Little snow expected this time - but winter closing in

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Montgomery County equipment operator Ryan Ferrell scoops a load of salt, as the department prepares for upcoming road conditions. / THE LEAF-CHRONICLE/GREG WILLIAMSON

Written by

Jimmy Settle

Some of the very first snowflakes of the holiday season were expected to fly across the Clarksville area Monday and today, but little if any accumulation is expected — this time.

While little more than a trace of the white stuff is anticipated on grassy areas this morning, it does serve as a wake-up call that winter — with all of the weather-related travel considerations it brings — is drawing near once again.

This early-week rain/snow mix is caused by a somewhat-unusual alignment of weather conditions for late-November, according to Trevor Boucher, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Nashville.

"There is a very deep, closed low pressure system that's situated further south than normal for this time of year, giving us wrap-around colder air," Boucher said.

Little in the way of measurable snow is expected in Clarksville from this weather-maker, but areas of southern Middle Tennessee, into West Tennessee, could see as much as 5 inches by tonight.

"The Clarksville area is far enough north that not much snow accululation is expected. It will be a mixture of precipitation, but more rain than snow for Clarksville," Boucher said. "It's possible that you'll get a trace of snow accumulation on the grass and cartops, but there is very little chance of much more than that for your area."

Today's high temperature is predicted to be 39 degrees, with an overnight low of 30.

Then, it warms up a bit heading into Wednesday, the final day of November. Sunshine is expected Wednesday with a high of 47 and overnight low of 25.

The first day of December will be ushered in with sunny skies and a high of 52 degrees and low Thursday night of 29.

Looking ahead to the Christmas parade weekend across Clarksville and other areas of northern Middle Tennessee, partly cloudy skies are expected Saturday, and maybe some rain showers Sunday, with highs in the low 50s and lows around 30.

Talk of snow and ice — which we could see in abundance this winter if the long-range outlook holds true — brings to mind school closings and other alterations in scheduling. On Monday, the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System released its own preparatory statement about winter weather preparations: