Winter Storm on Track, School Forecast

Storm Update

11 PM UPDATE: The temperatures are much lower than initially forecasted, and it seems as if we will get very little, if any rain. In addition, the storm is picking up intensity, and thundersnow is verypossible tomorrow morning.  This is supported by the latest forecast models.  I'm upping the storm totals to 8-16 inches, with 3-6 possible tonight alone.   

The winter storm is starting to make its way into the area, and while it may start out as a bit of drizzle, precipitation will quickly switch over to snow overnight. I'm sticking with my initial forecast of 6-12 inches, with more possible northwest and less southeast.  While the temperatures now are too warm for snow, in the lower 40s, the dew points are in the low twenties, so once precipitation starts, evaporative cooling in the atmosphere will allow snow to fall, relatively quickly after the onset of precipitation. 

School Prediction

At this point, it is almost a foregone conclusion that school will be closed tomorrow (Wednesday), as it will be snowing throughout the day, and at least 2-4 inches will have already fallen overnight.  I wouldn't be surprised if MCPS and other area school systems announced closings sometime tonight.  Since latest guidance suggests that the snow will taper off late Wednesday night, school will also probably closed Thursday, if everything goes according to plan.  Friday is more iffy, but a delay or even closing is not out of the realm of possibility. 

I'll post another update tomorrow morning as the snow starts to ramp up (hopefully).