BLOG: Not your usual clipper snow system

Yes, another "wintry mix" moving into Maryland, and this time, finally on a weekday as opposed to a weekend. 

So yes, commuters definitely should be wary, especially come Wednesday afternoon, between the hours of 2pm and 8pm, when we will have our best chance a decent "burst" of snow showers.

However, despite the potential for a quick changeover from rain at the onset, the snow that comes down will likely have a a very tough time sticking because of several factors, including:

1) The ground is relatively warm after several days of bright sunshine and temps reaching into the mid-50s.

2) The timing of the system couldn't be less favorable for "sticking snow" - the afternoon when the February sun angle will still be relatively high, and the air temps, while not as mild as they have been, should still be several degrees above freezing (in the mid-30s).

3) The MTA has already done some "pre-treating" of the roads today, so that should help ensure most, even elevated road surfaces will simply be wet as opposed to snow covered tomorrow evening.  NOTE:  Wet roads are plenty "slick" even with out being frozen, so do still drive with care.

I will also say that this is "not your normal clipper" for two other reasons.  First, the track is more west to east, similar to a "Colorado low" track, but with far less moisture available.  Second, in early February, there would normally be plent of cold air for the system to encounter and interact with in the Mid-Atlantic, but this time around, temps look marginally cold at best to support much snow, and the white stuff that does fall will only be possible due to "evaporative cooling."