By Harley Nefe
As the past couple of days in the High Country saw seasonably pleasant temperatures with a decent amount of sunshine, a cold front has brought back chillier temperatures and a chance for wintry precipitation today and throughout the weekend going into Monday.
The National Weather Service in Blacksburg, Virginia, issued a winter weather advisory that will be effective from 7 a.m. Saturday until 7 a.m. Sunday for Ashe and Watauga counties.
According to the latest local weather forecast from Ray’s Weather Center, there was a chance of light snow or a brief mix with rain this morning as well as a chance of possible snow showers or flurries this afternoon. As forecast, there may be more snow showers Saturday, with lingering morning flurries Sunday. In addition, another round of snow showers and flurries could come Monday.
Through the next few days of flurries and possible snow showers, it does not seem like there will be much accumulation. Ray’s Weather Center reports that most areas will see around one inch, except for higher elevations which may have total accumulations in the 3-6 inches range. The National Weather Service said two to four inches are expected.
Throughout this winter weather, temperatures will range between the upper teens and mid 30s across the region. In Boone, Blowing Rock and Banner Elk, the high today is around 37 with a low of 23 degrees. The high temperature Saturday is forecast to be around 29 degrees with a low of 20. In Beech Mountain, the high today is around 28 with a low of 21 degrees. The high temperature Saturday is forecast to be around 21 degrees with a low of 18. In Sugar Mountain, the high today is around 33 with a low of 23 degrees. The high temperature Saturday is forecast to be around 26 degrees with a low of 20. Sunday and Monday’s temperatures will be similar to these numbers as well.
Looking ahead to the beginning of next week, the temperatures look like they are going to increase slightly and not be as cold. According to Ray’s Weather Center, skies will be partly cloudy on Tuesday and have even more clouds on Wednesday with a chance of rain Wednesday night.