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Good Thursday and a big Happy Groundhog Day to each of you. Today is a big day for our old furry forecasting friend as he comes out of his little hole in the ground to tell us what the next 6 weeks of weather have to offer. Tri State Trixie is our virtual groundhog and he’s been with me for the past three years. Trix did see a computer version of a shadow, meaning 6 more weeks of winter. That may not be what most snow and cold lovers want to hear as those two things have been in short supply this season.

The actual weather out there today looks good with temps back into the 50s with an increasing amount of sunshine. Some areas will start the day with low clouds and rain. Temps as we head into Friday should be very similar with highs in the mid 50s for many areas.

Clouds will begin to increase by Friday afternoon and evening ahead of a big storm moving in for the weekend. This system has been on our radar for more than a week and will bring some healthy rains to much of the region. Here is a look at the NAM simulated radar…

That’s some chilly rain moving in for Saturday and that rain may be heavy at times. An elevated rumble of thunder can’t be ruled out by the end of the day or during the overnight hours. Take a look at the impressive rain totals coming from this same run of the NAM through Sunday morning…

Looks like our Super Bowl Weekend will be something of a washout. Better make sure to throw some extra little smokies in the crock pot for the bigger than normal crowd at your Super Bowl party.

I really meant to talk more about the possible wintry looking pattern for the middle and end of February, but decided against it. What stopped me? Thunder and lightning crashing and flashing outside my window. Something about trying to find winter things to talk about while a thunderstorm was in progress just didn’t cut it for me. Maybe later today.

I leave with some words of wisdom. If you are thinking of kidnapping a Groundhog and letting him drive, be a positive influence…

“That’s not bad for a quadruped. You gotta check your mirrors, just side of your eye. Side of your eye.”

Have a great Thursday and take care.