Weaker Storm Forecast by NAM and GFS

The model graphics for 84 hours at Friday at 7 AM (New Years Day morning) indicate that the storm is forecast to be weaker and warmer than the storm of December 19-20, 2009 as I indicated in earlier posts. The storm appears to strengthen but only after it has moved into coastal New England. With ocean temperatures in the upper 40s in the NYC area, a flow off the ocean from the east or southeast will result in temperatures above freezing and a change to sleet and then to rain along the coast, NYC and Long Island. Snow, sleet and freezing rain can be expected inland but no major accumulations are expected at this time. Another blast of cold air will move into behind the storm for the first week of 2010.

George Wright is a Certified Consulting Meteorologist and President of Wright Weather Consulting, Inc. George is also a meteorologist with Cablevision's News 12. Our website is WrightWeather.com.