Could this weekend’s snow be the end of winter?
Pennsylvanians have been waiting for Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction for an early end to winter to come true, but chilly weather and snow in recent days have quashed those expectations.
Two snow storm systems heading through the area tonight and Saturday may make it seem worse, but Accuweather senior meteorologist John Gresiak said warm weather is just around the corner.
“A big warming trend will start on Sunday and really get going next week,” Gresiak said. “From Monday onward, we’re going to see well above average temperatures.”
However, don’t put your winter coat away just yet. There’s still a chance Southwestern Pennsylvania could see snow, according to Gresiak.
“Given that it’s early March, it’s conceivable, but I wouldn’t guarantee it,” said Gresiak. “I don’t see anything coming up in the middle of the month, but we’ve seen it snow in March and April before.
“It’s one of those things that, when you’ve been a meteorologist as long as I have, you tend to avoid saying.”
Gresiak also explained what we can expect from this weekend’s weather.
A small storm system coming through the area tonight will produce about 1 to 2 inches of snow. A second system will pass through the area Saturday, but accumulation is expected to be much lower because of higher temperatures.
Accuweather also noted in a news release that motorists should use caution early Friday morning, as slippery and snow-covered roads are expected.