I think a lot of people get excited about digital snow, but it also reminds us that in a nina, with a tricky phase, we're almost lucky to be getting what we're getting versus nada or 54 and rain
It's really hard. We've faded modeled warm noses before, but the setups were a little different and models were not as skilled. 2/25/07 was an all snow event that was supposed to flip. But that's almost 20 years now.
I don't think snow amounts are as consequential this storm other than for stats. I think 6" of snow followed by sleet would be satisfactory for east of the fall line. 4" would be disappointing. But climo usually has the last word.
Not sure if 22z HRRR has been posted
This could be a snow sounding. 14z is clean. 8-10 am will be an interesting window. I think it's clear that a 16z flip for DC would require a little divine intervention.
arctic dust. it's not often we have the airmass to support it.
We had a storm maybe 10-ish years ago where it was 15 at onset and we managed to squeeze out an inch but the ratio was like 6:1. Good luck getting the dendrites
they even used to have a confidence bar to boot. For a public facing product, you don't fix something that has worked for decades. You make a forecast. And you bust or you don't.
the snow maps aren't really useful for this storm. figure out how much liquid you think you'll get as snow. apply a ratio (i think 13:1 for you). And make a forecast.
I'll probably rip and read Euro QPF at 12z tomorrow. Tweak a little. It's really good that the Euro is King at QPF. Cause it's super wet.
a million. You never think a warm nose can find a way through. But it does.
That said, the NAM is also wrong a lot and I think it is probably early with the flip time
23/2 here near Braddock Road metro.
Just saw the 3k NAM. 5" snow followed by 3" sleet. Would still be quite the storm. You can't toss it unfortunately. Too many times we've seen mid level warm air punch its way well north and west than the globals suggested at 36 hours out.
i see around 0.85" through 18z which is a foot at 14:1 ratios. Not predicting this but holding on to snow for an extra 3 hours could mean another 4-5". The difference between a 9am and 2pm flip is significant as to totals and impact.
ETA - i was on wrong panel. flip at 16z. 8-10" snow for DC.
Wow. Flip isn't until 18-19z. DC gets 12" of snow and then maybe 1" sleet.
Is this even possible. Not biting.
ETA - I was on wrong panel. flip at 16z-ish.
The GFS has trouble with east coast snowstorms. especially with a tricky northern stream
Some people have drawn similarities to 2/12/14. The GFS wasn't on board until like 12 hours out.
Which is to say. i think its too cold