Defining a Dry Slot

Early this Thursday morning we heard many rumbles of thunder roll through the Stateline. We will continue to see periodic rain showers and thunderstorms through mid-afternoon. Later this afternoon we will get hit with a dry slot that will temporarily shut down our shower activity.

So what exactly is a dry slot? Normally ahead of a big storm system southerly winds drive a lot of moisture northward off of the Gulf of Mexico. We typically see a few lines of thunderstorms ahead of the storm (this morning) and then we enter a lull. What is happening is on the backside of the storm system where northerly winds are mixing in a much drier air mass. Typically shower outputs around a well developed storm form into a comma shape. Late this afternoon and early this evening we will be in the "dry slot".

By midnight tonight enough moisture will wrap around the backside of the storm and allow us to receive a few more showers, but by that time the airmass will have cooled off enough for us to pick up on some frozen precipitation (snow). Snowfall totals for Friday will likely range between 1 and 3 inches. The main problem tomorrow will be the blustery winds, which will cause blowing and drifting snow with reduced visibilities on area roadways. -ADAM