New Englanders, get ready for a week full of winter weather, from snow showers to gusty winds and cold air sweeping across the region. While there will be some breaks in between, this week promises to be an active one with several chances for snow and a quick blast of Arctic cold. Here’s what you need to know to stay ahead of the weather this week.
Monday: A Quiet Start, but Winds Picking Up
Today, Monday, will be the calmest day of the week in New England, but don’t get too comfortable just yet. While skies will remain partly cloudy to mostly sunny, a strong low-pressure system far to the north will create gusty winds across the region. Expect wind gusts to reach between 25-40 mph, with the strongest gusts in the northern areas. These gusts will be most noticeable as the cold front approaches in the afternoon.
Though the day will start with sunshine in southern New England, the northern parts will likely see overcast skies as the front makes its way closer. Temperatures will stay near average for most of the region throughout the day.
Tuesday: Snow Squalls and a Quick Temperature Drop
Late Monday night and into Tuesday morning, an Arctic cold front will push through New England, bringing a line of snow showers and squalls from northwest to southeast. The cold front will sweep through the region early on Tuesday, with the snow reaching northern Vermont and Maine before sunrise and moving southward by midday.
Though the snow will be light, some areas in northern New England could see a quick inch or two of snow, especially with the squalls. The risk of snow squalls will be higher in the northern third of the region, but the rest of New England will likely see some scattered snow showers. Once the front moves through by early afternoon, temperatures will quickly drop, and winds will pick up. Highs will likely occur in the morning, and then fall sharply throughout the day.
Wednesday: Light Snow and Cool Temperatures
Wednesday will bring another round of light snow across New England as a weak clipper system moves through the region. The system will track across the region and into the Gulf of Maine, bringing light snow to most areas. The snow will start on Tuesday night and continue into Wednesday morning before easing off by the afternoon. Snowfall will generally range from a dusting to around 2 inches, with some higher elevations in the central Green Mountains possibly seeing up to 4 inches.
While snow will be widespread, the system is weak, so accumulations won’t be too heavy. Southern New England may see some mixing with rain as temperatures rise a bit during the day, but overall, snow will be the primary precipitation.
Thursday: Arctic Blast and Wind Chill
After the clipper system moves through, expect a blast of Arctic air to settle in for Thursday. The day will be very cold, with highs ranging from the teens in the north to the mid-20s in the south. Winds will make it feel even colder, with gusts up to 20-30 mph, bringing wind chills down to the single digits and even below zero in some northern areas. If you’re stepping outside on Thursday, make sure to bundle up and prepare for a frigid day.
Friday: A Brief Warm-Up Before Another Cold Front
By Friday, the cold air won’t stick around for long. A weak disturbance will bring a warm front into the region, lifting temperatures back above freezing in many areas. It won’t be a dramatic change, but temperatures will rise into the 30s and even low 40s in some spots.
There might be a few scattered snow showers or light rain, but nothing too widespread or significant is expected. The warmer air will be short-lived, as another cold front will arrive over the weekend.
Weekend: More Active Weather and Possible Storms
The weekend will bring more active weather to New England. A system is expected to move through Friday night into Saturday, though its track is uncertain. If it comes too close, there could be snow or rain across the region, depending on how far north the precipitation line reaches.
Later on Sunday and into Monday, another system will likely move through. Weather models are still uncertain about the exact details, but it looks like this system could bring another round of snow or rain to New England. Keep an eye on the forecast as it gets closer, as the conditions could change quickly.
Conclusion:
New England weather this week will be anything but dull. From snow squalls to Arctic cold fronts and wind gusts, it’s shaping up to be a week full of winter weather challenges. Make sure you’re prepared for the fluctuating temperatures and keep an eye on the forecast for any updates on storm timing and track.
