A brief cool spell will mark area weather heading into the first weekend of December.

THE FORECAST:

Today and Tonight: After some leftover high clouds early, Thursday will end up with full sunshine and cooler air. High temperatures will be in the upper 50s with light northerly winds of about 5mph. Overnight will bring the coldest low temperature of the extended period with lows in the upper 30s. Even traditional cold spots north of Baton Rouge are expected to stay above freezing though.

Looking Ahead: Friday Afternoon will be a few degrees warmer than Thursday. Sunshine will stick. Another cold night in the upper 30s is expected before Saturday brings a repeat few degree warmup with sun. On Sunday, a weak disturbance moving through the region may stir up a few clouds, but no significant impact is expected at this time.    

THE SCIENCE: 

Forecast Discussion: High pressure is set up at the surface near Little Rock, Arkansas. This is resulting in clear skies and light northerly winds. After a cool, clear afternoon, Thursday Night low temperatures will respond to ideal radiational cooling conditions and make it into the upper 30s. 500mb forecast model trends are for vast ridging across the United States through the weekend. Meanwhile, surface high pressure will control the Eastern Half of the United States with northeasterly surface winds. This stable setup will keep skies mostly clear and the region dry through Saturday. On Sunday, a weak impulse riding through the sub-tropical jet stream may stir up a patch of clouds but moisture content will be too low to warrant mentionable rain chances. Early next week, ridging will continue to be in control of the United States with generally benign weather. It is quite possible the region stays dry Thursday to Thursday with at or slightly above average temperatures.    

 --Josh

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