[#PAwx] The latest models are out and both the NAM and GFS have snow for Philadelphia, starting about 1 PM and continuing through the afternoon and early evening.   As much as 4-6 inches possible during the afternoon before a changeover to sleet and possibly freezing rain early evening on Saturday.   An eventual changeover to rain around midnight is expected.

The models often predict warming of the lower atmosphere to occur more rapidly than actually occurs.  As a result, a period of freezing rain may occur early evening and areas to the north and west may have an extended period of icy conditions.

For whatever reason, the usual hype from the TV forecasters hasn’t yet occurred with this storm, but this heavy snow changing to  extended freezing rain is more of an ‘event’ than other recent snows.  I guess because it will change to rain, the big snow totals aren’t as sensational.   The last time this was glossed over, it was incorrectly labeled a ‘freak ice storm’ instead of a bad forecast.

This sort of weather Saturday afternoon and early evening really is something to keep an eye on since driving can be difficult and the possibility of extended icy conditions is real.