Summer squalls happen quite often as the hot, humid air is easy to lift producing the showers/storms but during the winter it’s a more difficult process as the air is typically cold & dry. Despite the fact that today is yet another cold day we do have the risk of some afternoon snow showers & squalls.
These winter squalls are similar to their summertime cousin–the thunderstorm–only lightning/thunder rarely happen with them. These squalls, like the storms, are scattered so some of you will go the entire day & not experience one! If you do run into one of these squalls (or they run into you), plan on:
* Snow & wind
* Lasting anywhere from 1 minute to 10 minutes (then the sun returns)
* Localized whiteouts
* Slick travel with a quick coating possible.
The arctic front will quickly push offshore early this evening ushering in another chunk of arctic air overnight and into Friday. Lows tonight near 10 but wind chills between 0 & -20. On Friday, strong February sunshine will work overtime to try & warm us up but the numbers will struggle as we barely reach the low 20s. The weekend offers moderating temps with daytime highs in the 30s under a fair amount of clouds–especially on Sunday.
There are strong signals that a snowstorm is in southern New England on Monday. At bit early for specifics but some are ready to share:
* Plowable snow likely
* Both commutes affected
* This storm will be capable of producing 5-10″ of snow across southern New England.
Spring begins 3 weeks from today.
~JR