Next week might deliver a rare and thrilling winter surprise to parts of the Deep South. Current forecasts suggest that a weather system passing along the Gulf Coast on Tuesday and Wednesday could intersect with a flow of dry Arctic air, creating just the right mix for snowfall in places that seldom experience it.
A Glimpse at Snow History along the Gulf Cities such as Jacksonville, Houston, Pensacola, and New Orleans typically go decades without measurable snow: • Jacksonville, FL: The last time snow accumulated was in February 1958, leaving about 1.5 inches. • Houston, TX: Recorded a light 1.0-inch snowfall in December 2009. • New Orleans, LA: Got 2.7 inches back in 1963. • Pensacola, FL: Measured an inch of snow as recently as January 2014.
This system could deliver snow along the southern storm track while dry Arctic air moves into Arkansas. Though snowfall amounts far south of us will be light, any snow in the Deep South is noteworthy…