Another bitterly cold week (January 2-7) lies ahead to begin Wilton’s new year. Temperatures could hit as low as 40 degrees below average by this weekend. What’s more, in addition to the cold, there’s the chance we’ll have to deal with significant snow midweek–however, some questions still remain.
But first, we’ll be treated to “warmer” temperatures on Tuesday, Jan. 2 and Wednesday, Jan. 3, ahead of a reinforcing shot of cold air coming in by the weekend. Tuesday will also be another mostly sunny day, and we may even break the 20-degree mark, although the wind chill will make it feel more like 10 degrees!
Even though clouds will increase as the day progresses on Wednesday, wind chills will peak at a balmy, near-20 degrees, while actual temperatures get up to near-30 degrees.
Snow is now likely to move in on Thursday, Jan. 4–but just how much snow we’ll get is still up in the air. At this time, a developing, bombing-out coastal storm looks like it will track far enough offshore that we’ll only deal with the moisture of its out-skirts, so as of now, I’m thinking snowfall totals won’t be too significant.
The most important takeaway with this forecast, however, is that it may still change to either direction–no snow at all or major snow. It really all depends on the track of the low. In the graphic below, we show you how when low pressure systems move right over the 40/70 Benchmark (40 degrees north latitude and 70 degrees west longitude), then that typically means maximized-impacts for the Northeast. The models continue to bring this system east of the Benchmark, but still close enough for some impact. With very low pressures, likely between 950 and 970 mb, winds may also be an issue, especially if the track shifts closer to the coast.
Behind the storm will be an even more severe shot of cold on Friday, Jan. 5. It will be a sunny day but with wind gusts forecast to be as high as 40 mph, you can bet wind chills will be dangerously cold. Peak wind chill values in the afternoon will remain below minus-10 degrees with an actual high in the single digits. If you’re outside, you’ll need to bundle up in layers and cover up any exposed skin because frostbite will happen in less than 30 minutes.
The coldest low temperature of the week will likely fall on Saturday, Jan. 6, with widespread, sub-zero readings. We have a pretty good chance of breaking the daily record low of 2 degrees set in 1996. Morning wind chills may be down to minus-30 degrees and will only peak at near minus-10 degrees. Look on the bright side, at least it will be sunny!
Following morning lows that potentially will still be below zero on Sunday, Jan. 7, temperatures will gradually increase during the day, possibly up to near-20 degrees in the early afternoon. Again, it will be a sunny day.
Jackson Dill is a Wilton High School senior who started the website, Jackson’s Weather. His 7-day forecast will appear each Monday on GOOD Morning Wilton. Visit Jackson’s Weather to find out any changes in the forecast. You can also follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @JacksonsWeather for around-the-clock updates.