6:47AM
DAYS 1-5 (FEBRUARY 28-MARCH 4)
On this final day of February we are setting the departure of a relatively minor snow event, but one of our only all snow events all season. The system behaved about as expected with a 2-5 inch snow forecast and a 1-4 inch result (pending some final snow reports). And now we turn our attention to the upcoming threats, and there are several. You have been pre-warned that the early part of March would feature colder weather and some storm threats, and this combination naturally leads to more snow threats, in theory, but does not guarantee that we are suddenly going to be in a snowy pattern just the same. Each of these events will have their own little quirks and variations, which will will try to work out as they get closer in time range. We still are having the issue with a pattern that doesn’t allow model forecast to be that dependable for very long out from the initial time, so nothing concrete should be said about each of these events until the details are adequately clear, and that method will be adhered to here on the blog. Friday’s event will not really be much of an event at all for most of the region, bringing just clouds, as it will be a disturbance passing mainly south of the region bringing only the threat of insignificant precipitation to the southernmost portions of southeastern New England. Saturday’s event still carries some uncertainty, but I am leaning toward 2 systems staying mainly separated, with a mainly offshore system that has the risk of bringing a period of steadier snow and rain to Cape Cod, and a weaker frontal system that should bring some mix/snow showers through the region west to east later Saturday to early Sunday. Many media outlets are already sounding a little too certain in my opinion about a threat for Sunday night and Monday. To me, the pattern certainly looks now like it wants to produce something that will make a run at the region, but the track is uncertain enough that anything from a snow to rain event, to a snow event, to a graze or miss can all still be considered possible. One thing I am more certain of is whatever form and location this system is in, it will be a fast mover and of relatively short duration. So based on the uncertainty, the wording in the detailed forecast below won’t be very detailed. Have to work with the limitations here.
Forecast details…
TODAY: Mostly cloudy through mid morning with bands of snow lingering near the eastern MA coast with some additional light accumulation. Partly sunny late morning on with isolated snow showers. Highs 28-35. Wind NE to N 5-15 MPH.
TONIGHT: Partly cloudy. Lows 18-25. Wind light N to NW.
FRIDAY: Mostly cloudy. Risk of rain/snow showers favoring eastern CT, RI, and southeastern MA. Highs 35-42. Wind variable 5-15 MPH.
FRIDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy. Lows 25-32. Wind light variable.
SATURDAY: Mostly cloudy. A period of rain or snow possible Cape Cod. Mix/snow showers possible late day or evening from west to east. Highs 35-42. Wind variable 5-15 MPH.
SUNDAY: Variably cloudy. Chance of snow/mix at night. Lows from the middle 20s to lower 30s. Highs from the middle to upper 30s.
MONDAY: Mostly cloudy. Chance of snow/mix/rain early. Chance of mix/snow showers after. Temperatures generally steady 30s to around 40.
DAYS 6-10 (MARCH 5-9)
Dry weather expected to start and end the period, but the March 6-8 period may see 1 or 2 disturbances bring the threat of precipitation. Temperatures near to below normal.
DAYS 11-15 (MARCH 10-14)
Colder, drier to start the period. Risk of some precipitation mid period then a warm-up may follow this as the pattern relaxes allowing the jet stream to lift to the north and possible some high pressure to locate itself on the East Coast.