Dec 22, 2011 Evening Update: Rain Approaches

8:20 PM: Heavy Rain Soon To Start

A quick moving wave of low pressure is currently bringing light precipitation to the western parts of the area, and is approaching NYC as well. This low pressure is relatively weak, with its minimum pressure above 1010 mb, although the wave is very moist, with widespread moderate to heavy precipitation. Starting at around 12-1 AM tonight, a steady moderate to heavy rain will affect the area through about 7-8 AM on Friday, with clearing skies by 12 PM. Although a little bit of snow at the end can't be ruled out towards northern Orange county, temperatures aloft will stay above freezing throughout the event for most of the area. By the time that the storm ends, at least 3/4 to 1.25 inch of rain is expected across the area, with locally slightly lower or higher amounts possible.

Tonight's update will be posted by 10 PM, with more information on the weekend outlook, the outlook for next week, and a couple of new developments on the pattern through January.