Bottom line, the forecast went awry yesterday, no getting around it. Burst of intense precipitation helped temps lower into the low 30s, winds were more north that east, and more moisture got farther west than expected. When it snows at 35 or 36 degrees, it’s tough to stick and accumulate. When it snows at 32 or 33 it can pile up without much issue. It’s a fine line between the two, but that’s how we can go from a couple inches to a half a foot. Also, did you notice how big the flakes were? With temps slightly above freezing, the flakes themselves partially melt and start sticking to each other on the way down, appearing to be even bigger. Those clumpy flakes looked like waffle fries falling from the sky at times. With huge flakes, it’s easy to add up the snow too.
We’re still tracking flakes this morning as a band of snow showers work on through. Most of the flakes fall between 8:00-10:00AM with a return to mainly dry and breezy weather late morning and into the afternoon. With temps at or below freezing this morning, the snow will stick to the ground, so the dusting or 1/2″ we pick up may add a few slick spots. By this afternoon, most of us warm into the mid to upper 30s, allowing for a bit of melting. The wind will be active, gusting in the afternoon past 20mph.
Seasonable weather is with us Monday before the bottom falls out. A late-day snow shower or snow squall moves in along that Arctic front, otherwise it’s a quiet day.
By Tuesday, temperatures are stuck in the upper teens for highs. As a wave of low pressure develops to our south late in the day, a bit of light snow late-day and at night is possible near the coast, especially over the Cape and Islands.
The heart of the Arctic air settles is Wednesday with lows near 0 and highs in the lower to mid teens.
Another shot of some snow arrives Thursday afternoon and night with a another area of low pressure passing closely by to our south.
Any moderation in temperatures on Saturday is smashed back down with the next Arctic front to arrive either late next weekend or early next week.