Wintry Weather Heading Haddam, Killingworth's Way

The National Weather Service’s forecast for the first winter storm of the year for Connecticut continues to change, and this latest change means it’s officially the first storm of the year.

A Winter Weather Advisory was issued for all of Connecticut, minus the immediate Connecticut coastline from Greenwich to New London.

The biggest complication from this storm won’t be the snow. Rather, it’s the timing of the expected precipitation and the belief it will have an impact on Tuesday’s commute to work.

For southern Fairfield, New Haven and Middlesex counties, the advisory begins at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 28, and extends until 7 p.m. Tuesday.

The hazard largely pertains to the expected sleet and freezing rain. We’re only expecting a trace of snow and ice accumulation. An advisory was issued because roadways and sidewalks will likely be slippery.

When Will the Wintry Weather Start?

Monday: A chance of freezing rain and sleet before midnight, then snow and sleet likely between midnight and 4 a.m., then rain and sleet after 4 a.m. Areas of fog after 2 a.m. Temperature rising to around 34 by 1 a.m. Wind chill values between 20 and 25. Northeast wind 7 to 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Little or no ice accumulation expected. Total nighttime snow and sleet accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Tuesday: Rain and sleet, becoming all rain after 8 a.m. The rain could be heavy at times. Areas of fog. High near 43. Wind chill values between 25 and 35. East wind 6 to 14 mph becoming north in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New sleet accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Tuesday Night: A chance of rain, mainly before 8 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32. Northwest wind 3 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Wednesday: A chance of rain, mainly after 4 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 49. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Wednesday Night: Rain likely, mainly before midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 37. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming light and variable. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Photo by Eric Bégin, via flickr creative commons