With flurries in forecast, Old Man Winter looms

A cold spell is heading for Lawrence, and forecasters say it may bring snow with it.

There’s a chance of flurries during the day Sunday, according to Matt Makens, 6News meteorologist.

“I think it will just be light flurries with no accumulation,” he said Friday.

But today, Makens said, “will be a good day – sunny, warm about 59 for the high.”

Then cold weather will blow in tonight, with a chance of light rain and light snow after midnight, Makens said.

Sunday should be cloudy and cold – with temperatures topping out about 36 degrees – with a chance of more snow, Makens said.

“A big snowstorm would be unusual, but passing flurries would be typical for this time of year,” he said.

It may make sense to take advantage of today’s weather, Makens said, because cooler weather will be sticking around for a while. Next week’s highs are forecast to be in the 30s and low 40s.

“The weather is going to help with the holidays,” Makens said. “It will be more wintry and feel like Thanksgiving should feel.”

Johnny Christian, 19, Lawrence, lets off some steam while pouring concrete for a home in North Lawrence. Friday morning was a bit crisp for Christian and others in Lawrence, but abundant sunshine brought warmer temperatures in the afternoon. Today will be another nice one, although Sunday's forecast calls for colder weather and a chance of snow.

Any snow or rain that falls Sunday will be long gone by Thursday, said Darrel Smith, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Topeka. That means holiday travel probably will not be hampered by snowy or wet roads.

“It will be a little cooler than usual,” Smith said, adding that highs would be around 40 with lows in the 20s.

Cooler weather is good news for retailers hawking winter wares.

“I think a little cold weather and a little snow will bring people in and get people in the holiday shopping mood,” said Earl Reineman, vice president of Weaver’s Department Store Inc., 901 Mass.

Paul Davis, manager at Sunflower Outdoor and Bike Shop, 802 Mass., agreed. He also noted that with Thanksgiving a week later than usual this year, people already have started Christmas shopping.

“Winter weather will always bring in more people for coats and hats and gloves,” Davis said.