7:29AM
DAYS 1-5 (DECEMBER 16-20)
High pressure positions itself north of our area today, delivering cold air which will be a factor in the visit of our next low pressure system, which will be Tuesday, bringing snow/ice/rain to the region. While most areas start as snow (possible snow/rain start immediate South Coast), mild air aloft will help flip the precipitation to rain/ice mainly south of I-90 (rain favoring the coast, freezing rain & sleet interior), while areas to the north of I-90, while possibly mixing with or turning to sleet for a while, will be mostly snow. This is not to be a big storm, in terms of precipitation amounts, but it will impact travel around the region during Tuesday. This system exits Tuesday night and a potent upper level disturbance and accompanying arctic cold front will cross the region Wednesday with a snow shower and snow squall threat. While this will not likely be a widespread snow event, it can have temporarily but significant local impact. Exact timing and placement of snow showers/squalls will not be able to be determined until the day itself, the time period most likely to see activity is early afternoon to early evening based on current expected timing. The Montreal Express visits us on Thursday which will be one of our coldest days so far this “winter” (it technically won’t be winter yet). The cold remains in place though easing very slightly on Friday as high pressure builds in, but it will feel nicer than Thursday due to a lack of wind.
The forecast details…
TODAY: High clouds increase. Highs 30-37. Wind variable up to 10 MPH.
TONIGHT: Cloudy. Snow develops pre-dawn west to east except snow/rain immediate South Coast. Lows 25-32. Wind light variable.
TUESDAY: Overcast. Snow to rain South Coast, snow to mix I-95 corridor which may include sleet and/or freezing rain, snow NW of I-95 area. Snow accumulation a coating to 1 inch South Coast including Cape Cod, 1-3 inches most of southeastern MA and RI to near Boston, 3-6 inches from I-95 area northwestward. Highs 30-37. Wind E to NE 5-15 MPH.
TUESDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy with lingering snow showers evening. Clearing overnight. Lows 22-30. Wind N 5-15 MPH.
WEDNESDAY: Variably cloudy. Afternoon snow showers/squalls likely. Highs 33-40. Wind W 10-20 MPH shifting to NW late.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Variably cloudy with evening snow showers possible. Clear overnight. Lows 10-17. Wind NW 15-25 MPH, higher gusts. Wind chill 0-10 at times.
THURSDAY: Mostly sunny. Highs 18-25. Wind NW 10-20 MPH. Wind chill near to below 0 at times.
THURSDAY NIGHT: Clear. Lows 5-12. Wind NW 5-15 MPH. Wind chill near to below 0 at times.
FRIDAY: Mostly sunny. Highs 23-30. Wind N up to 10 MPH.
DAYS 6-10 (DECEMBER 21-25)
Near to below normal temperatures December 21-22 weekend while we watch low pressure passing to the south and trough connecting to a weaker northern stream system passing through the region. This brings a chance of at least some light snow (and possible coastal mix south) later Saturday into Sunday – not likely a big storm. If enough onshore flow is involved, ocean-enhanced snowfall bands cannot be ruled out. Generally dry overall with seasonable to slightly below normal temperatures for the remainder of the period, however with a risk of a few passing snow showers from a weak disturbance sometime December 24 and/or 25.
DAYS 11-15 (DECEMBER 26-30)
A little more activity in the subtropical jet stream may send some moisture with a rain/snow threat later December 26 or December 27, with fair and colder weather returning for the balance of the period.