Much Cooler Pattern Ahead

Big changes are coming up in the forecast for the end of October.  From temperatures reaching the mid to upper 70's late last week, to highs barely reaching the 50's by the end of this upcoming week it's going to feel a lot more like Fall.


Our jet stream pattern will turn more from west to east - which we refer to as zonal flow - to more meridional flow - when we get the big dips and rises in the jet stream.  With each dip in the jet stream, cold air will be pulled down south into the Plains, Midwest and Great Lakes.  The first of those dips will arrive Tuesday with temperatures struggling to make it to 50 degrees.  Scattered showers will develop through much of Tuesday and if temperatures are cold enough, it's possible there could be a few snowflakes mixing in with those rain showers.  Winds will increase from the North with the afternoon becoming very blustery.


Temperatures will rise a bit Wednesday and Thursday, but still remain below average.  Second dip in the jet stream arrives for the start of the weekend, pushing highs Friday and Saturday into the mid and upper 40's.  Overnight lows will drop back into low 30's several nights, which could very well put an end to our growing season with temperatures possibly falling below freezing.  If we don't experience a freeze Tuesday night, I do believe we will experience a freeze this weekend.