Sunday Forecast

175 Comments

8:19AM

DAYS 1-5 (MARCH 29-APRIL 2)
An early spring blocking pattern will keep our pattern cool and unsettled during this 5-day period, as is quite evident today – a wet and cool day. Upper level low pressure will traverse the region Monday into Tuesday but slow down as high pressure builds over eastern Canada. Another surface low will travel eastward and pass south of the region on by Wednesday but will be captured by the upper low and do a loop out over the ocean to the east of New England, probably enough to throw some wet weather back into the region sometime Thursday.
TODAY: Overcast. Periods of rain. Areas of fog and drizzle. Highs 40-47. Wind E 5-15 MPH, strongest along the coast with higher gusts.
TONIGHT: Cloudy. Periods of rain evening. Rain showers likely overnight. Slight chance of thunderstorms. Lows 38-45. Wind E 10-20 MPH, a few higher gusts especially coastal areas and higher elevations.
MONDAY: Mostly cloudy. Scattered rain showers, favoring mid to late afternoon. Highs 46-53. Wind N 5-15 MPH.
MONDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy. Scattered rain showers evening. Scattered rain or snow showers overnight. Lows 32-39. Wind N 5-15 MPH.
TUESDAY: Mostly cloudy to partly sunny. Scattered rain or snow showers favoring the morning. Highs 42-49. Wind N 5-15 MPH.
TUESDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy. Lows 33-40. Wind N 5-15 MPH.
WEDNESDAY: Mostly cloudy. Highs 43-50. Wind N 10-20 MPH.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy. Lows 38-45. Wind NE 10-20 MPH.
THURSDAY: Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain. Highs 43-50. Wind NE 10-20 MPH.

DAYS 6-10 (APRIL 3-7)
Blocking pattern temporarily weakens with a cooler, drier northwesterly flow April 3-4 followed by moderating temperatures April 5 before the block strengthens and cooler and unsettled weather chances increase again later in the period.

DAYS 11-15 (APRIL 8-12)
Leaning toward cooler than average but drier than average weather overall for this 5-day period with a strong enough blocking pattern to keep a lot of the storminess to the south and east of the region.

175 thoughts on “Sunday Forecast”

  2. Good morning and thank you TK. Crappy day, but then does it matter?
    I haven’t been out of the house in 16 days now.

  5. A friend shared this

    Information from Johns Hopkins
    * The virus is not a living organism, but a protein molecule (DNA) covered by a protective layer of lipid (fat), which, when absorbed by the cells of the ocular, nasal or buccal mucosa, changes their genetic code. (mutation) and convert them into aggressor and multiplier cells.

    * Since the virus is not a living organism but a protein molecule, it is not killed, but decays on its own. The disintegration time depends on the temperature, humidity and type of material where it lies.

    * The virus is very fragile; the only thing that protects it is a thin outer layer of fat. That is why any soap or detergent is the best remedy, because the foam CUTS the FAT (that is why you have to rub so much: for 20 seconds or more, to make a lot of foam).

    By dissolving the fat layer, the protein molecule disperses and breaks down on its own.

    * HEAT melts fat; use water above 25 degrees Celsius for washing hands, clothes and everything. In addition, hot water makes more foam and that makes it even more useful.

    * Alcohol or any mixture with alcohol over 65% DISSOLVES ANY FAT, especially the external lipid layer of the virus.

    * Any mix with 1 part bleach and 5 parts water directly dissolves the protein, breaks it down from the inside.

    * Oxygenated water helps long after soap, alcohol and chlorine, because peroxide dissolves the virus protein, but you have to use it pure and it hurts your skin.

    * NO BACTERICIDE OR ANTIBIOTIC SERVES. The virus is not a living organism like bacteria; antibodies cannot kill what is not alive.

    * NEVER shake used or unused clothing, sheets or cloth. While it is glued to a porous surface, it is very inert and disintegrates only
    -between 3 hours (fabric and porous),
    -4 hours (copper and wood)
    -24 hours (cardboard),
    – 42 hours (metal) and
    -72 hours (plastic).

    But if you shake it or use a feather duster, the virus molecules float in the air for up to 3 hours, and can lodge in your nose.

    * The virus molecules remain very stable in external cold, or artificial as air conditioners in houses and cars.

    They also need moisture to stay stable, and especially darkness. Therefore, dehumidified, dry, warm and bright environments will degrade it faster.

    * UV LIGHT on any object that may contain it breaks down the virus protein. For example, to disinfect and reuse a mask is perfect. Be careful, it also breaks down collagen (which is protein) in the skin.

    * The virus CANNOT go through healthy skin.

    * Vinegar is NOT useful because it does not break down the protective layer of fat.

    * NO SPIRITS, NOR VODKA, serve. The strongest vodka is 40% alcohol, and you need 65%.

    * LISTERINE IF IT SERVES! It is 65% alcohol.

    * The more confined the space, the more concentration of the virus there can be. The more open or naturally ventilated, the less.

    * You have to wash your hands before and after touching mucosa, food, locks, knobs, switches, remote control, cell phone, watches, computers, desks, TV, etc. And when using the bathroom.

    * You have to HUMIDIFY HANDS DRY from so much washing them, because the molecules can hide in the micro cracks. The thicker the moisturizer, the better.

    * Also keep your NAILS SHORT so that the virus does not hide there.

    -JOHNS HOPKINS HOSPITAL

    1. Excellent info Vicki. I would also like to add that the virus lives on the surfaces of shoes for up to 5 days so folks may wish to keep all footwear stored in the garage as to not cross contaminate their homes.

      1. Thank you. I think that is the one thing I need to get better at. I only go in yard and leave by front door, but it is still a good habit.

  6. According to Jose Jimenez, a professor of chemistry at the University of Colorado specializing in aerosol science suggests that people keep at least 25 feet distance from each other, as opposed to the recommended 6 feet. He states that the virus is present in exhaled breath and does not require coughing or sneezing and that it stays in the air for hours, without settling on the ground.

    *Fwiw, this thinking goes against many in the medical community.

    I found the above in yesterday’s (Saturday) Boston Herald.

    1. There has been no scientific evidence to date that suggests the virus travels 25 feet unless cough or sneeze induced. In fact it is scientifically proven that the virus only travels 3 ft from person to person thus the recommendation of 6 ft to be cautious. Certainly if the person were to cough and was in a confined space, that number of 25 ft would be more realistic. Unless Dr. Fauci or the CDC/WHO state otherwise, I’d probably take Jose Jimenez’s statement for what it’s worth.

      1. Arod what are you thinking peak time here . I heard my medical co workers think late April / early May tentatively for peak not end .

        1. Hi John. I’d be guessing if I told you when peak time is expected. No one knows including the experts. We are hopeful that numbers will level off and even drop some once sustained heat arrives. One or two days of warm temperatures will have little affect. It remains to be seen whether sustained warm to hot temps will have a great impact on COVID’s viability and transmissibility. Regardless, we are expecting a second outbreak and season fluctuations until a vaccine is born. That timeline also is unknown but could be at least one year.

          1. Excellent. Yeah I’m not hearing like this is the end date they maybe just suspect it’s going to be a bit longer . Take care Arod . I appreciate everything you & your wife are doing as well as all of your co- workers . If your wife needs anything at all I work days and could be at her work in 2 seconds as I believe you know my location . Currently I’m working 11.5 hour shifts doing my part to help out with my department. I know myself & others here really appreciate your expert medical opinion. Again many , many thanks .

      2. Thanks arod for your contributions here. It just seems though that no matter how many recommendations the public follows, it is STILL never enough! 🙁

        1. It won’t be until the federal government issues a nationwide lockdown which likely will never happen.

    2. I’m just now seeing this on a few town FB pages. I was fine to comment but left it alone. Maybe if might get some to actually do just the six feet. Heaven knows recommending Six feet isn’t working for too many

  8. For the most part I will leave the medical chat to those experienced in the field (and I thank them for offering and sharing that knowledge).

    If I have one gripe to air it’s this: People need to stop leaving their used gloves (vinyl, latex, plastic) gloves in parking lots of grocery stores. Pandemic or no pandemic, it’s irresponsible and disgusting. If it’s not already being done there are going to be reminder signs up in parking lots for this. Sadly it shouldn’t be needed, but apparently it is. It’s already a big problem. I’ve been limiting my grocery trips to one per week (for my mom, same time I would take her on a Sunday under normal circumstances). This morning, I parked about 1/4 of the way between the store and the back of the lot, and without trying too hard, I saw over a half dozen gloves on the ground. Shameful.

    Either walk to the trash barrel and deposit them there, or carry a bag in your car for waste to empty when you get home. It’s THAT DAMN SIMPLE.

      1. Perhaps stores should provide a few more trash barrels scattered throughout the lots, nothing elaborate of course. Come to think of it, most stores only have one available at the exits but nowhere else after leaving.

  10. Thanks, TK…

    I read with joy your note yesterday that Mom is about a week away from completing her treatments. Can’t wait to ring the bell and shoot off the fireworks for her in a week’s time!!!!! 🙂

    Prayers for her, you and all who are ill, especially family members of my WHW friends.

    My parish live-streamed the 9:30 service this morning. Very comforting. It was nice to “see” my church, pastor and deacon again.

    1. Wonderful words. Our new pastor has been posting Sunday worship and mid week messages on you tube. It sure is comforting.

  11. Arod – In hindsight was there any real legitimate medical reason for the toilet paper/paper towel hoarding?

    I was in Star Market that was well stocked with any product one can get think of from “A to Z” except the toilet paper or paper towels. I also was in a CVS literally stacked with paper towels but NO toilet paper. What else is new?

      1. Then why the rush on those as soon as the virus was announced?

        Sorry. It just puzzles me to no end.

          1. You forgot Sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizer.

            I Purchased extra toilet paper and other goodies like pasta etc… little by little during Feb and early Mar before the crunch, Never taking more than 2 of any item. I have a pretty good supply, probably a month’s worth or more.

        2. I can’t explain human behavior but there is no medical explanation. Why do people rush to get bread, eggs and milk when a snowstorm is anticipated? Why aren’t people buying spaghetti instead?

          1. Hey, I purchased a shitload of pasta and sauces. 🙂 🙂 🙂 If the shit hits the wall, we could survive on pasta for a month. In the meantime, I keep trying to schedule home delivery so we can eat in at least a semblance of normal manner. So far we have, but that may change now or very soon.

  16. Waiting on a grocery delivery that was originally scheduled for Friday PM and was
    never delivered. It had better come or we’ll be eating nothing but pasta.

    Current status of order is: Claimed – The order has been claimed by a Shopper, but they have not viewed the shopping list yet.

    Due 12-1 PM today and the shopper hasn’t stated. NOT coming in this Window, which
    I don’t care as long as it comes today sometime.

    Everyone and their uncle is trying to get food delivered. It is a nightmare!

    2. We have had really great success with Wegmans Instacarte–we’ve done an order per week for the last 3 weeks and each time it’s come at the beginning or before the 2 hour window. They also text back and forth with you if there is an item that is out of stock and suggest replacements which you can accept or deny. I realize there are only a couple of Wegmans in the area (we live in Natick) but I’ve been super pleased. We even got 2 bottles of hand soap yesterday…(though they were out of disinfecting wipes).

  17. Hi Vicki,

    Thanks. My son is doing very well and was informed by the medical center that if he is showing no symptoms whatsoever they will NOT re-test him. I’m not sure I like that but they are short on test kits. Daughter still exhibiting mild symptoms, but holding up well.

    1. Hi Longshot,

      That’s great news! Unfortunately, due to the short supply chain the CDC only recommends retesting healthcare workers. They actually need to test negative twice consecutively separated by 24 hours before being allowed to return to work.

      1. We just need to shut down. This dicking around just doesn’t make sense. And the president has to do it since some states are not doing anything

  20. 756 more deaths in Italy for a total of 10,779 out of 97,689 cases
    for a motality rate of: 10,779/97,689 = 11.03 %

    2. I don’t quite understand why this rate is so alarmingly high and going higher
      daily. Not sure if it is the density of the population, age,
      extended families or poorer medical facilities? I don’t know, but
      something is going on.

      I understand that is really deaths per tested and confirmed cases and not
      actual cases. but still it is way higher than most countries.

      1. I believe now that this virus is greatly underestimated by the medical community, and not “behaving” itself according to textbooks. Just my 2c.

        1. There is no textbook on this virus and it is not being underestimated. It is simply a primitive virus of 4+ moths origin and therefore data and sample sizes are scarce so the unknown is abundant. It’s quite obvious that medical experts and organizations are taking this disease quite seriously, however. Some of them haven’t taken their foot off the gas or had any sleep in many days.

      2. Grossly underfunded healthcare system. If you think our system has issues – which it certainly does – the Italian acute care management system is in even worse shape. Has been for many years. Similar in Spain. And, Holland was also way too frugal with budget cuts. Look at their case fatality rate of 7%.

        On the other hand, the Germans were prepared, with tests, no cuts to healthcare, pandemic preparedness teams ready at a moment’s notice, and very high intensive care capacity. Hospitals in Germany are accepting patients from Holland, Spain, and Italy.

        The socio-cultural explanations will be the most interesting, in my view.

        There also needs to be a serious redrafting of budgetary priorities in the U.S. While I’m in favor of a robust military, in no ways should defense spending displace Medicare and Medicaid, which it has recently. In some ways, we should rename Medicare (and Medicaid to an extent) healthcare defense systems.

  22. Not saying this for the sake of sensationalism, but it is becoming difficult IMHO to see how the USA, at this point, could avoid a case count of less than 7 figures. If there was ever a time I hoped I was wrong, it’s NOW.

    As for the weather, catching up on rainfall is a good thing, but man it is dreary out there.

    As for the pollen count, it is <1 today, but could be 10.0 come Thursday.

    1. The case count is likely in the 7 figures presently. We just can’t prove it due to a deficient supply chain of testing.

      1. There are 2 factors … the one you mentioned and the cases that never get reported because individuals do not want to be tested.

        1. Interesting. We haven’t come across anyone who didn’t want to be tested. Quite the contrary actually. I’m sure there has also been inadvertent underreporting in the US due to negligence and clerical errors.

          1. I would venture a guess there are people who never get tested because they don’t want to know.

            1. Duly noted. We just haven’t experienced that. No one has declined testing who met criteria.

  24. There is some good news to report on Covid-19.

    I’ve been analyzing data from multiple sources and can say with confidence that across Europe there is a definite bending of the curve. That is, numbers of new cases are either rising less fast on a daily basis, or even declining in some instances. This hasn’t translated yet into a slowing of the numbers of new deaths. But, some countries are reporting a bending of the curve in that area as well.

    The epicenter has essentially shifted to the U.S. That will be quite clear in a few days when I do expect Spain, Italy, Holland, and France to show consistently bending slopes in their curves, if not a past-peak decline (curves sloping downward).

    The U.S. is also showing a bending of the new cases curve. However, our numbers are skewed due to shortages of test kits as well as protocols that prevent many likely cases from being tested. The deaths curve hasn’t bent yet, though today’s numbers trickling in suggest it may turn out to be a `good’ day in that regard (a drop in the number of new deaths reported). One cannot, however, look at one day and conclude anything. The other caveat is today’s Sunday. You can sort of tell if you see the data trickling in that there are numerous gaps in the data reporting, issues with timeliness, and some things that just don’t add up. So, in order to conclude there is a definite bend in both the new cases and new deaths curve there needs to be at least a 3 day pattern.

    The Chinese are reopening cities, factories, some schools, and will begin their soccer season in May. There are many international players who play over there. I’m confident the Chinese wouldn’t be planning on starting the season if they didn’t have the virus under control. While I’m a harsh critic of the Chinese government (and would probably never get a travel visa to go there because of my “subversive activities” – for decades, many letters of encouragement to dissidents and protests to government officials) I don’t share people’s beliefs that the Chinese are falsifying the data on the coronavirus. They did early on, but haven’t since late January.

  26. Massachusetts reports 698 new cases which is DOWN from yesterday and 4 new deaths which is also DOWN. Total known infected in MA is 4,955.

    1. Both are encouraging signs, and reflect overall numbers I’ve been seeing across some states (though not all) today. However, it’s Sunday (last weekend I also saw funky numbers).

      1. To give you some examples of how weird the numbers are today. Orange County in California reported 4 new deaths and 400 new cases. On the worldometer the deaths are reported, but not the new cases (for California it says 169 new cases; that’s for the whole state!). New York is reporting at odd times. Their first batch came in at 9:30am. Second one will come in … who knows. Florida’s new case total looks too way too low (perhaps they’re reporting a second batch later). Also, they’re reporting no new deaths. Yet, they’d been reporting new deaths every day for 2 weeks.

      2. I’m pleased with some of today’s data but I can’t get too excited about what I see as it has only been a day.

  27. How is the homeless community doing today in all this? The only report I heard a few days ago and that was 1 homeless death reported in Boston. I would assume they would be our most vulnerable next to the elderly and others with immune conditions.

  28. Boy, is it cold and raw today!
    It’s a wonder I am not at a Little League game tonight! 🙂

  29. Son is our of quarantine and headed to work tomorrow. He doesn’t typically work in the jail but courts are closed so will. They are starting to have some cases and do not have masks. Please can I ask for him to be in your prayers

    4. Thank you all. It amazes me how just knowing Scott and all COs are in all of your prayers has calmed me.

  31. I am very pleased to report that the total number of US deaths over the past 24 hours has been halved when compared to yesterday’s death total.

  32. Very very slow recovery . No umph , very weak but his temp is normal . All should be ok. Thank you

  33. The link below contains a very interesting graph from a weather perspective, and not the social distancing perspective intended (because social distancing wasn’t in place prior to March 7th).

    https://twitter.com/SidSanghi/status/1244268782341799938

    Mortality is definitely weather-related. That is, more people die in winter and cold months than summer. So, for those of you who like summer more than winter you’re normal. It fits the mortality data. There is a drop this year in mortality, but that could very well be due to a milder winter, fewer influenza deaths, opioid deaths are down, etc …

  37. Arod, still a few more data reports to add to the U.S. totals for Sunday, including NYC’s second batch which was just published. Will add about 1,200 new cases to the total, I think. Don’t know how many new deaths, but I believe over 50. A couple of other states are incomplete and West Virginia hasn’t reported anything.

    1. I’m aware. We are at 18,203 with DC and WV yet to report. Still death totals are way down from over 500 yesterday to 251 today. Even with a second report from NY, the US still had a better day.

    1. Oh boy. My oldest grand here comes down to chat with me each night before bed. A tradition since he was very young. Tonight he said he hopes the rain will end so they can go back outdoors. He also said it’s ok if we don’t have thunder and I said….nope just showers. YIKES

  39. Let’s keep that downward trend going and hope we don’t come anywhere near the 100,000 to 200,000 deaths Dr Fauci was talking about today.

    1. I’m hoping they are sliding west and north of us ..may be first time I have ever wished not to have one

  41. This thunderstorm event reminds me a little bit of 12-30-2019. Elevated convection. Will survive pretty far east. Very powerful thunder due to lightning strikes that are initiated by a little greater charge separation than average.

  42. I’m a bad nana.

    CENTRAL WORCESTER\MIDDLESEX, MA

    Special Weather Statement
    National Weather Service Boston/Norton MA
    812 PM EDT Sun Mar 29 2020

    MAZ004-005-012-014-300100-
    Southern Worcester MA-Central Middlesex County MA-
    Northern Worcester MA-Southeast Middlesex MA-
    812 PM EDT Sun Mar 29 2020

    …A THUNDERSTORM MOVING EASTWARD FROM CENTRAL WORCESTER INTO
    MIDDLESEX COUNTIES…

    At 810 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a thunderstorm over
    Boylston, or near Shrewsbury, moving northeast at 45 mph.

    Occasional lightning, brief heavy rain and winds up to 30 mph will
    accompany this storm. Small hail up to pea-size is possible.

    Locations impacted include…
    Worcester, Newton, Framingham, Waltham, Billerica, Marlborough,
    Shrewsbury, Natick, Watertown, Lexington, Belmont, Westford, Acton,
    Hudson, Westborough, Grafton, Concord, Sudbury, Holden and Ashland.

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    Get indoors when this storm approaches. Winds may be strong enough to
    produce minor damage, such as a few downed branches.

    &&

    LAT…LON 4220 7185 4236 7193 4258 7128 4236 7118
    TIME…MOT…LOC 0010Z 245DEG 38KT 4234 7174

    $$

    Loconto

  46. The radar looks better tonight than it does on some 95F days with a strong cold front approaching. 🙂

  51. I commend Trump for listening to public health officials and extending social distancing guidelines through April 30th. By doing so, and coordinating with governors on taregted, stricter measures where needed, we’ll actually be in a better position to get back to relative normalcy sooner than if we prematurely reopened America. Sounds paradoxical, but isn’t. If we prematurely reopen everything we’ll very likely be hit hard by a second wave because we haven’t beaten back the virus enough.

    1. Elevated convection doesn’t care about surface temp. We had the same thing happen on December 30 with thundersleet.

  57. Very surprised at the thunder just after 8:00 here. Hard to believe considering it’s been so chilly and raw today. Was it due to the warmth to our south that Barry pointed out on his early evening weathercast?

  58. So we had a lightning core come right across us here and took a direct strike to the pole and lines about 50 yards away from the house. The power never went out, but the cable did. Ozone smell lingered for a good 10 minutes.

    I have it on video (not the bolt, but the bright flash and instant bang).

    1. Depends on the dynamics. This was a widespread area of good moisture and lift above the cold air.

  61. As TK said, this is just like December 30, only more widespread. Golf ball size hail reported near Worcester.

  64. So, lighting hit the power pox and we lost power for like a minute. Lighting, hail and very heavy rain.

  66. If I may opine for a moment.

    I think in 70 years I have never wished so hard to miss a storm. I would be heartbroken if I told My grandson no thunder and we had some.

    But ya know what. A very special angel,had my back. We are still an amazing team

  71. If you are friends with me on Facebook, I posted video on my page. The lightning strike on top of me is extremely loud and comes without warning. If you watch the 3 minute video, it’s at 1:48. If you watch the 2 minute version of the video, it’s at 0:48. I have since learned that the house was struck directly by the bolt. It hit an old CB antenna I left on my chimney with a copper ground for the purpose of lightning protection, and tonight, it gave its life to protect us from more damage. The copper ground worked, but the antenna was destroyed. Fragments of fiberglass are everywhere outside.

    1. So it was the copper ground that prevented a house fire? You were most fortunate indeed. 🙂

      I had round 2 as well.

      1. Based on the types of bolts it probably would have blown the chimney off the house if not for the ground. I’m going to have a new grounding system put in after the remains of the antenna (clamp etc) are removed. Will have to call someone in to do that.

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