone will undergo “bombogenesis”. As the area of low pressure (cold air) moves over warm water that allows rapid strengthening.
If the cyclone’s pressure drops by at least 24 millibars (mb) within 24 hours it is considered a bomb cyclone. This system is forecast to deepen to that magnitude as it moves across the Carolinas.