A cold start to December – that likely had many in the holiday spirit – is now in the rearview mirror as temperatures return above seasonal levels this weekend. Unfortunately, the warmer air also means a more unsettled pattern over the next week or so.
As we head towards the weekend, a couple of pleasantly cool days are on tap with some passing clouds and southerly breezes. Temperatures on Thursday will be very close to average for mid-December with a morning near freezing and afternoon highs in the lower 50s. The south wind will kick those temperatures up just a bit on Friday with lows in the upper 30s and a pleasant afternoon featuring a high of 57 degrees.
The south wind also will increase moisture as a front approaches, resulting in rainfall by midday Saturday, continuing steadily into Saturday night and leaving probably an inch or more of precipitation in its wake. If you have outdoor holiday (or other) plans, prepare accordingly.
Fortunately it won’t be too cold, with temperatures in the mid 40s early Saturday to the mid 50s by afternoon. A lingering rain chance could extend into early Sunday, though some afternoon sunshine should help to warm temperatures into the lower 60, or about 10 degrees above average. Additional rain chances are likely next week as conditions remain mild.
Anniversary of a recent tornado outbreak
This week also marks the three-year anniversary of a devastating tornado outbreak not far north of Memphis. The event featured multiple long-track, damaging tornadoes, with one in particular that nearly had a continuous track across four states (AR, MO, TN. and KY) over 250 miles.
This particular storm caused significant damage to a nursing home near Jonesboro, AR and its parent supercell went on to spawn another tornado that destroyed a large part of the town of Mayfield, KY. Nearby, another smaller tornado was also reported in northern Fayette County.
Though severe weather is not in the forecast, the timing of this event serves as a reminder that severe weather, including tornadoes, can occur any time of year. And like that event, it frequently occurs at night.
Erik Proseus
MWN Meteorologist
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