As we start the new year, forecasters at the National Weather Service in Paducah, Kentucky continue to keep an eye on an approaching low pressure system that could bring impactful weather to the region later this weekend and into Monday.
The latest thinking is that the southern Illinois area, particularly to the north of Interstate 64, may see mostly snow out of the system, with a mix of some sleet or freezing rain a possibility. Areas to the south may see more of a ice and sleet combination with some snow, and areas in far southern Illinois and into western Kentucky may see more rain, with some snow on the back side. The precipitation is expected to begin late Saturday night, according to the latest forecast, and continue into Sunday and linger into Monday. No numbers are being mentioned yet as far as any accumulations, but forecasters say travel impacts are a possibility.
The area has seen a fair amount of rainfall in the past few days, which has pretty much erased any dry conditions in the state. The latest U.S. Drought Monitor map, released on Christmas Day, showed areas of Moderate Drought in east central and northern Illinois. Forecasters are expecting an arctic airmass to invade the area following whatever snowfall falls over the weekend, dropping temperatures well below normal, with high temperatures in the 20s a possibility by Monday and beyond, and lows at least into the teens. The extended forecasts favor below normal temperatures and precip for a good part of January.
As far as area rivers this morning, the Little Wabash River east of Fairfield is at 23.05 feet, about six feet above the 17-foot flood stage. At Clay City the stage is 19.64 feet. Flood stage is 18 feet. At Carmi the river is at 23.01 feet. Flood stage is 27 feet. The Skillet Fork at Wayne City is at 11.01 feet. Flood stage is 15 feet. The Wabash River at Mt. Carmel is at 10.84 feet. Flood stage is 19 feet. Bonpas Creek at Browns reads 14.77 feet.