Good morning everyone!

Skies are cloudy early on this Saturday morning and there is some drizzle falling in parts of the area, temperatures at 5 a.m. range from 43 in Clifton down to 36 at High Point. Winds are calm or light east-southeast.

Clifton’s Almanac for March 12th:

Average High: 47 Average Low: 30

Record High: 73 – 2012 Record Low: 9 – 1984

Yesterday’s High: 56 Low: 32 Precipitation: None

A strong winter storm will affect our area today! Rain developing around sunrise and as much colder air arrives the rain will change to snow by noon and continue heavy at times this afternoon and with winds gusting to over 40 mph we may have blizzard like conditions briefly this afternoon. The snow should end by sunset with 1-3 inches expected with higher amounts to our north and west. Temperatures in the 40s this morning will plummet to the low 20s by sunset causing a flash freeze. A winter weather advisory along with a wind advisory is in effect.

Sunday will be a chilly day despite sunny skies, gusty winds in the morning will slowly diminsh in the afternoon as the storm moves to the Canadian Maritimes and high pressure build from the west.

After winter like weather this weekend next week looks to be mainly dry with above normal temperatures.

THE FORECAST:

TODAY – MAR 12 – Rain developing this morning mixing with sleet and snow by late morning and to all snow this afternoon ending by sunset. Becoming quite windy with gusts to 40 mph. Temperatures in the mid 40s this morning will fall to the low 20s by sunset. A winter weather advisory and wind advisory is in effect!

TONIGHT – Clearing, windy and cold, low around 20, wind gusts to 40 mph.

SUNDAY – MAR 13 – Mostly sunny and cold with slowly diminishing winds, highs only in the mid 30s.

MONDAY – MAR 14 – Mostly sunny and milder, high in the mid 50s.

TUESDAY – MAR 15 – Partly sunny, high near 60.

WEDNESDAY – MAR 16 – Mostly sunny, high in the mid 50s.

THURSDAY – MAR 17 – Mostly cloudy early than becoming partly sunny, high in the low 60s.

FRIDAY – MAR 18 – Partly sunny, high in the mid 60s.

MARINE FORECAST: A gale warning is in effect until 10 a.m. Sunday morning for northwest winds gusting to 45 knots, seas 5-8 feet.

OUTLOOK – Small craft advisories the rest of Sunday into Sunday night; no advisories expected for Monday through Wednesday; possible advisories on Thursday.

Have a nice weekend and stay safe!