All posts by Woods Hill Weather

Saturday March 30 2024 Forecast (8:36AM)

DAYS 1-5 (MARCH 30 – APRIL 3)

This weekend will feature generally dry weather across southeastern New England. There will be one minor interruption that some won’t even notice. First, we will be in a gusty northwesterly air flow today behind yesterday’s storm as it has moved northeastward into Atlantic Canada and intensified. While it’ll be a precipitation-free day we will see shreds of fractocumulus clouds become a bit more bulky with the aid of the sun’s heating of the ground and the subsequent rising of moisture on the surface from yesterday’s wet weather into the lower atmosphere where it’ll cool and fuel the fair-weather clouds. These will fade as the sun sinks later in the day, while at the same time we’ll see an advance of high to mid level clouds ahead of a small low pressure area that will pass just south of the region early Sunday. While dry air will limit what this system can do, a couple areas of rain and snow can occur during the overnight hours – rain more likely toward the South Coast with some wet snow more likely to the north, but this is going to be an insignificant event and exits the region by sunrise. There may be some leftover cloudiness from this system first thing Sunday morning (Easter Sunday for those celebrating). These will exit and we’ll have a period of bright sun, but much like today, sun’s heating will then trigger fair weather clouds that might fill much of the sky in the afternoon. Still though, not a bad day – less breezy and a little milder than today will be – as we say goodbye to March. April arrives Monday and we’ll immediately turn our attention to an upcoming storm threat. First, an initial wave of low pressure will track south of our region later Monday, bringing some clouds. While an area of light rain may skirt the South Coast, I do think the dry air will be substantial enough over the region to limit this. A second, more potent storm system will approach the region from the west, bringing the threat of rain/mix/snow to the region late Tuesday through Wednesday. It’s still too early to really iron out the details / impacts of this system, but those details will come into focus over the next couple of days.

TODAY: Sun/cloud mix. Highs 48-55. Wind NW 15-25 MPH, higher gusts, possibly to 40 MPH or even higher favoring the higher elevation locations.

TONIGHT: Clouding up. Some spotty light rain/sleet/snow possible overnight. Lows 35-42. Wind NW 10-20 MPH becoming W to variable up to 10 MPH overnight.

SUNDAY: Early clouds, then mostly sunny mid through late morning. Partly sunny afternoon. Highs 52-59. Wind variable up to 10 MPH becoming W-NW 5-15 MPH.

SUNDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy. Lows 31-38. Wind NW 5-15 MPH.,

MONDAY: Clouds increase. Slight chance of late-day rain South Coast. Highs 50-57. Wind W to variable up to 10 MPH with coastal sea breeze possible.

MONDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy. Lows 33-40. Wind N up to 10 MPH.

TUESDAY: Cloudy. Snow/mix/rain arrives late day or nighttime. Highs 38-45. Wind N-NE 5-15 MPH.

TUESDAY NIGHT & WEDNESDAY: Overcast. Rain/mix/snow likely. Temperatures start 38-45 then slowly fall. Wind NE-E 10-20 MPH, gusty.

DAYS 6-10 (APRIL 4-8)

Early period storm impacts the region with rain/mix/snow likely. Drying out mid to late period as high pressure builds in. Favorable outlook at this time for solar eclipse viewing April 8. Temperatures below normal early period, trending milder thereafter.

DAYS 11-15 (APRIL 9-13)

High pressure brings fair weather first part of period, then unsettled weather threat returns mid to late period. Temperatures near to above normal.

Friday March 29 2024 Forecast (7:45AM)

DAYS 1-5 (MARCH 29 – APRIL 2)

Low pressure wraps up and intensifies as it passes east of New England today and heads for Atlantic Canada. The area of rain over the region to start the day will exit from west to east, possibly mixed with wet snow in some areas, hanging on lastly for the South Shore and Cape Cod region, where it will exit by mid afternoon (SS) to late afternoon (CC). By the end of the day, breaks in the clouds, especially to the west, can allow a bit of sun, and the wind will be picking up as the air dries out. Our weekend looks mostly dry, but a quick-moving disturbance will send a batch of clouds through later Saturday into early Sunday (Easter for those celebrating). While some guidance shows a fairly solid swath of snow and rain passing through the region, moisture is going to be limited so any precipitation should be fairly light and not take all that long to cross the WHW forecast area. This should occur in a 6-hour window about 3 a.m. to 9 a.m. Sunday. The balance of Sunday sees an increase in sun, and a breeze, but not bad. High pressure brings fair weather Monday before the next low pressure system moves in Tuesday, coinciding with the arrival of colder air. This means when precipitation arrives, we may be talking about more than “just rain”. Timing and details are of course fuzzy this far out, so check coming updates for the fine-tuning process!

TODAY: Cloudy start with a chance of rain favoring eastern areas, may be mixed with or even turn to wet snow in some areas before ending. Breaking clouds from west to east later. Highs 46-53. Wind N-NW increasing to 10-20 MPH with higher gusts later in the day.

TONIGHT: Clearing. Lows 30-37. Wind NW 10-20 MPH, higher gusts.

SATURDAY: Sun/cloud mix. Highs 48-55. Wind NW 15-25 MPH, higher gusts, possibly to 40 MPH or even higher favoring the higher elevation locations.

SATURDAY NIGHT: Clouding up. Some spotty light rain/sleet/snow possible overnight. Lows 35-42. Wind NW 10-20 MPH becoming W to variable up to 10 MPH overnight.

SUNDAY: Mostly cloudy including the chance of light snow/mix/rain early. Partly sunny later morning on. Highs 50-57. Wind variable up to 10 MPH becoming W-NW 5-15 MPH.

SUNDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy. Lows 31-38. Wind NW 5-15 MPH.,

MONDAY: Sunny. Highs 51-58. Wind W 5-15 MPH.

MONDAY NIGHT: Clouding up. Lows 31-38. Wind N up to 10 MPH.

TUESDAY: Cloudy. Snow/mix/rain arrives late day or nighttime. Highs 38-45. Wind N-NE 5-15 MPH.

DAYS 6-10 (APRIL 3-7)

Midweek storm threat (rain/mix/snow). Drying trend later in the period. Temperatures below normal then moderating to near normal.

DAYS 11-15 (APRIL 8-12)

High pressure brings fair weather first part of period, then unsettled weather threat returns mid to late period. Temperatures near to above normal.

Thursday March 28 2024 Forecast (7:20AM)

DAYS 1-5 (MARCH 28 – APRIL 1)

No big changes to the overall ideas in the short-term forecast for today’s update, but a few tweaks to make. Staying with the idea of a soaking rain today and an exit of the rain, possibly mixed with or briefly turning to wet snow in some areas, during tomorrow. We replace wet weather with dry weather for the start of the weekend along with a gusty breeze, and we indeed have to watch a disturbance swing by the region but the timing is a little faster – Saturday night for a light precipitation threat, maybe into early Sunday. The balance of Sunday looks dry as that system moves away and we resume our northwesterly air flow. I believe that high pressure will nose in for a fair weather beginning to April on Monday.

TODAY: Overcast. Rain and areas of fog. Highs 45-52, coolest coast. Wind N-NE 5-15 MPH, higher gusts coastal areas.

TONIGHT: Overcast. Rain likely, may mix with snow in higher elevations of southwestern NH and northwestern MA prior to dawn. Lows 35-42. Wind NE-N 10-20 MPH.

FRIDAY: Cloudy start with a chance of rain favoring eastern areas, may be mixed with or even turn to wet snow in some areas before ending. Breaking clouds from west to east later. Highs 43-50. Wind N-NW increasing to 10-20 MPH with higher gusts later in the day.

FRIDAY NIGHT: Clearing. Lows 30-37. Wind NW 10-20 MPH, higher gusts.

SATURDAY: Sun/cloud mix. Highs 48-55. Wind NW 15-25 MPH, higher gusts, possibly to 40 MPH or even higher favoring the higher elevation locations.

SATURDAY NIGHT: Clouding up. Some spotty light rain/sleet/snow possible overnight. Lows 35-42. Wind NW 10-20 MPH becoming W to variable up to 10 MPH overnight.

SUNDAY: Mostly cloudy including the chance of light snow/mix/rain early. Partly sunny later morning on. Highs 50-57. Wind variable up to 10 MPH becoming W-NW 5-15 MPH.

SUNDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy. Lows 31-38. Wind NW 5-15 MPH.,

MONDAY: Sunny. Highs 51-58. Wind W 5-15 MPH.

DAYS 6-10 (APRIL 2-6)

This looks like an unsettled weather period with a couple low pressure areas moving over or just south of the region bring rain/mix/snow to the region at times while high pressure sits in eastern Canada. April 2-3 look most likely for steadiest precipitation.

DAYS 11-15 (APRIL 7-11)

High pressure builds in with fair weather and cool to seasonable temperatures first half of period, which if holds true would be good news for April 8 solar eclipse viewing. Unsettled weather returns later in the period.

Wednesday March 27 2024 Forecast (7:43AM)

DAYS 1-5 (MARCH 27-31)

The final 5 days of the 3rd month of 2024 are covered in this portion of today’s blog forecast. Our unsettled stretch of weather will continue into Friday, and we may need to include additional unsettled weather previously not in the forecast for part of the weekend. Read on to see why. After yesterday’s chilly/raw feel with lots of drizzle around, that theme continued overnight into early this morning with areas of fog also around. The marine layer responsible will be somewhat stubborn to dislodge today, but eventually will give way to a milder and slightly drier southerly air flow ahead of an approaching cold front. This should limit or eliminate drizzle patches, allow the overcast to lift and possibly even develops some breaks, and in response the temperature to climb 10 or more degrees from yesterday’s chilly readings in many areas. This will be limited of course along the South Coast where a southerly air flow is a direct ocean breeze. The cold front ambles its way across our region from west to east tonight. While doing so it will induce scattered rain showers which will then increase in coverage overnight. This will be in response to a wave of low pressure forming and sending more moisture northward along the slowing frontal boundary, which will then sit offshore while low pressure moves up along it, giving us a steady period of rain Thursday and Thursday night. This rain, which is expected to amount to 1 to 3 inches total, will aggravate already existing flooding on some rivers and streams, and low lying swampy areas. The low pressure wave will intensify as it starts to pull away early Friday. The expecting timing is still that the first half of Friday will carry the highest chance of steady precipitation, mostly rain, but may mix with and turn to snow before ending especially in higher elevations north and west of Boston, and possibly closer to the coastal plain if precipitation is heavy enough toward the end of the event. The second half of Friday should feature a drying trend as the wind picks up behind the departing storm system. This dry but windy regime will then be with us through Saturday, with the atmospheric set-up being one that allows wind gusts up to or even over 40 MPH, especially in higher elevation locations. One uncertainty for the upcoming weekend: Watching a small low pressure disturbance that has been fairly consistently forecast by reliable medium range guidance. My thoughts have been that this system would pass harmlessly south of us on Sunday (which is Easter for those who celebrate). But some guidance insists that this system will clip our region early Sunday before moving on, and I can’t ignore this completely, so I’m cautiously adding the chance of a little precipitation to the early part of Sunday’s outlook to cover this possibility. These small systems can be hard to forecast in the northwest flow that we’ll have. I do expect, based on that timing, that the balance of Sunday would turn out dry, and less windy than Saturday. Additionally, the colder air deliver behind the late week storm system will be modest at best, so the weekend high temps will be OK for late March.

TODAY: Overcast with areas of fog and drizzle during this morning. Mostly cloudy this afternoon. Scattered rain showers enter southwestern NH and central MA late in the day. Highs 45-52 Cape Cod / South Coast region and immediate eastern coast, 52-59 elsewhere. Wind N to E under 10 MPH, shifting SE to S up to 10 MPH.

TONIGHT: Cloudy. Scattered rain showers evening. Steadier rain arrives overnight. Lows 38-45. Wind variable shifting to N up to 10 MPH.

THURSDAY: Overcast. Rain and areas of fog. Highs 45-52, coolest coast. Wind N-NE 5-15 MPH, higher gusts coastal areas.

THURSDAY NIGHT: Overcast. Rain likely, may mix with snow in higher elevations of southwestern NH and northwestern MA prior to dawn. Lows 35-42. Wind NE-N 10-20 MPH.

FRIDAY: Cloudy start with a chance of rain favoring eastern areas, may be mixed with or even turn to wet snow in some areas before ending. Breaking clouds from west to east later. Highs 43-50. Wind N-NW increasing to 10-20 MPH with higher gusts later in the day.

FRIDAY NIGHT: Clearing. Lows 30-37. Wind NW 10-20 MPH, higher gusts.

SATURDAY: Sun/cloud mix. Highs 48-55. Wind NW 15-25 MPH, higher gusts, possibly to 40 MPH or even higher favoring the higher elevation locations.

SATURDAY NIGHT: Partly to mostly cloudy. Lows 35-42. Wind NW 10-20 MPH becoming W to variable up to 10 MPH overnight.

SUNDAY: Mostly cloudy including the chance of light snow/mix/rain early. Partly sunny midday on. Highs 50-57. Wind variable up to 10 MPH becoming W-NW 5-15 MPH.

DAYS 6-10 (APRIL 1-5)

Unsettled weather windows April 2-3 and April 5 with potential rain/mix/snow depending on track of storm systems moving over or just south of the region while cold high pressure resides in eastern Canada.

DAYS 11-15 (APRIL 6-10)

Pattern remains cool but may shift to be somewhat drier, but still have to watch upper level low pressure that may keep the region unsettled. Will continue to monitor trends in regards to sky conditions for The April 8 solar eclipse, in which the path of totally crosses northern New England.

Tuesday March 26 2024 Forecast (7:35AM)

DAYS 1-5 (MARCH 26-30)

A few days of unsettled weather begin today, with a little different set-up for each day. Today, it’s the offshore storm we’ve been watching as it tosses an arm of moisture back our way, eventually dampening our day. Tomorrow, it’s a moist southerly air flow working on the leftovers from today’s system in combination with an approaching trough and cold front from the west. Thursday it will be a wave of low pressure moving up from the south along the aforementioned cold front as it slows down while moving offshore. The wildcard remains for Friday – how fast does that storm wrap up and get out of here and does it mean quicker-drying weather, prolonged rain, or even some snow getting involved at the end of the system? Still not sure, so I’m leaving the forecast as it was worded on yesterday’s blog and will try to tweak the fine-tune knob again tomorrow. It does look like we’ll indeed by dry for the start of the weekend, regardless, albeit breezy and chilly, as we’ll be in a northwesterly air flow behind all of the unsettled weather of this week.

TODAY: Cloudy. Afternoon patchy light rain/drizzle favoring I-95 and east. Highs 40-47. Wind E 10-20 MPH, strongest coast.

TONIGHT: Cloudy. Chance of light rain mainly I-95 eastward, but any spotty precipitation that makes the I-495 belt may fall as freezing rain. Lows 31-38. Wind E 5-15 MPH.

WEDNESDAY: Mostly cloudy. Rain showers likely, especially in the afternoon. Highs 45-52 Cape Cod / South Coast, 52-59 elsewhere. Wind S 5-15 MPH.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Cloudy. Chance of rain showers early evening. Steadier rain arriving overnight. Lows 38-45. Wind shifting to N 5-15 MPH.

THURSDAY: Overcast. Rain likely. Highs 45-52, coolest coast. Wind NE 10-20 MPH, higher gusts coastal areas / Cape Cod.

THURSDAY NIGHT: Overcast. Rain likely, especially eastern areas. Lows 38-45. Wind NE-N 10-20 MPH.

FRIDAY: Cloudy start with a chance of rain favoring eastern areas. Clearing trend follows. Highs 42-49. Wind N-NW 10-20 MPH, higher gusts.

FRIDAY NIGHT: Clear. Lows 27-34. Wind NW 10-20 MPH, higher gusts.

SATURDAY: Sun/cloud mix. Highs 45-52. Wind NW 10-20 MPH, higher gusts.

DAYS 6-10 (MARCH 31 – APRIL 4)

Dry, breezy, chilly weather to round out the weekend and end the month of March. The first few days of April present an opportunity for unsettled weather with rain/mix/snow chances as low pressure tracks to our south with cold high pressure in eastern Canada. This system should be beyond the region with breezy/chilly but dry weather to end the period.

DAYS 11-15 (APRIL 5-9)

Similar pattern with another opportunity for unsettled weather early to mid period. Looking for a push of high pressure to try to dry the region out later in the period but remains to be seen if we’ll be plagued with upper level low pressure and at least additional cloudiness. Critical forecast for April 8’s solar eclipse (path of totality northern New England) which we’ll be eyeing over the coming days.

Monday March 25 2024 Forecast (7:39AM)

DAYS 1-5 (MARCH 25-29)

Offshore low pressure continues to throw its cloud shield over our region, thickest to the east, thinner to the west, and this will be the case much of today, though with some variation. Once again sun will be most limited to start the day and more able to shine through that cloud deck with time as the orb makes its transit across the sky. The air flow between that low pressure out there and high pressure to our northwest and north will tilt more northeasterly today than it was yesterday, keeping it chilly, especially along the coast where it will only make the lower 40s while inland has a better shot at upper 40s. But before we get to the high temps today, it’s colder away from the coast to start out the day (20s many areas as opposed to 30s coast). Unsettled weather is going to be with us for much of the remainder of this week. The offshore low slides back to the west somewhat, throwing some of its moisture toward and eventually into southeastern New England later Tuesday. While I expect most of this to occur in the I-95 belt eastward, Tuesday night’s temperatures to the west can be near or just below freezing allowing any light rain there to create some surface icing – so be aware of that potential. A cold front associated with an eastward moving trough initially slows down in response to the low to our east, but will then move into and across the region during Wednesday and Wednesday night. This will send a push of milder air into our region, but also additional moisture in the form of rain showers. As the front ambles offshore it will pause as a stronger low pressure wave develops and moves up along it, bringing us our best chance at widespread, somewhat heavier rainfall on Thursday. This system will exit during Friday, but the continuing question to answer is just how quickly this will happen. Medium range guidance continues to have different depictions of this scenario, some showing a quick eastward exit, some showing a much slower exit with wet weather into much of Friday, and some even showing snow getting involved in the late stages of the system as colder air is pulled into it. The scenario I am leaning toward is the same as yesterday, a wet start then drying trend Friday, but this is still not a high confidence forecast and may not be for a couple more days.

TODAY: Thickest clouds east with covered to dim sunshine first half of day. Thinner clouds west with filtered to potentially brighter sun second half of day. Highs 40-47, coldest eastern coastal areas. Wind NE 10-20 MPH, gusty.

TONIGHT: Clouds advance westward. Lows 31-38. Wind NE 5-15 MPH, higher gusts especially coastal areas.

TUESDAY: Cloudy. Chance of rain in the afternoon, favoring eastern areas. Highs 40-47. Wind E 10-20 MPH, strongest coast.

TUESDAY NIGHT: Cloudy. Chance of light rain mainly I-95 eastward, but any spotty precipitation that makes the I-495 belt may fall as freezing rain. Lows 31-38. Wind E 5-15 MPH.

WEDNESDAY: Mostly cloudy. Rain showers likely, especially in the afternoon. Highs 45-52 Cape Cod / South Coast, 52-59 elsewhere. Wind S 5-15 MPH.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Cloudy. Chance of rain showers early evening. Steadier rain arriving overnight. Lows 38-45. Wind shifting to N 5-15 MPH.

THURSDAY: Overcast. Rain likely. Highs 45-52, coolest coast. Wind NE 10-20 MPH, higher gusts coastal areas / Cape Cod.

THURSDAY NIGHT: Overcast. Rain likely, especially eastern areas. Lows 38-45. Wind NE-N 10-20 MPH.

FRIDAY: Cloudy start with a chance of rain favoring eastern areas. Clearing trend follows. Highs 42-49. Wind N-NW 10-20 MPH, higher gusts.

DAYS 6-10 (MARCH 30 – APRIL 3)

Dry, breezy, chilly weather expected for the March 30-31 weekend with a northwest to west air flow. The first few days of April present an opportunity for unsettled weather with rain/mix/snow chances as low pressure tracks to our south with cold high pressure in eastern Canada.

DAYS 11-15 (APRIL 4-8)

Similar pattern into the end of the first week of April with additional opportunities for unsettled weather. May be push of high pressure with fair weather to end the period and we’ll be keeping a close eye on April 8 for solar eclipse weather viewing (more to come about this soon).

Sunday March 24 2024 Forecast (8:50AM)

DAYS 1-5 (MARCH 24-28)

A potential hazard exists for parts of the region to start the day today, and that is ice patches on the ground in the wake of yesterday’s storm system. Far north and west of Boston from the Worcester Hills to the Monadnock Region the temperature never got that far above freezing, and in some cases sat near to below freezing for a good part of the day on Saturday. Coatings to a few inches of snow were followed by sleet and freezing rain, and even areas that changed to rain did not warm up all that much. This was followed by a temperature drop overnight. Further south and east, while the initial snow/sleet and eventual freezing rain were not an issue, wet ground was left behind from rain before temperature fell sub-freezing. In many areas, a pick-up of overnight and early morning wind has helped to evaporate water / sublimate ice off many surfaces, but where that did not occur, be alert for icy patches that may linger for a while this morning, before the combination of wind and temperatures climbing over freezing, as well as higher sun angle where the sun is shining, will help largely eliminate the ice-on-ground issue. For our weather today, offshore low pressure and high pressure to our northwest will combine to create a brisk north to northeast wind, and while it will be a dry day, we’ll have a canopy of clouds often covering much of the east / southeast 1/2 to 2/3 of the sky. This will limit the sun earlier in the day, but allow it to shine more later on. This set-up shifts only slightly on Monday with high pressure a bit further northeast and low pressure a bit further southwest, shifting our wind more to northeast. While the upper level cloud canopy will still be a factor, we may see more lower clouds being driven in off the ocean on the northeast wind, especially for coastal areas from Boston south, limiting the sun further. When we get to Tuesday and midweek, we’ll enter a stretch of unsettled weather again. This will initially begin as the offshore low pressure drifts southwest to west and throws an arm of moisture in the form of light rainfall our way during Tuesday. At the same time, another trough of low pressure will start to slide into the Northeast after high pressure has drifted sufficiently away into Atlantic Canada. These systems will combine at midweek to give us a cloudy sky and frequently wet weather. As we get closer to that, timing and rain intensity details will come more into focus, but for now plan on unsettled weather for several days…

TODAY: Limited sun early becomes brighter with time. Highs 41-48. Wind N-NE 10-20 MPH with higher gusts, strongest at eastern shores.

TONIGHT: Variably cloudy with most clouds over RI, eastern MA, NH Seacoast. Lows 30-37. Wind NE 10-20 MPH, gusty.

MONDAY: Partly sunny. Highs 38-45. Wind NE 10-20 MPH, gusty.

MONDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy. Lows 31-38. Wind NE 5-15 MPH, higher gusts.

TUESDAY: Cloudy. Chance of rain in the afternoon, favoring eastern areas. Highs 40-47. Wind E 10-20 MPH, strongest coast.

TUESDAY NIGHT & WEDNESDAY: Overcast. Periods of rain. Areas of fog. Temperatures steady in 40s. Wind E to SE 5-15 MPH.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT & THURSDAY: Overcast. Rain showers likely. Foggy times. Temperature steady in 40s. Wind E-NE 5-15 MPH, higher gusts.

DAYS 6-10 (MARCH 29 – APRIL 2)

Optimistic outlook for drying trend March 29 and a dry, chilly March 30-31 weekend. Additional unsettled weather to begin April with near to below normal temperatures.

DAYS 11-15 (APRIL 3-7)

We’ll have to continue to watch low pressure to our south to bring potential unsettled weather while high pressure to the north provides plenty of cool air.

Saturday March 23 2024 Forecast (9:03AM)

DAYS 1-5 (MARCH 23-27)

An early spring storm, with some late winter attributes included, started to impact the region late last evening as a swath of snow overspread much of the region north of Interstate 90, with a coating to even an inch or two of accumulation of snow, greatest in the Route 2 Corridor west of Interstate 495. A coating of snow, and afterward some sleet, extended eastward into Boston’s northern suburbs. Some snow and sleet even occurred in the city of Boston as well. Cold air trapped near the surface has resulted in some of the precipitation remaining as sleet for a while, with most areas now rain, however surface temperatures at or just below freezing from around Worcester northward to southwestern New Hampshire has resulted in some slick spots there with freezing rain. This hazard will be around through mid morning in the coldest valley areas before the temperature warms sufficiently to eliminate it. For the rest of us, it’s just rain, and rain will be the story for the region in general throughout the day today. However, the heaviest swath of rain is going to head through our region later this afternoon and very early this evening. This will take place as the center of the low pressure area responsible for the foul weather cuts right across southeastern New England. It looks like the center itself will pass over RI and southeastern MA between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. The track of this system will determine some weather details as we go through the climax of the storm system. Fairly heavy rain should be widespread (1.5 to 3.5 inches for the region when it’s all done), and the heaviest band of rain just ahead of the low’s passage may also contain thunderstorms. Another aspect will be wind, which will be variable in the region as the storm approaches and especially as it passes by. Ahead of it, we’ll have a light to moderate northeast to east wind, shifting more southeast with time. As the low center cuts across the region, southeast winds will increase and be at their strongest over southeastern MA and RI, with some minor wind damage possible (and resultant power outages also possible). A more variable and lighter wind will be felt right under the low center as it goes by, with an easterly wind shifting to more northerly in locations that are west of the low’s track. These winds will not be quite as strong as the southerly winds on the other side of the track. But what will be going on on the back side of the system is the return of colder air, which may occur quickly enough to flip the rain back to sleet and/or snow briefly in areas north and northwest of Boston before it comes to an end. To the southeast, it will end as just rain. Behind this system, we dry out, but along the frontal boundary trailing southward from the departing low, we’ll see additional low pressure development, and it, combined with high pressure to our north, will create a gusty north to northeast wind for our region both Sunday and Monday, making the already chilly air feel a bit colder. Additionally, clouds may be stubborn to depart, especially in coastal areas, during both of those days. Tuesday and Wednesday will present a complex weather set-up, with clouds again dominant and another rainfall threat evolving during Tuesday and lasting through Wednesday. This will occur as offshore low pressure retrogrades and throws a swath of moisture back into our region, while at the same time another trough of low pressure approaches from the west and throws its own moisture at us. In other words, we’ll be right at the fence that these two systems meet up to chat about whose property we are, and that “conversation” may last a while once it begins…

TODAY: Overcast. Rain – pockets of freezing rain through mid morning Worcester Hills to Monadnock Region. Heavier rain more widespread late afternoon / evening including the chance of thunderstorms. Areas of fog. Highs 38-45 northwest of Boston-Providence corridor, 45-52 to the southeast, occurring late-day. Wind NE-E 5-15 MPH until midday, E-SE 10-20 MPH with higher gusts, strongest along the coast, much of the afternoon, then late afternoon and evening winds SE-S 15-25 MPH with gusts 35-50 MPH southeastern MA especially east of the Cape Cod Canal, variable 5-15 MPH but potentially higher gusts Providence-Boston region, and E-NE 10-20 MPH with higher gusts to the north and west.

TONIGHT: Overcast evening with rain ending, possibly as a mix/snow to the north and northwest of Boston. Breaking clouds overnight. Lows 32-39. Wind NE-N 10-20 MPH, higher gusts.

SUNDAY: Mostly cloudy to partly sunny. Highs 41-48. Wind N-NE 10-20 MPH, higher gusts, strongest along the coast.

SUNDAY NIGHT: Variably cloudy. Lows 30-37. Wind NE 10-20 MPH, gusty.

MONDAY: Partly sunny. Highs 38-45. Wind NE 10-20 MPH, gusty.

MONDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy. Lows 31-38. Wind NE 5-15 MPH, higher gusts.

TUESDAY: Cloudy. Chance of rain in the afternoon, favoring eastern areas. Highs 40-47. Wind E 10-20 MPH, strongest coast.

TUESDAY NIGHT & WEDNESDAY: Overcast. Periods of rain. Areas of fog. Temperatures rise slightly to 43-50. Wind E to variable 5-15 MPH.

DAYS 6-10 (MARCH 28 – APRIL 1)

Additional unsettled weather is expected into late next week, with a possible period of drier and brighter weather arriving for the March 30-31 weekend and maybe April 1 too. Temperatures below to near normal.

DAYS 11-15 (APRIL 2-6)

Additional unsettled weather threats and variable temperatures in an active early spring weather pattern. Not much changing here…

Friday March 22 2024 Forecast (7:32AM)

DAYS 1-5 (MARCH 22-26)

High pressure brings sun and more tranquil weather today before it slips away. Clouds arrive later today and thicken up tonight ahead of our next storm system. Precipitation arrives late evening and overnight as rain to the south, snow to the north, with some minor snow accumulation before it changes to rain. And then we have a rainy Saturday ahead. The upcoming storm has 2 main pulses associated with 2 low pressure centers. The first passes by in the morning and the second comes later Saturday when the heaviest rain will occur across the region – even a chance for thunder. As this pulls through, colder air will arrive, maybe quickly to turn the rain back to a mix or even brief snow northwest of Boston before it ends. Sunday’s going to be a drier day, but clouds may hang in as another low pressure area develops offshore, not too far to the southeast of our area. With high pressure approaching from the west, the air flow between it and the offshore storm will tighten up and we’ll end up windy again Sunday into Monday. By Tuesday of next week, the combination of moisture from the offshore low, and another approaching low from the west, will likely converge on our region to turn the weather wet once again. Not sure of the details on this yet, and will fine-tune those in future blog updates.

TODAY: Sun dominates but gives way to advancing clouds west to east late. Highs 39-46. Wind W 5-15 MPH morning, variable up to 10 MPH afternoon.

TONIGHT: Clouds thicken. Precipitation arrives late evening / overnight, mainly rain but starting as snow/mix north of I-90 with a coating to 2 inches possible, highest amounts in higher elevations of north central MA and southwestern NH. Lows 30-37 evening, may rise overnight. Wind NE to E 5-15 MPH, stronger at the coast.

SATURDAY: Overcast. Rain likely, heaviest during the mid to late afternoon. Highs 40-47. Wind E 10-20 MPH, strongest coast, higher gusts possible.

SATURDAY NIGHT: Cloudy. Rain ends early, but may end as mix/snow north and west of Boston. Lows 32-39. Wind NE-N 5-15 MPH, higher gusts.

SUNDAY: Mostly cloudy. Highs 40-47. Wind N-NE 5-15 MPH, higher gusts.

SUNDAY NIGHT: Variably cloudy. Lows 30-37. Wind NE 10-20 MPH, gusty.

MONDAY: Partly sunny. Highs 38-45. Wind NE 10-20 MPH, gusty.

MONDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy. Lows 31-38. Wind NE 5-15 MPH, higher gusts.

TUESDAY: Cloudy. Chance of rain. Highs 40-47. Wind E 10-20 MPH.

DAYS 6-10 (MARCH 27-31)

Stretch of unsettled weather as a couple of low pressure areas impact the region through March 29, mostly rain but some mix/snow may become involved as colder air will be nearby. Drier trend for the March 30-31 weekend, but a low confidence outlook out that far.

DAYS 11-15 (APRIL 1-5)

Additional unsettled weather threats and variable temperatures in an active early spring weather pattern.

Thursday March 21 2024 Forecast (7:14AM)

DAYS 1-5 (MARCH 21-25)

A blustery, winter-feeling early-spring day is on our weather menu today as a small but strong low pressure area exits Maine into Atlantic Canada and high pressure builds across the Great Lakes. We are now at the point in the year where these dry and windy days present elevated brush fire danger. High pressure will slide eastward into Friday and diminish the wind, and the fire danger, though the chill will be hanging around. Clouds advance later Friday ahead of our next upcoming storm system – low pressure that will cut across the Northeast / New England on Saturday. This system will produce a solid swath of precipitation that should fall as mostly rain, but will likely start as snow Friday night especially from the Boston area west and north and may end as mix/snow in similar areas on Saturday evening. While drier weather is expected for Sunday, clouds may remain dominant as another low pressure wave passes by just to our southeast. Early next week will feature dry weather and below normal temperatures between low pressure in Atlantic Canada and high pressure to our west.

TODAY: Sun and passing clouds. Highs 36-43. Wind NW 10-20 MPH, gusts 25-35 MPH. Wind chill in the 10s / 20s.

TONIGHT: Mostly clear. Lows 23-30. Wind NW 10-20 MPH with higher gusts evening, diminishing somewhat overnight.

FRIDAY: Sun followed by clouds. Highs 38-45. Wind W 5-15 MPH becoming variable up to 10 MPH.

FRIDAY NIGHT: Cloudy. Snow/mix/rain arrives by late evening – snow accumulation a coating to 2 inches I-95 west / I-90 north, before turning to rain. Lows 28-35 evening, may rise overnight. Wind NE to E 5-15 MPH, stronger at the coast.

SATURDAY: Overcast. Rain, heavy at times. Highs 40-47. Wind E 10-20 MPH, strongest coast, higher gusts possible.

SATURDAY NIGHT: Cloudy. Rain ends early, but may end as mix/snow north and west of Boston. Lows 32-39. Wind NE-N 5-15 MPH, higher gusts.

SUNDAY: Mostly cloudy. Highs 40-47. Wind N-NW 5-15 MPH, higher gusts.

SUNDAY NIGHT: Variably cloudy. Lows 30-37. Wind NW 10-20 MPH, gusty.

MONDAY: Partly sunny. Highs 38-45. Wind NW 10-20 MPH, gusty.

DAYS 6-10 (MARCH 26-30)

Dry with below normal temperatures to start the period then additional unsettled weather and variable temperatures middle of next week. Drying trend returns late week based on current timing.

DAYS 11-15 (MARCH 31 – APRIL 4)

Additional unsettled weather threats and variable temperatures in an active early spring weather pattern.

Wednesday March 20 2024 Forecast (7:43AM)

DAYS 1-5 (MARCH 20-24)

Spring arrived last night (11:06 p.m. vernal equinox) and these early spring days will present us with plenty of weather to keep track of. Today, a disturbance moves through the region in the form of an initially weak low pressure area, pushing a warm front with a few rain showers through this morning. We’ll get a break for several hours where it’s pleasantly milder and less windy than yesterday, and then a strong cold front will come along this evening with more potent showers of mostly rain, though with an immediate arrival of cold air, some of these can mix with and change to snow, especially north of I-90, before they wind down later at night. This will take place as the initially weak low redevelops and intensifies rapidly as it enters the Gulf of Maine (giving parts of Maine a quick-hitting snowstorm tonight). Behind this system, we’ll have a chilly, windy Thursday but with dry weather. Quick-moving systems mean that we’ll see clouds increasing ahead of our next storm system during Friday. This system’s center looks as if it will be far enough north so that cold air that allows the precipitation to start mixed or as snow for some of the region should be pushed out enough for the heaviest of it to fall as rain in much of the region Friday night into Saturday. Two uncertainties: A slight southward shift in that storm track would mean more frozen precipitation could be involved, so we need to watch that closely, and also the timing of the departure, which may end up somewhat delayed by a slower-departing system. Sunday looks like a dry, breezy, chilly day, but we’ll have to watch southeastern areas for a blanket of clouds that may hang on behind the weekend system, though at this point I think precipitation would remain offshore.

TODAY: Cloudy start with scattered rain showers. Some breaks of sun later morning into afternoon before a cloudier finish and another rain chance especially west and north of Boston. Highs 47-54. Wind variable up to 10 MPH, then SW 5-15 MPH, higher gusts late in the day.

TONIGHT: Cloudy evening with rain showers likely, even a slight chance of a thunderstorm. Rain showers may mix with or turn to snow showers west to east, especially north of I-90, before ending. Clearing overnight. Lows 28-35. Wind SW 10-20 MPH with higher gusts, shifting to NW. Black ice patches possible.

THURSDAY: Sun and passing clouds. Highs 37-44. Wind NW 10-20 MPH, gusts 25-35 MPH.

THURSDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy evening. Clear overnight. Lows 25-32. Wind NW 10-20 MPH, diminishing overnight.

FRIDAY: Sun followed by clouds. Highs 38-45. Wind W 5-15 MPH becoming variable up to 10 MPH.

FRIDAY NIGHT: Cloudy. Snow/mix north, mix/rain south. Lows 28-35 evening, may rise overnight. Wind NE to E 5-15 MPH, stronger at the coast.

SATURDAY: Overcast. Rain likely, may be mixed with sleet and/or snow north at least early in the day. Highs 36-43. Wind E-NE 10-20 MPH.

SATURDAY NIGHT: Cloudy. Chance of rain, possibly mixed with sleet/snow. Lows 33-40. Wind NE-N 5-15 MPH.

SUNDAY: Clouds linger southeastern and eastern areas, clearing northwest. Highs 40-47. Wind N 5-15 MPH, higher gusts.

DAYS 6-10 (MARCH 25-29)

Dry to start, then additional unsettled weather with rain/mix/snow opportunities. Temperatures variable for the period, averaging somewhat close to normal.

DAYS 11-15 (MARCH 30 – APRIL 3)

Additional unsettled weather threats and variable temperatures in an active early spring weather pattern.

Tuesday March 19 2024 Forecast (7:07AM)

DAYS 1-5 (MARCH 19-23)

Winter’s final hours are counted down today, leading up to the arrival of spring with the occurrence of the vernal equinox at 11:06 p.m. tonight. However, we are not done talking about the possibility of winter weather, which is never unusual in the spring, even if we’ve hardly had a winter. First, a dry day is in store today with a gusty westerly breeze and a sun/cloud mix as we remain under the influence of the pressure gradient between low pressure to our northeast and high pressure to our southwest. The high slides by tonight and a new low pressure area from the west approaches on Wednesday. This system will pass through the region Wednesday night. It is during the afternoon and night time hours that we can see showers, mainly in the form of rain during the afternoon, but switching to snow showers as colder air arrives from west to east at night. Fair and chilly weather is expected for Thursday and most of Friday, with sunshine dominate on Thursday and clouds arriving Friday ahead of our next storm system. This one brings a combination of rain and snow to the region Saturday, but the details of the rain vs. snow and exact timing still need to be fine-tuned. Either way, it looks like a stormy start to the first weekend of spring.

TODAY: Sunny start, then a sun/cloud mix. Highs 43-50. Wind NW 10-20 MPH, gusts up to 25 MPH.

TONIGHT: Partly cloudy. Lows 30-37. Wind W 5-15 MPH.

WEDNESDAY: Variably cloudy. Afternoon rain showers. Highs 43-50. Wind SW 10-20 MPH.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with rain/mix/snow showers in the evening. Clearing overnight. Black ice patches overnight. Lows 25-32. Wind shifting to NW 5-15 MPH, higher gusts.

THURSDAY: Sun and passing clouds. Highs 40-47. Wind NW 10-20 MPH, higher gusts.

THURSDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy evening. Clear overnight. Lows 25-32. Wind NW 5-15 MPH, diminishing.

FRIDAY: Sun followed by clouds. Highs 38-45. Wind variable 5-15 MPH.

FRIDAY NIGHT & SATURDAY: Cloudy with rain/mix/snow likely. Temperatures generally 35-45. Wind variable 10-20 MPH, higher gusts.

DAYS 6-10 (MARCH 24-28)

Fair, colder early period. Another storm signal mid to late period

DAYS 11-15 (MARCH 29 – APRIL 2)

Additional unsettled weather threats and variable temperatures in an active early spring weather pattern.

Monday March 18 2024 Forecast (7:42AM)

DAYS 1-5 (MARCH 18-22)

A passing disturbance to the southeast has tossed a blanket of mid level clouds over the region during the overnight hours and this still sits over the southeastern half of the WHW forecast area at dawn today, but will slide off to the northeast and east with time. There are some patchy clouds back to the west already, indicative of enough low level moisture to trigger cumulus cloud development as the sun heats the land during the day today, resulting in a sun/cloud combo for the entire region as we get to the midday and afternoon. I don’t think any of these clouds will grow enough to produce any precipitation, as I had previously indicated. So, a dry Monday, breezy, and seasonably chilly for us. We’ll be in a chilly northwesterly air flow Tuesday with a repeat of the sun/cloud mix but again I think it’ll stay dry. Spring officially arrives at 11:06 p.m. EDT with the vernal equinox. Wednesday, a disturbance will approach and move into the area, bringing more cloudiness and the chance of some showers of rain/mix/snow. This system exits Thursday, which will be a dry but windy and chilly March day. Friday will be more tranquil as a weak area of high pressure slides through the region, but high and mid level clouds may increase by later Friday ahead of our next unsettle weather threat, which some guidance has here as early as Friday night with a rain/mix/snow threat. Stay tuned…

TODAY: A canopy of clouds eastern MA, RI, and eastern CT to start the day. Otherwise a sun/cloud mix. Highs 45-52. Wind W 10-20 MPH, gusts up to 30 MPH.

TONIGHT: Clouds dissipate. Lows 28-35. Wind W 5-15 MPH.

TUESDAY: Sunny start, then a sun/cloud mix. Highs 43-50. Wind NW 10-20 MPH, gusts up to 25 MPH.

TUESDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy. Lows 30-37. Wind W 5-15 MPH.

WEDNESDAY: Variably cloudy. Afternoon rain showers. Highs 43-50. Wind SW 10-20 MPH.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with rain/mix/snow showers in the evening. Clearing overnight. Lows 25-32. Wind shifting to NW 10-20 MPH, higher gusts.

THURSDAY: Sun and passing clouds. Highs 40-47. Wind NW 10-20 MPH, higher gusts.

THURSDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy evening. Clear overnight. Lows 25-32. Wind NW 5-15 MPH, diminishing.

FRIDAY: Sun followed by clouds. Rain/mix/snow chance evening/night. Highs 38-45. Wind variable 5-15 MPH.

DAYS 6-10 (MARCH 23-27)

Storm signal still there for the start of the period – details to be determined. Additional unsettled weather presents rain/mix/snow chances beyond that. Temperatures near to below normal.

DAYS 11-15 (MARCH 28 – APRIL 1)

Additional unsettled weather threats and variable temperatures in an active early spring weather pattern.

Sunday March 17 2024 Forecast (7:51AM)

DAYS 1-5 (MARCH 17-21)

A cold front will move rapidly across the region from west to east this morning, bringing waves of rain showers to the region. Post-front this afternoon we will see a sun/cloud mix with an additional passing rain shower chance, but overall much drier weather. An increasing southerly breeze ahead of the cold front will shift to west with its passage and become quite gusty this afternoon. A secondary trough will deliver colder air to the region tonight. Monday through Thursday will find us in a chilly northwesterly air flow. The threat of a passing shower of liquid and/or frozen precipitation will be minimal Monday, slightly higher Tuesday, and higher still Wednesday as a stronger disturbance moves through, and then we’ll see that chance disappear for Thursday as high pressure builds closer to the region from the west. Spring arrives with the vernal equinox at 11:06 p.m. EDT Tuesday (March 19).

TODAY: Cloudy into late morning with rain showers likely west to east. Cloud/sun mix midday on with a slight chance of a passing rain shower, any heavier ones can produce small hail or graupel. Highs 48-55 South Coast, 55-62 elsewhere. Wind S 10-20 MPH, shifting to W from west to east, with gusts up to 30 MPH.

TONIGHT: Partly cloudy. Lows 26-33. Wind NW 10-20 MPH.

MONDAY: Partly sunny. A passing brief rain/graupel/snow shower possible. Highs 38-45. Wind NW 10-20 MPH, higher gusts.

MONDAY NIGHT: Variably cloudy. Lows 28-35. Wind NW 10-20 MPH.

TUESDAY: Variably cloudy. A passing brief rain/graupel/snow shower possible. Highs 38-45. Wind NW 10-20 MPH, higher gusts.

TUESDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy. Lows 27-34. Wind NW 10-20 MPH.

WEDNESDAY: Variably cloudy. A passing rain/mix shower or two likely. Highs 40-47. Wind W 10-20 MPH, higher gusts.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy. Lows 25-32. Wind NW 10-20 MPH.

THURSDAY: Sun and passing clouds. Highs 40-47. Wind NW 10-20 MPH.

DAYS 6-10 (MARCH 22-26)

Generally fair March 22. Storm signal for March 23-24 weekend with rain/mix/snow potential. Unsettled weather may linger late period. Temperatures near to below normal.

DAYS 11-15 (MARCH 27-31)

Additional unsettled weather threats and variable temperatures in an active early spring weather pattern down the home stretch of March.

Saturday March 16 2024 Forecast (7:59AM)

DAYS 1-5 (MARCH 16-20)

As the sun came up this morning, it was visible in a good portion of southern NH and eastern MA, as well as RI and eastern CT, partially visible in portions of central MA and southwestern NH where there are cloud patches, and mostly hidden behind a blanket of clouds across Cape Cod and the MA South Coast. During the day today we’ll see a mix of sun and clouds, but the clouds will probably end up being more dominant with time. A few of them can build enough for a brief sprinkle of rain, especially in the I-95 belt, during this afternoon, but for the most part it will be a dry day as weak high pressure controls the weather. While everybody starts out fairly chilly, inland areas will warm more efficiently today, even with interruptions in the sunshine, as a cooler sea breeze will develop along the coastline. Tonight, a southerly air flow takes over ahead of an approaching cold front. This will drive more low level moisture into the region and while a deck of high and middle clouds advances eastward into the region, we’ll see lower clouds also move in from the south. Even some fog can roll into the South Coast region. Rain showers associated with the approaching cold front can be here before dawn, especially west of I-95. On Sunday, St. Patrick’s Day, we’ll see a band of rain showers sweep eastward across the region with the cold front during the morning, and exit the coastline, Cape Cod lastly, by midday. A morning that has a moist southerly wind will be replaced by a drier, gusty westerly wind and a sun/cloud mix from midday onward. However, it will be fairly mild as the arrival of cold air will wait until a secondary trough passes by Sunday night or early Monday. Monday through Wednesday will feature near to below normal temperatures and gusty winds, with varying amounts of clouds. There is a minimal chance of passing light showers of rain, graupel, or wet snow Monday and/or Tuesday in response to cold air aloft, and a slightly better chance of a shower of rain/mix on Wednesday as a more vigorous trough passes through the region. We welcome spring with the vernal equinox at 11:06 p.m. EDT Tuesday (March 19).

TODAY: Sun/cloud mix. A possible brief light rain shower I-95 belt afternoon. Highs 46-53. Wind NW to variable up to 10 MPH with coastal sea breezes developing midday on.

TONIGHT: Mostly cloudy. Areas of fog mainly South Coast late. Pre-dawn rain showers possible west of I-95. Lows 35-42 evening, rising slowly overnight. Wind variable up to 10 MPH evening, then S increasing to 5-15 MPH with gusts around 20 MPH overnight.

SUNDAY: Cloudy through mid morning with rain showers likely west to east. Cloud/sun mix late morning on with a slight chance of a passing rain shower in the afternoon. Highs 48-55 South Coast, 55-62 elsewhere. Wind S 10-20 MPH, shifting to W from west to east, with gusts up to 30 MPH.

SUNDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy. Lows 26-33. Wind NW 10-20 MPH.

MONDAY: Partly sunny. A passing brief rain/graupel/snow shower possible. Highs 38-45. Wind NW 10-20 MPH, higher gusts.

MONDAY NIGHT: Variably cloudy. Lows 28-35. Wind NW 10-20 MPH.

TUESDAY: Variably cloudy. A passing brief rain/graupel/snow shower possible. Highs 38-45. Wind NW 10-20 MPH, higher gusts.

TUESDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy. Lows 27-34. Wind NW 10-20 MPH.

WEDNESDAY: Variably cloudy. A passing rain/mix shower or two likely. Highs 40-47. Wind W 10-20 MPH.

DAYS 6-10 (MARCH 21-25)

Generally fair March 21-22. Storm signal for March 23-24 weekend with rain/mix/snow potential. Unsettled weather may linger late period. Temperatures near to below normal.

DAYS 11-15 (MARCH 26-30)

Additional unsettled weather threats and variable temperatures in an active early spring weather pattern for late March.