BETHLEHEM, Pa. — A storm that dumped heavy snow Tuesday also marked a big change in the weather pattern, bringing temperatures more typical of mid-February to the Lehigh Valley.
Now, forecasters say we’ll see blustery conditions and another round of wintry precipitation to end the week and usher in Presidents Day weekend.
Historically, the period around the holiday has delivered some notable snowstorms, including the Blizzard of 2003, or the Presidents Day Weekend storm, which dumped 22 inches of snow in Allentown.
Forecasters say a blockbuster storm is off the table this year, but we do have the chance for a few inches of snow Friday night into Saturday morning.
Cold and windy ahead of the snow
A cold front associated with a clipper system is expected to pass through the region later this evening and into the overnight hours.
According to the National Weather Service, an opportunity remains for some light showers, particularly for areas near and north of I-78, but coverage will be scattered.
The bigger story will be gusty westerly winds behind the front, with potential for particularly strong winds in the Poconos.
A wind advisory has been issued for Carbon and Monroe counties, where wind gusts up to 50 mph are possible and sustained winds of 20 to 30 mph are expected.
Elsewhere, including the Lehigh Valley, winds should be 15 to 25 mph, with gusts near 30 to 40 mph.
Accumulation potential for Friday night system
Winds are expected to diminish as Friday moves on, but a brisk and chilly afternoon is expected before a wave of low pressure moves through the region Friday night.
Forecasters say this system appears to have enough moisture and energy to bring widespread, but relatively light precipitation across the area.
“This is a southern slider system,” EPAWA meteorologist Bobby Martrich said in his latest video update.
EPAWA's 2/15 and week ahead outlook, covering:
— Bobby Martrich | EPAWA (@epawawx) February 15, 2024
■ Weak front this evening brings snow/rain showers
■ Windy conditions follow the front for the overnight
■ Southern slider brings some snow on Friday nighthttps://t.co/pJU3BgNkCo
He described the system as a “fast, progressive system” that could squeeze out a couple of inches of snow before it pulls away early Saturday morning.
“This is not something that’s going to suddenly blow up and turn into something big,” he said.
Martrich put the potential snowfall in the Lehigh Valley at a coating to 2 inches, while noting areas south could see 2 to 3 inches or more.
The weather service also put expected snowfall close to 2 inches in Allentown, while noting high end potential for snow could be around 4 inches if the system pushes north.
