NEW STORY: Light snow, high winds possible in the Lehigh Valley
The Lehigh Valley could have its first snowfall of the month this week.
The National Weather Service in Mount Holly, New Jersey, said a strong cold front could bring rain and snow showers to the area Wednesday night. Some light snowfall could happen Wednesday into Thursday.
Forecasters are expecting less than an inch of snow. The Poconos could get up to 2 inches.
In addition to snow, strong winds developing Thursday could cause tree damage and power outages, forecasters said. Winds between 20 to 30 mph and gusts of between 40 and 50 mph are expected.
The weather service has issued a wind advisory for the region from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday. In addition to tree damage and power outages, the high winds could make driving difficult for high profile vehicles. Motorists should use extra caution, the weather service advised.
There is also a slight chance of snow flurries Tuesday night in the Lehigh Valley, according to the weather service.
The snow this week comes during a dry period for the Lehigh Valley. October was the driest month on record, and only 2.26 inches of rain fell in November. Both Lehigh and Northampton counties are under drought watches.
The rest of the week should be clear, with temperatures in the 30s. Here is the extended forecast from the National Weather Service:
Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 40. South wind 5 to 15 mph.
Wednesday night: Snow showers likely, mainly after 1 a.m. Cloudy, with a low around 34. Southwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Thursday: A chance of snow showers before 1 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 38. Breezy, with a west wind 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Thursday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 25. Breezy.
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 35.
Friday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 21.
Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 38.
Saturday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 24.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 41.
Sunday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 26.
Monday: A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 45. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
