Bolaris: Evening rush could see some snow

1:15 p.m. update

We have been stating all along that this was a stretched-out, double-barrel storm system, with the trailing second storm looking much weaker, but cold enough to enhance precipitation once again this afternoon.

A cold rain is moving up rapidly from the Washington area and off the Virginia coast. But an Arctic front pressing in from the west will combine with moisture from the coast and change the cold rain to snow, somewhere between 4 and 6 p.m.

Right now the best chance of picking up an icy coating - to possibly an inch in higher elevations - would be in neighborhoods just north and west of the Blue Route. The city itself could see some snow showers, possibly leaving a thin coating on sidewalks and overpasses.

With the arrival of the Arctic front, winds will dramatically increase gusting to over 40 mph by early this evening, with temperatures falling into the 20s at night. Wind chill factors will average in the lower teens, with some single digits in the Lehigh Valley and Poconos.

In summary, travel could quickly become tricky by early this evening if these anticipated snow showers come to fruition.

Thanksgiving Day looks to be windy and very cold, but dry, with temperatures in the 30s.

Be safe and watch for a possible slow-go, especially if you're heading north and west of Philly this evening.

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Holiday week timeline

The storm that gave us soaking rains overnight is pulling away. Any leftover heavy rain this morning will continue to move away across New Jersey and on up into New York and New England. We could actually be in a lull wind-wise and rain-wise for a brief time this morning, especially after 7 a.m.

So here is a weather timeline to get you through the rest of your Wednesday into Thanksgiving, and beyond.

8 a.m. The heavy rain is pulling away. This will be the mildest part of the day with temps for the most part in the 50s. A bit cooler north and west of the city.

8am-noon. Brief lull possible in rain and wind, should turn out to be the calmest part of your day. Temps 45-55 from northwest to Philly south and east.

Noon-4 p.m. Some occasional rain, cooling temps and increasing wind. Temperatures around 40-45. The storm's backlash starts to move in and a lagging second storm along the coast delays clearing.

5-8 p.m. Winds dramatically increase. Temperatures fall into the 30s. Rain might end as snow showers, especially north and west of the city.

8 p.m.-midnight. Flash freezing is possible as temperatures drop below 32 degrees and any moisture that has not evaporated could freeze on roadways. Watch for the slight glisten of black ice, which makes travel dangerous at these hours as it hides in the darkness on roadways. The most likely black ice will be across the suburbs to the north and west.

Midnight to 6 a.m. Thursday. Frigid winds, but dry. Wind chill factors in the teens.

Thursday: Strong cold winds in the morning will slowly subside by later in the afternoon. Mix of sun and clouds with temps in the 30s. Wind chill moderating into the 20s by mid-afternoon.

Friday. Big shopping day. Cold and dry - in the 30s.

Have a great, safe and healthy Thanksgiving and, if you can, throw me a bone!!