A quick burst of snow expected Thursday; ‘quite a wild ride’ ahead with weekend storm

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Snow is in the forecast for the Lehigh Valley, and meteorologists say it could affect the Thursday morning commute.

“Hi-res guidance continues to support a band of light snow entering our eastern Pennsylvania zones shortly after daybreak,” the National Weather Service said in its morning forecast discussion.

While significant snowfall amounts are not expected, the weather service said model soundings show “a quick burst of snow is definitely possible.”

The forecast discussion said the latest probabilities indicate a 60-70% chance of measurable snowfall (equal to or greater than 0.1 of an inch) from the southern Poconos down through the Lehigh Valley, with values decreasing further south.

“While we are not anticipating any significant impacts, the snow will begin falling as early as the morning rush for portions of southeast Pennsylvania," the discussion said.

"This may result in some slippery spots on area roadways, sidewalks or other elevated surfaces as roadway temperatures are at or below freezing this morning."

More on timing

“It probably won’t last too long,” EPAWA meteorologist Bobby Martrich said in his Thursday video forecast.

“I don’t think it’s something that really needs to be treated, necessarily. As soon as it stops it’s probably going to melt pretty quickly on its own.”

Martrich said light snow and snow showers should overspread the area before or around 8 a.m., getting all the way down to the Philadelphia area.

“Some of the areas in the interior could have some light to moderate snow for a little bit,” he cautioned.

Martrich described the snow as a “fast-moving wave” and said it should dissipate for most areas by noon, but a coating to an inch of snow is possible across parts of the region.

Weekend storm could have wintry component for some

A potent weekend system expected to arrive on Sunday could now have “a wintry component” for some areas, Martrich said, describing the storm as “flatter and more progressive.”

“The European model is quite aggressive with this, getting snow into at least north central Pennsylvania, and I think that’s the highest probability for any back-end snow,” he said, noting models also show “some changeover” in the Poconos.

The weather service said wind gusts of 25 to 35 mph are likely Sunday as temperatures rise into the low 60s across much of the area.

Then, a strong front will bring a heavier band of rain beginning Sunday afternoon and evening, along with some embedded thunder and perhaps even a line of severe weather across the region Sunday night.

“This could result in widespread wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph, perhaps locally higher, along with isolated issues with flooding,” the forecast discussion said.

“Temps will crash with the cold front as well, dropping fairly quickly into the 40s, with some 30s and some mixed rain/snow in the Poconos. Certainly looks like quite a wild ride Sunday night.”