Markham, ON - Recently, I am enjoying a vacation in Hong Kong SAR, China. So if you are wondering, why I did not write a blog on the major storm that stroke much of eastern Northern America, I can tell you why. I was jet lag by then. Too tired to write anything. But that doesn't mean my heart is still not to the weather. I heard that the storm was the biggest one in 60 years, a merger from Sub Tropical Storm Olga and a weaker Nor'Easter off the Atlantic Seaboard.

You are wondering, why would I call for a green Christmas, if there is already 30 cm (1 feet) of snow on the ground. Well, according to recent weather models, it appears as if, another Colorado Low is forming. The track fo the low is unclear yet, as the low itself haven't yet formed. It is predicted that the storm track will be passing through areas north of us, such as Muskoka, Parry Sound, or maybe even Sudbury. Since we're south of the storm track, we know what that means: a warmer temperature from the southernly flow allow the snow to transfer to rain. The rain could be heavy at times, and potentially melt the snow! The storm is schedule to strike around the Winter Solstice, December 22 night - 24 morning.

However, exact forecasts are not made yet. So we still can't be sure at this time... depending on the storm's track. If the storm track goes north, warmth will be expected. If the storm track goes south, cooler temperatures will be expected. It all depends on the amount of polar air "pushing" and "driving" the jet stream. In turn, the jet stream steer low pressure systems, and VOILA! Snow or rain... the jet stream's decision!

I ran the forecast through WXSIM with insufficient weather data in Hong Kong. So, the following forecast might be inaccurate, though gives you a general diea of how this will shape:

Dec. 22 : Dense Overcast. High around 3 C, POP 30%

Dec. 23: Dense Overcast. Rain, heavy at times. High around 8 C, POP 80%. Precipitation ranging from 25 to 35 mm.

Dec. 24: Light freezing drizzle, transitioning to a flurry or two in the morning hours. Flurry continues up to the afternoon hours, gradually tapering off. The leeward side of Lake Erie could see additional Lake Effect. High around 3 C, but temperature falling throughout the day. The high value will be reached early in the morning. POP 60%. Preciptiation range from 2 to 5 mm, liquid equivalent. Snow accumulation from none to 2 cm. 

This could be a major disappointer for the East Coasters of North America.