First Alert Weather: Snow chances return this weekend

WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - Early clouds to start Friday, with a fair amount of sunshine for much of the day. Highs rather similar, in the low 40s. This weekend will feature similar temperatures, in the 30s and 40s. Despite the consistent temperature trend, we’re still tracking winter precipitation arriving on Saturday, likely starting after sunrise, clearing for the evening. The track of this system has plenty of uncertainty. What we know so far is that a low pressure system will track towards the Great Lakes States, allowing for a surge of moisture to flow in. As the system approaches the Badger State, expect winds to pick up, gusting between 20 to 25 mph. This will make weather conditions feel cooler than it is.

Snow may track through the region Saturday. Snow will be slushy and wet — Snow may track through the region Saturday. Snow will be slushy and wet(WSAW)

Wet slushy snow to accumulate for the afternoon Saturday — Wet slushy snow to accumulate for the afternoon Saturday(WSAW)

Uncertainty comes heavily from disagreements in long-range forecast models. The European model is the most robust with this system, bringing snow accumulations over much of Central, Southern, and Eastern Wisconsin. The GFS model puts the path of this system more to the south and east, keeping much of North Central Wisconsin mostly dry Saturday.

Snow to clear by the evening hours — Snow to clear by the evening hours(WSAW)

Despite this uncertainty, temperatures will warm into the upper 30s, which indicates any snow that does try to accumulate will be rather wet and slushy. In addition, we do not expect this system to dump large amounts of snow. Hard to give an estimate on snowfall predictions, but rigth now, leaning towards anywhere from 1 to 4 inches. Good news is, sunshine should make a return for the second half of the weekend on Sunday. Highs in the low 40s.

Wet slushy type of snow to accumulate on Saturday. The track could shift southeast. — Wet slushy type of snow to accumulate on Saturday. The track could shift southeast.(WSAW)

Consistent highs in the upper 30s to the low 40s — Consistent highs in the upper 30s to the low 40s(WSAW)

Copyright 2023 WSAW. All rights reserved.