Snow unlikely to stick to roads later this week

 

Rain fell at a steady pace Monday afternoon across Michiana. Soon, that rain will mix with or changeover to snow.

Late Wednesday night, Michiana's first taste of winter will arrive, bringing near-freezing temperatures and some snowflakes. 

However, even though forecast models are showing (possibly heavy) snow to start Thursday, it won't likely have major impacts to road conditions. 

Temperatures leading up to the late-week snow are very warm. To date, this has been the third warmest autumn on record in South Bend. Additionally, highs will likely soar into the 60s on Tuesday before rapidly falling Wednesday and Thursday. These are factors that will influence the weather on Thursday, and ingredients weather models often don't handle well. 

Also, ground temperatures are hovering around 50 degrees across all of Michiana. While precipitation might start out frozen, it won't likely end that way and could melt quickly once it hits the ground.

There is also doubt as to how cold temperatures get Wednesday night. While snow could be heavy enough at times to overcome above-freezing temperatures, that scenario doesn't look likely for long periods of time on Thursday. 

At this point, the most likely outcome is that Thursday will be very unpleasant, with rain, snow, and wind making it feel rather miserable outside.

Just don't expect a blanket of snow on the ground.