87storms

Definitely took an anomalous pattern to get December cold and snow in the east. Been record breaking warmth in the southwest (where I’m currently at for the next week or two). Usually in the upper 50s in Vegas this time of year, but it’s been close to 70 each day so far since I arrived last week. I think the Rockies are also below normal snowfall so far. I’d like to see a “normal pattern” develop in January…one in which Frederick can get a warning level snowfall from an ol’ TN Valley wave and a blocking high to the north. TBD

Just played ball in 65 and sunshine here in southern Nevada and just peeked at the radar. Looks like a snow shower moving thru FDK? Do I miss it? Nope lol. Will I be ready for a snowstorm when I get back in a week or two? Yep. Though I guess it looks like a milder pattern incoming there for a bit.

Clarksburg is an underrated microclimate.

It’s early, but starting to think this is gonna end up a northern MD special…including Frederick.

Always gotta be a little cautious on the leeward side of these types of systems. The Apps are hungry mountains.

The post snowfall downer after the tracking upper is a thing. I find going on a hike, taking pics, or something can shift the mindset.

I don’t care too much for snow on the ground beyond a couple days, but fresh snow on snow looks kinda awesome.

Watching from afar. Looks almost like a squall like scenario. Definitely would feel better in northeast md for this one, but looks like an advisory event incoming at least. Once I get this sunny and 70 weather (completely opposite weather pattern in Vegas) out of my system I’ll be ready for a snowstorm lol. Good luck to the Frederick crew…would be happy to see that area get on the board with something other than a cartopper. 3 hrs behind here so I’ll prob peep the radar later.

That's awesome. I cleaned up my verbiage because I do like MoCo lol (I grew up there and lived there for most of my life), but yea the traffic/COL is legit. Even the construction in Frederick is wild. When I first moved here I was concerned there wouldn't be enough to do, but now I'm like this is absurd...there's neighborhoods going up all around the NW side of Detrick and the only real plan I see is to widen Rt 15 which will take years to complete once they start (if they start). I've only driven past Roanoke, but it looked cool...nice little town nestled in the mountains. Rough life lol. Snow is fun, but you can always chase it (though you certainly don't need to this month with that Colorado lifestyle in progress).

I’ll be watching from Henderson, NV. It’s gonna suck having 65-70 degree temps and sunshine. But honestly, I do want a snowstorm…just don’t think it’s physically possible in our area without a more active southern stream.

Moving to SW VA is looking like a forward-thinking, winning decision.

I'll be out west this weekend. Looks like I won't be missing much. Northern areas need a complete pattern change. Hopefully by January we get some real snowstorms instead of this NS nickel and dime stuff.

We will accept our downsloping snow shower in Frederick and we will like it.

Award winning photos tbh

This storm is important for the well-being of Northern MD inhabitants. Precip output gives redeveloping off the coast vibes, but enough to keep interested.

It’s like a mini version of Colorado’s two winters per season. Data nerd recommendation…a relative stacked bar (or line) chart based on the past 20 years with the separations based on the different deviations from average temps on that date.

The Friday system is moisture starved and the Sunday one is basically a cold front with most of the energy further north: https://www.tropicaltidbits.com/analysis/models/?model=gfs&region=us&pkg=z500_vort&runtime=2025120918&fh=114 I guess we can find a way into a light snow event from both systems, but the real snow producers are when we get some southern stream influence which has been really hard to come by in these neck of the woods.

Got a bike ride in after work partly to test my tolerance for these temps and it was actually kinda refreshing until halfway thru when I could barely feel my fingers. I even took a hand warmer with me. I probably could use warmer gloves, but yea, it's cold outside and this was probably below my threshold.

Sun has started poppin' out here. I dig it.

That sucks, I'm gonna really miss these frigid temps and occasional cartoppers. But actually I'll be out west during that time, so it probably will end up snowing here.

The late week clippers have the weekend rule going for them. I completely disregarded that when downplaying their impacts. I’m much more bullish on this now.

Now that’s fun: https://www.tropicaltidbits.com/analysis/models/?model=gfs&region=us&pkg=uv250&runtime=2025120818&fh=354 This is Sunday: https://www.tropicaltidbits.com/analysis/models/?model=gfs&region=us&pkg=uv250&runtime=2025120818&fh=138

Chasing snow might be the only option left. At least until the nor’easter at the end of the gfs run.

Definitely not something worth investing a lot of time into. If it snows, great.

Meanwhile, it doesn't look that bad so far on the 18z.