DAYS 1-5 (APRIL 5-9)

Happy Easter to those who celebrate it today! If you have outdoor plans early today – not the greatest weather awaits as we are still stuck in the wedge of cold and damp air ahead of an advancing warm front with areas of fog and drizzle, isolated to scattered showers, and temps hanging out between the upper 30s and lower 40s. Even when the front goes by, while it does warm up to the upper 40s and 50s (may touch 60 in some locations), we keep lots of clouds and introduce more rain as a cold front approaches from the northwest during the day. If there’s a bit of good news to be found, it’s that any rain we get is beneficial for easing abnormally dry conditions and areas of drought that remain in the region – just not great timing. The rest of the forecast remains pretty much unchanged. In summary, we get a cool, breezy, but dry day behind this system on Monday before an upper low pressure trough and associated surface low pressure area move through on Tuesday with air cold enough that we need to include the chance for some sleet and snow along with the rain showers that occur. The track of the surface low will determine whether or not we see some partial clearing between precipitation bursts (a track a bit further north) or a more solid overcast with more prolonged precipitation (a track a bit further south). I’ll try to pin-point that by the next update. High pressure builds in for midweek with cool and dry weather Wednesday and a warm-up on Thursday as the high slides offshore.

TODAY: Mainly cloudy. Areas of fog and drizzle morning. Isolated to scattered showers first becoming more widespread late morning through afternoon. Highs 48-55 South Coast and NH Seacoast, 55-62 elsewhere, occurring around midday. Wind E under 10 MPH early, shifting to SW increasing to 5-15 MPH, then shifting to NW at similar speeds later in the day.

TONIGHT: Breaking clouds. Lows 37-44. Wind NW 5-15 MPH.

MONDAY: Sun / cloud mix. Highs 50-57. Wind NW 5-15 MPH, higher gusts.

MONDAY NIGHT: Increasing clouds. Lows 33-40. Wind variable 5-15 MPH.

TUESDAY: Mostly cloudy. Periods of light rain, potentially mixed with sleet and / or wet snow. Highs 36-43. Wind variable to N 5-15 MPH.

TUESDAY NIGHT: Clearing. Lows 26-33. Wind NW 5-15 MPH.

WEDNESDAY: Mostly sunny. Highs 47-54. Wind NW 5-15 MPH, shifting to SW late.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Mostly clear. Lows 38-45. Wind SW 5-15 MPH.

THURSDAY: Mostly sunny. Highs 58-65, cooler South Coast / Cape Cod. Wind SW 5-15 MPH.

DAYS 6-10 (APRIL 10-14)

A low pressure area passes to our north with its cold front bringing a slight shower April 10 but mild weather ahead of the front. April 11-12 weekend starts cool and dry, ends warmer and dry. Disturbance may bring a shower about April 13 before fair weather returns at the end of the period.

DAYS 11-15 (APRIL 15-19)

Overall pattern looks drier with one interruption from a disturbance and shower chance at mid period. Temperatures variable but averaging close to normal.

DAYS 1-5 (APRIL 4-8)

A cold front crosses the region today, initially bringing a northwesterly to northerly wind flow while the morning is still fairly mild with some sunshine, but as high pressure builds to our north, the wind flow turns northeasterly and in comes a blast of cooler maritime air with low level moisture sending low clouds southwestward across the region as well, ending the day much differently than it started out. With all the drama, one thing that will be missing today is precipitation. However, that will change soon, as our next low pressure area travels through the Great Lakes and into southeastern Canada late tonight through Sunday. This will push the frontal boundary back our way as a warm front tonight and early Sunday, followed quickly by a northwest-to-southeast moving cold front, producing a brief warm-up but also showery weather for Easter Sunday. A gusty breeze, dry and cool weather is expected behind this front for Monday. A low pressure disturbance passes through the region on Tuesday with lots of clouds and some precipitation – generally light rain that can mix with or even turn to sleet and snow in parts of the region. There will not be any notable accumulation of frozen precipitation where it occurs as it will be light and falling during the daytime. High pressure builds in behind this system with dry, cool weather Wednesday.

TODAY: Sun / cloud mix – eventually turning mostly cloudy. Highs 48-55 South Coast, 55-62 elsewhere in the morning, then falling into the 40s from northeast to southwest during the afternoon. Wind SW to variable, shifting to NW initially, then eventually NE 5-15 MPH with higher gusts.

TONIGHT: Cloudy. Patchy drizzle. Areas of fog. Lows 37-44. Wind NE up to 10 MPH.

SUNDAY: Mainly cloudy. Areas of fog and drizzle early. Showers becoming more likely morning and midday, before tapering off northwest to southeast later in the day. Highs 48-55 South Coast, 56-63 elsewhere, occurring around midday. Wind E under 10 MPH early, shifting to SW increasing to 5-15 MPH, then shifting to NW at similar speeds later in the day.

SUNDAY NIGHT: Breaking clouds. Lows 37-44. Wind NW 5-15 MPH.

MONDAY: Sun / cloud mix. Highs 50-57. Wind NW 5-15 MPH, higher gusts.

MONDAY NIGHT: Increasing clouds. Lows 33-40. Wind variable 5-15 MPH.

TUESDAY: Mostly cloudy. Periods of light rain, potentially mixed with sleet and / or wet snow. Highs 36-43. Wind variable to N 5-15 MPH.

TUESDAY NIGHT: Clearing. Lows 28-35. Wind NW 5-15 MPH.

WEDNESDAY: Mostly sunny. Highs 47-54. Wind NW 5-15 MPH, shifting to SW late.

DAYS 6-10 (APRIL 9-13)

High pressure slides to the south with fair and warmer weather April 9. A low pressure area passes to our north with its cold front bringing a slight shower April 10 but mild weather ahead of the front. April 11-12 weekend starts cool and dry, ends warmer and dry. Disturbance may bring wet weather by end of period.

DAYS 11-15 (APRIL 14-18)

Overall pattern looks drier early to mid period with a shower chance returning later in the period. Temperatures variable but averaging closer to normal.

DAYS 1-5 (APRIL 3-7)

No big changes from yesterday’s ideas, so this discussion will be more or less a summary of that, advancing one day. Our pattern is unsettled, with frequent temperature changes as a frontal boundary is pulled this way and that way by the weather systems governing the pattern. We became entrenched in the marine-chilled air yesterday and remain there as today starts, but a warm front, causing a few showers and areas of fog and drizzle this morning will pass by and lead to improved weather – breaking clouds and milder air – this afternoon. Looking for lots of clouds, breaks of sun, and temps rising through the 50s to around 60 at Fenway for the Red Sox home opener. Tonight, we stay mild, but a cold front moves through the region as low pressure passes north of our region early Saturday. High pressure building quickly in behind that departing system in eastern Canada will help drive a northeasterly air flow back into our region Saturday with a drastic cool-down after a mild start. I do expect the day to be generally dry with no more than an isolated shower with the front and patchy drizzle later in the day or at night with the increased low level moisture from the ocean. Sunday starts much the way Saturday ended, and another low passing to our north will drag a quick warm front / cold front combo through. This time the warm up will be quite brief and also dampened, literally and figuratively, by fairly widespread shower activity. Once this front clears the region Sunday evening, we’ll see drier but chilly air arrive and persist through Monday, along with a gusty breeze. Tuesday, along comes the next upper low and attendant surface disturbance, along with below normal temperatures, bringing us the chance of a little bit of rain, sleet, and even wet snow, though this does not look like a significant system at this point in time.

TODAY: Cloudy morning including areas of fog and drizzle along with isolated to scattered passing showers, favoring eastern MA and southeastern NH. Clouds break for partial sun afternoon but foggy areas remain South Coast. Highs 48-55 coast, 56-63 inland, occurring mid to late afternoon. Wind E to SE up to 10 MPH morning, shifting to SW 5-15 MPH afternoon.

TONIGHT: Variably cloudy. Patchy fog. Lows 47-54. Wind SW 5-15 MPH.

SATURDAY: Partial sun in the morning gives way to a cloudy afternoon. Slight chance of a shower. Areas of drizzle especially near the coast later in the day. Highs 48-55 South Coast, 55-62 elsewhere in the morning, then falling into the 40s from northeast to southwest during the afternoon. Wind SW to variable, shifting to N and NE 5-15 MPH with higher gusts.

SATURDAY NIGHT: Cloudy. Patchy drizzle. Areas of fog. Lows 37-44. Wind NE up to 10 MPH.

SUNDAY: Mainly cloudy. Areas of fog and drizzle early. Showers becoming more likely morning and midday, before tapering off northwest to southeast later in the day. Highs 48-55 South Coast, 56-63 elsewhere, occurring around midday. Wind E under 10 MPH early, shifting to SW increasing to 5-15 MPH, then shifting to NW at similar speeds later in the day.

SUNDAY NIGHT: Breaking clouds. Lows 37-44. Wind NW 5-15 MPH.

MONDAY: Sun / cloud mix. Highs 50-57. Wind NW 5-15 MPH, higher gusts.

MONDAY NIGHT: Increasing clouds. Lows 33-40. Wind variable 5-15 MPH.

TUESDAY: Mostly cloudy. Periods of light rain, potentially mixed with sleet and / or wet snow. Highs 36-43. Wind variable to N 5-15 MPH.

DAYS 6-10 (APRIL 8-12)

Springtime pattern of changeable weather continues. High pressure builds in with fair but cool weather April 8, then slides offshore with a warm-up and continued fair weather April 9. Frontal system brings clouds and a shower chance followed by fair, cooler weather April 10, before a potential weekend warm-up April 11-12.

DAYS 11-15 (APRIL 13-17)

Up and down temperatures, a couple of unsettled periods of weather during mid month.

DAYS 1-5 (APRIL 2-6)

Today we find ourselves with chilly and raw weather under a solid overcast as high pressure in eastern Canada, having driven a cold front southwestward by quite a distance, provides us with a flow of maritime polar air. A disturbance passing by this morning brings additional rainfall before that departs and we’re just left with patchy leftover drizzle from midday on. High pressure to our north slips eastward on Friday while low pressure moves through the Great Lakes into east central Canada. This allows that frontal boundary to make the long trek back to the northeast, and while we start the day much like today ends, it does turn warmer from southwest to northeast (modified in some coastal areas of course). Other than maybe an early-morning shower, we can expect rain-free conditions on Friday with eventual breaking clouds. Looks like a “go”, at least in terms of the weather, for the Red Sox home opener Friday afternoon. We’ll see if it’s a “go” for a good performance! The mild air hangs around for Friday night and early Saturday before high pressure follows the departing low in eastern Canada. This drives a frontal boundary back to the south and we chill-down again from northeast to southwest during the day on Saturday. The cycle repeats as we go through Saturday night and Sunday (Easter for those celebrating), but this time the next low’s timing is a little faster through the Great Lakes and into Canada. This does drag the front back through as a warm front at some point Sunday morning to midday, before the cold front quickly follows. This doesn’t leave a lot of time for warming up / clearing out, though some areas can see a bit of sun before showers arrive with the cold front. This front will clear the region with chilly, dry weather moving in for Monday.

TODAY: Overcast. Areas of fog until midday. Periods of rain this morning, can be mixed with sleet in parts of central MA higher elevations and southern NH. Patchy drizzle this afternoon. Temperatures decline to 34-41 then remain steady. Wind NE 5-15 MPH, strongest along the coast.

TONIGHT: Overcast. Areas of fog. Patchy drizzle. Chance of a shower before dawn. Temperatures steady 36-43. Wind NE to E up to 10 MPH.

FRIDAY: Cloudy morning. Clouds break for partial sun afternoon. Highs 48-55 coast, 56-63 inland, occurring mid to late afternoon. Wind E to SE up to 10 MPH morning, shifting to SW 5-15 MPH afternoon.

FRIDAY NIGHT: Variably cloudy. Patchy fog. Lows 47-54. Wind SW 5-15 MPH.

SATURDAY: Partial sun early, then mainly cloudy. Chance of a shower. Highs 48-55 South Coast, 55-62 elsewhere in the morning, then falling into the 40s from northeast to southwest during the afternoon. Wind SW to variable, shifting to N and NE 5-15 MPH with higher gusts.

SATURDAY NIGHT: Cloudy. Patchy drizzle. Lows 37-44. Wind NE up to 10 MPH.

SUNDAY: Cloudy with patchy drizzle and fog early, a few breaks of sun possible mid to late morning, then mainly cloudy with showers likely from northwest to southeast midday on. Highs 48-55 South Coast, 56-63 elsewhere, occurring around midday. Wind E under 10 MPH early, shifting to SW increasing to 5-15 MPH, then shifting to NW at similar speeds later in the day.

SUNDAY NIGHT: Breaking clouds. Lows 37-44. Wind NW 5-15 MPH.

MONDAY: Sun / cloud mix. Highs 50-57. Wind NW 5-15 MPH, higher gusts.

DAYS 6-10 (APRIL 7-11)

Springtime pattern of changeable weather. Upper disturbance moves through April 7 with a few rain / sleet / snow showers followed by high pressure and fair weather the next day with temps below normal. Fair, milder April 9. Cold front moves through with shower chance then turning cooler again April 10 before a quick rebound and milder weather again at the very end of the period.

DAYS 11-15 (APRIL 12-16)

Up and down temperatures, a couple of unsettled periods of weather during mid month.

DAYS 1-5 (APRIL 1-5)

A temperature roller-coaster and unsettled weather pattern will be ours for the first 5 days of April, through the first weekend of the month (which includes Easter for those who celebrate it this Sunday). Overnight showers have moved offshore leaving some breaks of sun to start the day in eastern areas. Another batch of showers travels into eastern CT and RI, fading while moving through southeastern MA as the morning goes along. The cooler marine air that invaded in the wake of a back-door cold front over much of the region yesterday will get pushed quickly out by a short-lived surge of southwesterly wind ahead of another cold front that trails low pressure moving by to our north during the day today. This will trigger additional scattered showers which will favor areas near and south of I-90 during the second half of the afternoon as we see a wind shift and the start of the next surge of cooling as the front passes by. This front takes up residence, temporarily, to our south tonight through Thursday night. A wave of low pressure moving along it will produce periodic rain later tonight into Thursday morning, especially south of the Route 2 corridor, after which we’ll just be left with a grey sky overcast and below normal temperatures from a solid delivery of maritime polar air with the help of high pressure in eastern Canada. However, this doesn’t last too long either as the frontal boundary lifts back to the north and east on Friday, a day that starts like Thursday ends, but turns brighter and eventually warmer as the boundary moves through from southwest to northeast. I now expect Friday to be generally a rain-free day, which is good news for the Red Sox home opener that afternoon, regardless of any temperature antics occurring. And speaking of that, guess what comes back on Saturday? Yup, the frontal boundary, again, this time as a back-door cold front to switch our wind back to the north and east and bring the cool marine air back. This process may be accompanied by a few showers, but I do expect the majority of Saturday to be rain-free. And you probably have guessed by now that Sunday’s weather, like today’s, will likely feature a surge of warmer air pushing the boundary back yet again to the northeast and returning warmer air yet again – timing to be worked out. Later that day and that evening, expect a more widespread band of showers and possible thunderstorms as low pressure passing to our north drags a cold front through. Now, catch your breath a moment and then check out the detailed forecast…

TODAY: Limited sun / lots of clouds. Showers into mid morning eastern CT to Cape Cod, diminishing. Later-day showers likely, favoring areas from I-90 southward. Highs range from near 50 Cape Cod to 65-72 interior eastern CT through interior MA and southern NH occurring by midday, with a quick cool-down southern NH and northern to east central MA toward the end of the day. Wind variable to SW 5-15 MPH, higher gusts, shifting to N and NE from north to south from midday on.

TONIGHT: Cloudy. Periods of rain. Areas of fog. Lows 36-43. Wind N to NE 5-15 MPH.

THURSDAY: Cloudy. Periods of rain in the morning. Chance of drizzle any time. Highs 42-49. Wind NE 5-15 MPH.

THURSDAY NIGHT: Cloudy. Temperatures steady 42-49. Wind E up to 10 MPH.

FRIDAY: Mostly cloudy. Highs 48-55 Cape Cod and immediate South Coast, 55-62 elsewhere but may not occur until later in the day. Wind E to SE up to 10 MPH shifting to S or SW 5-15 MPH.

FRIDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy. Chance of a rain shower. Lows 43-50. Wind SW to variable 5-15 MPH.

SATURDAY: Variably cloudy. Chance of rain showers. Highs 52-59 in the morning, then lowering temperatures. Wind variable becoming NE 5-15 MPH.

SATURDAY NIGHT: Cloudy. Patchy drizzle. Lows 37-44. Wind NE up to 10 MPH.

SUNDAY: Cloudy start, then a sun / cloud mix before heavier clouds arrive late-day with showers by evening. Highs 48-55 South Coast, 56-63 southeastern MA (South Shore), 63-70 elsewhere. Wind calm becoming SW increasing to 10-20 MPH.

DAYS 6-10 (APRIL 6-10)

Quieter week next week. Northwest flow, chilly and dry April 6. High pressure moves across the region with fair, cool followed by milder weather April 7-9. Watch for a cool-down via back-door cold front at the end of the period being more likely than continued fair and mild weather, but long way to go before we know this for sure.

DAYS 11-15 (APRIL 11-15)

Up and down temperatures, a couple of unsettled periods of weather during this time frame heading toward mid month.

DAYS 1-5 (MARCH 31 – APRIL 4)

It seems as if we’ve been talking about the battle zone pattern or the frontal boundary making our weather a bit of a roller-coaster, and this will be going on as we finish up the month of March today and move through the first several days of April, right on into the first weekend of the new month as well. Disturbances / low pressure areas moving along the boundary, high pressure to the south, and another high pressure area to the north in eastern Canada will all play roles in the position of this boundary and the resultant weather here, and there will be quite a few changes to keep track of. Wettest weather should take place this morning and midday with one disturbance, overnight tonight / early Wednesday with another, later tomorrow afternoon, early Thursday, and then with less confidence it looks like sometime Saturday we get wet again. Friday may be a “break” day in which we get the boundary far enough north to break out into some partial sun and springtime warmth, but just a couple days ago the indications were for it to be quite a bit colder with a solid overcast and some wet weather, so don’t place your bets just yet – mother nature is in the mood for tricks. Keep track of updates! If Friday does turn out nicer, this would be great news for the Red Sox home opener that afternoon.

TODAY: Mostly cloudy. Periodic rain showers, particularly morning and midday. Slight chance of thunder. Highs 51-58 South Coast, 58-65 elsewhere, but may drop through the 50s to the 40s southeastern NH and northeastern to east central MA by late-day. Wind SW to W 5-15 MPH, possibly shifting to N and NE from southeastern NH to east central MA during the afternoon.

TONIGHT: Cloudy. Rain showers overnight with a slight chance of thunderstorms. Patchy fog in southeastern NH and eastern MA during the evening. Lows 42-49 southern NH and northeastern MA but may rise slightly overnight, 50-57 elsewhere. Wind variable up to 10 MPH, mostly SW except NE to E in southeastern NH and eastern MA during the evening.

WEDNESDAY: Mostly cloudy. Midday and afternoon rain showers possible, favoring areas south of Route 2. Highs 51-58 South Coast and southeastern NH to northeastern MA, 58-65 in between those areas. Wind variable 5-15 MPH, turning SW for a while with higher gusts all except southeastern NH.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Cloudy. Rain showers evening, ending overnight. Lows 35-42. Wind shifting to N 5-15 MPH.

THURSDAY: Cloudy. Chance of drizzle. Highs 42-49. Wind NE 5-15 MPH.

THURSDAY NIGHT: Cloudy. Temperatures steady 42-49. Wind E up to 10 MPH.

FRIDAY: Mostly cloudy. Highs 50-57 (may stay cooler eastern coastal areas / may end up warmer over interior locations). Wind E to SE up to 10 MPH shifting to S or SW 5-15 MPH.

FRIDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy. Chance of a rain shower. Lows 43-50. Wind SW to variable 5-15 MPH.

SATURDAY: Variably cloudy. Chance of rain showers. Highs 52-59, may be cooler in some coastal areas. Wind variable 5-15 MPH.

DAYS 6-10 (APRIL 5-9)

Eyeing a potential warm surge after a cool and damp start on April 5 (Easter for those celebrating) – depending on timing and movement of warm front, then late-day or nighttime showers and possible t-storms with a cold front. After this, high pressure builds in with more tranquil weather that starts cool then turns milder early through middle of next week.

DAYS 11-15 (APRIL 10-14)

Indications are for some more up-and-down temps and changeable weather heading into mid April, typical of a New England springtime.

DAYS 1-5 (MARCH 30 – APRIL 3)

Our weather this week as we head out of March and into April will be determined by a boundary between lingering cold to our north and much warmer weather to our south – typical of springtime. We start with the boundary heading north of our area today with a continued warming trend with a southwest wind. This of course does produce a cooling effect where the wind comes off the water near the South Coast. Fair weather is expected today, but there will be more cloud cover than we saw yesterday. Additionally, the dry weather, low humidity, and a gusty breeze result in elevated brush fire potential today. Use caution. Tuesday, things become a little more complex. We start out on the “mild” side of the boundary, but just enough high pressure in eastern Canada will drive it southward enough so that we see a back-door cold front come through southeastern NH into at east northeastern MA. At the same time, a disturbance from the west interacting with the frontal boundary will produce some rain shower activity in the region. After this, low pressure travels through the Great Lakes and into southeastern Canada and drags the boundary back to the northeast, but as the low pressure area progresses, its cold front will then sweep across our region from northwest to southeast during Wednesday. This front’s cloudiness and eventual rain shower activity can put a cap on the high temperatures for Wednesday, keeping them from reaching full potential. Once that front goes by, it won’t get far, and will be hanging out just to our south on Thursday. Onshore (northeasterly) flow will keep us much cooler and there can be some drizzle. A period of rain at night results from the front’s attempt to move back to the northeast as a warm front, ahead of yet another low pressure system approaching. This is a very uncertain forecast, as our guidance varies from a colder solution with low pressure passing near or just to the south to a warmer solution with a further north track on the low, dragging the front back through for a warmer Friday. I’m leaning toward the cooler solution at this point still, but right now it does look like any steadier precipitation would hold off until late day or nighttime, which has implications on whether or not the Red Sox can play their scheduled home opener that afternoon.

TODAY: Lots of clouds / partial sun. Highs 47-54 Cape / Islands / immediate South Coast, 54-61 MA South Shore, interior southern RI and southeastern CT, 61-68 elsewhere. Wind SW 5-15 MPH, gusts 20-30 MPH.

TONIGHT: Mostly cloudy. Lows 44-51. Wind SW 5-15 MPH.

TUESDAY: Mostly cloudy. Periodic rain showers, particularly morning and midday. Highs 51-58 South Coast, 58-65 elsewhere, but may drop through the 50s southeastern NH and northeastern to east central MA by late-day. Wind SW to W 5-15 MPH, possibly shifting to N and NE from southeastern NH to east central MA during the afternoon.

TUESDAY NIGHT: Lots of clouds. Patchy fog in southeastern NH and eastern MA during the evening. Lows 42-49 southern NH and northeastern MA but may rise slightly overnight, 50-57 elsewhere. Wind variable up to 10 MPH, mostly SW except NE to E in southeastern NH and eastern MA during the evening.

WEDNESDAY: Mostly cloudy. Midday and afternoon rain showers possible. Highs 52-59 South Coast, 59-66 just inland from South Coast through MA South Shore, 66-73 elsewhere. Wind SW 10-20 MPH, higher gusts.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Cloudy. Rain showers evening, ending overnight. Lows 35-42. Wind shifting to N 5-15 MPH.

THURSDAY: Cloudy. Chance of drizzle. Highs 42-49. Wind NE 5-15 MPH.

THURSDAY NIGHT: Cloudy. Temperatures steady 42-49. Wind E up to 10 MPH.

FRIDAY: Mostly cloudy. Highs 50-57 (may stay cooler eastern coastal areas / may end up warmer over interior locations). Chance of rain showers late-day or evening. Wind E to SE up to 10 MPH shifting to S or SW 5-15 MPH.

DAYS 6-10 (APRIL 4-8)

Cooler April 4, lots of clouds, possibly a rain shower or patchy drizzle. Cool and cloudy start to April 5 then a sun / cloud mix with a warm-up (except still cool South Coast / Cape Cod), but watch for late-day showers / t-storms west to east as a trough and frontal system sweep through the region. Cooler, mainly dry early to middle of next week.

DAYS 11-15 (APRIL 9-13)

Trend is fair, milder start, some unsettled weather, then a shift back to cooler after that, but low confidence and any details are not possible this far in advance.

DAYS 1-5 (MARCH 29 – APRIL 2)

Classic early spring weather. This is what we’ll be dealing with in the days ahead. Now, to clear up a common and still-growing misconception, fueled largely be social media and nearly equally by mainstream media (non-meteorologists), when we pass the vernal equinox and spring official begins, that doesn’t just suddenly mean our days are filled with warm sunshine, blooming flowers, singing birds, etc. Spring is a transition between winter and summer, and it’s a long process, and the part of the process is often marked with frequent chilly spells and unsettled weather – a volatile pattern. We’ll see that process in progress these 5 days (and beyond, as you’ll see). Today, we lose the winterish chill of yesterday but seeing a high temp a half dozen to a dozen degrees milder than what occurred yesterday, but a late March chill will still dominate as a southwest wind increases as high pressure moves offshore. This increase in wind along with dry weather also elevates brush fire danger across the region today as well – marking the beginning of our “fire season”, which is peaked, in general, in the time after snow melt and before leaf-out of vegetation, and highest on dry, breezy/windy days. Today will be one of those days. Our warm-up continues as we enter the final 2 days of the month, but a frontal boundary to our northwest will edge closer by Tuesday, bringing the chance of rain showers to our region by then after dry weather Monday. The next forecast question to answer is the magnitude of warmth on Wednesday, dictated by the timing of a cold front moving our way trailing low pressure moving out of the Great Lakes into southeastern Canada, and the amount of cloudiness and the rain shower chance associated with it. Quicker timing and more clouds limit how warm we can get, while a slower front and less cloud cover would be conducive to a warmer outcome. I am leaning toward the former over the latter at this point, but keep in mind that just a subtle change can have me leaning in the other direction. Regardless, the front does pass through by Wednesday night, and we’ll find ourselves in a much cooler air mass by Thursday, with cloud cover dominant. Precipitation will be dependent on a few things: 1) A weak low pressure wave that may form on the front just to our south and pass by early in the day. 2) Low level moisture from the ocean as we have a northeasterly air flow driven by high pressure in eastern Canada. 3) The approach of another low pressure wave from the west later – if timing is quick enough. My leaning for this day is for 1 and 3 to be less influence and 2 to be more so, so just a cloudy day with some drizzle possible. This will be another day to monitor for detail and fine-tune as we get closer to it.

TODAY: Sun and patchy clouds. Highs 43-50. Wind SW 5-15 MPH.

TONIGHT: Mostly cloudy. Lows 35-42 evening, but may rise slightly overnight. Wind SW 5-15 MPH.

MONDAY: Partly sunny. Highs 48-55 South Coast, 56-63 elsewhere. Wind SW 5-15 MPH.

MONDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy. Lows 40-47. Wind SW 5-15 MPH.

TUESDAY: Variably cloudy. Chance of rain showers. Highs 60-67 except cooler South Coast, and may end up cooler in southern NH / northern MA. Wind SW 5-15 MPH, may shift to N or NE in southern NH / northern MA.

TUESDAY NIGHT: Variably cloudy. Lows 45-52 early, then rises overnight. Wind variable to SW 5-15 MPH.

WEDNESDAY: Variably cloudy. Midday and afternoon rain showers possible. Highs 52-59 South Coast, 59-66 just inland from South Coast through MA South Shore, 66-73 elsewhere. Wind SW 10-20 MPH.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Cloudy. Rain showers evening, ending overnight. Lows 35-42. Wind shifting to N 5-15 MPH.

THURSDAY: Cloudy. Chance of drizzle. Highs 42-49. Wind NE 5-15 MPH.

DAYS 6-10 (APRIL 3-7)

The weather in this stretch is again very much determined by the position of a frontal boundary and disturbances moving along it. I’m leaning toward chilly and somewhat unsettled through mid period, but there is a possibility of a brief spike of warmth around April 5 (Easter Sunday for those celebrating). There is a lot of detail to be worked out for this stretch of time.

DAYS 11-15 (APRIL 8-12)

Still expecting a continuation of the battle-zone pattern through this period as well with some unsettled episodes and temperature swings.

DAYS 1-5 (MARCH 28- APRIL 1)

As we head down the home stretch of March and arrive at April, we’ll start the 5-day period with a day a little reminiscent of mid winter, with varying amounts of clouds, perhaps a snow flurry, and well-below normal high temps in the 30s with a gusty breeze often making it feel more like the 20s. The difference between then and now is the sun angle, and that always takes the edge off the chill, if you’re fortunate enough to be in it while outside, also assuming it’s not hidden by the varying cloud cover that’s expected. Summary: If you have to be outside today, you may want a heavier jacket and a hat (and maybe gloves)! As we head to Sunday, we lose much of the wind, gain about a half dozen to a dozen degrees back on the temperature, and have more sunshine, but eventually mixed with high to mid level clouds – an indicator of warmer air returning aloft. This marks the transition to a few days of warmer weather ahead. The final two days of March and the first day of April all have the strong potential to produce above normal temperatures, but I do caution that a couple waves of low pressure passing to our north and high pressure in eastern Canada can send a frontal boundary southward far enough to thwart that warm-up for several hours at some point on Tuesday. This boundary can also bring heavier clouds and the chance of a few rain showers along with it. While it’s day 5 and lower confidence, I do see some signs that the boundary gets whisked back to the north as a more formidable low travels through the Great Lakes on Wednesday. That could push a warmer surge back through our region, and likely will, but even with that, the stronger southwesterly wind that would accompany it would end up being a cooling breeze for the South Coast and Cape Cod, which is typical for this time of year. Depending on the time of the low’s trailing and approaching cold front, we may end up seeing another shower threat by Wednesday’s end.

TODAY: Variably cloudy. A possible snow flurry. Highs 36-43. Wind NW 10-20 MPH, higher gusts.

TONIGHT: Clearing. Lows 22-29. Wind NW to W 5-15 MPH.

SUNDAY: Sunshine gives way to clouds. Highs 43-50. Wind W 5-15 MPH.

SUNDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy. Lows 35-42 evening, but may rise slightly overnight. Wind SW 5-15 MPH.

MONDAY: Partly sunny. Highs 48-55 South Coast, 56-63 elsewhere. Wind SW 5-15 MPH.

MONDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy. Lows 40-47. Wind SW 5-15 MPH.

TUESDAY: Variably cloudy. Chance of a rain shower southern NH / northern MA. Highs 60-67 except cooler South Coast, and may end up cooler in southern NH / northern MA. Wind SW 5-15 MPH, may shift to N or NE in southern NH / northern MA.

TUESDAY NIGHT: Variably cloudy. Lows 45-52 early, then rises overnight. Wind variable to SW 5-15 MPH.

WEDNESDAY: Variably cloudy. Late-day or nighttime rain showers possible. Highs 52-59 South Coast, 60-67 just inland from South Coast through MA South Shore, 67-74 elsewhere. Wind SW 10-20 MPH.

DAYS 6-10 (APRIL 2-6)

A couple of brief warmer spikes can occur during a time I expect our region to be on the colder side of a boundary. The greatest chance of unsettled weather is April 3 and later April 5 or 6, the first with a low pressure wave moving along the boundary, the second with a frontal system from the west.

DAYS 11-15 (APRIL 7-11)

Still expecting a continuation of the battle-zone pattern through this period as well with some unsettled episodes and temperature swings.

DAYS 1-5 (MARCH 27-31)

A cold front has passed through most of the region and is moving offshore early this morning, taking the nighttime’s rainfall with it. Today will be a day of declining temperature and lingering cloudiness, with an eventual clearing trend developing. Colder air will continue to filter into the region and tonight / Saturday will be quite chilly for late March. We may see a few snow showers around on Saturday, especially first thing in the morning to the south and late in the day from west to east, in response to upper level low pressure crossing the region. While Sunday is a cool day, it does recover a little and we lose most of the wind we have Saturday, but clouds will make a come-back as warmer air starts arriving from the south and west. A warm front will cross the region at some point Monday, followed by a cold front by early Tuesday, parented by low pressure passing to our north. This will continue the variable temperature pattern, which is currently dominated by the cooler side of normal, and that is how will we wrap up the month of March early next week.

TODAY: Any early rain ends South Coast, clouds linger and gradually give way to more sun west to east. Highs 48-55 early, then falling through the 40s. Wind NW 5-15 MPH, gusts around 20 MPH.

TONIGHT: Partly cloudy. Lows 26-33. Wind NW 5-15 MPH, gusts around 20 MPH.

SATURDAY: Lots of clouds / intervals of sun. A possible snow flurry. Highs 36-43. Wind NW 10-20 MPH, higher gusts.

SATURDAY NIGHT: Clearing. Lows 22-29. Wind NW to W 5-15 MPH.

SUNDAY: Sunshine gives way to clouds. Highs 43-50. Wind W 5-15 MPH.

SUNDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy. Lows 35-42 evening, but may rise slightly overnight. Wind SW 5-15 MPH.

MONDAY: Variably cloudy. A rain shower possible. Highs 52-59, cooler South Coast. Wind SW 5-15 MPH.

MONDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy. Rain showers possible. Lows 42-49. Wind SW 5-15 MPH shifting to N.

TUESDAY: Mostly cloudy. A rain shower possible. Temperatures steady in the 40s. Wind N to NE 5-15 MPH.

DAYS 6-10 (APRIL 1-5)

A couple of brief warmer spikes can occur during a time I expect our region to be on the colder side of a boundary. The greatest chance of unsettled weather is April 3 and later April 4 or 5, the first with a low pressure wave moving along the boundary, the second with a frontal system from the west. Timing and details remain uncertain.

DAYS 11-15 (APRIL 6-10)

Still expecting a continuation of the battle-zone pattern through this period as well with some unsettled episodes and temperature swings, typical of a New England spring.

DAYS 1-5 (MARCH 26-30)

A warm front goes by the region this morning and rain comes to an end. While lots of clouds linger today, we’ll see intervals of sun and a nice push of mild air making it feel more like late April or May. However, a southwesterly wind, as you know, is a cooling ocean breeze if you’re along the South Coast and into southeastern MA, so the air there will not be quite as warm as it is off to the north and west. Tonight, a strong cold front ambles its way southeastward across our region, bringing a band of rainfall. During Friday, this front moves offshore and we have a shifted wind, a drying trend, stubborn cloudiness at first then then gives way to some sun, and a high temperature early in the day followed by a decline. Our weekend will feature below normal temperatures with a colder Canadian air mass in place. Saturday’s weather will feature a lot of clouds, intervals of sun, a gusty wind, and maybe even a few snow flurries as a pool of very cold air aloft crosses the region. Sunday will be dry with less wind and more sun initially, but clouds increase again from the west as milder air begins to move back in this direction, at first aloft, triggering the increase in high and mid level cloudiness. Monday’s weather depends on the ability of a warm front to get through the region fully. I’m leaning milder with varying amounts of cloudiness at this time.

TODAY: Cloudy start with rain ending west to east. Partial sun midday on then mainly cloudy by evening. Highs 60-67 except 53-60 South Coast to MA South Shore except 46-53 Cape Cod / Islands. Wind SW increasing to 10-20 MPH, gusts to 30 MPH.

TONIGHT: Cloudy. Rain showers arrive. Lows 45-52. Wind SW 5-15 MPH, gusts 20-25 MPH.

FRIDAY: Cloudy with periodic rain showers in the morning, tapering off midday. Mostly cloudy to partly sunny afternoon with greatest chance for more sun northwest of Boston. Highs 48-55 early, then falling through the 40s. Wind NW 5-15 MPH, gusts around 20 MPH.

FRIDAY NIGHT: Variably cloudy. A brief snow shower possible. Lows 26-33. Wind NW 5-15 MPH, gusts around 20 MPH.

SATURDAY: Lots of clouds / intervals of sun. A possible snow flurry. Highs 36-43. Wind NW 10-20 MPH, higher gusts.

SATURDAY NIGHT: Clearing. Lows 22-29. Wind NW to W 5-15 MPH.

SUNDAY: Sunshine gives way to more clouds. Highs 43-50. Wind W 5-15 MPH.

SUNDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy. Lows 35-42 evening, but may rise slightly overnight. Wind SW 5-15 MPH.

MONDAY: Variably cloudy. A rain shower possible. Highs 52-59, cooler South Coast. Wind SW 5-15 MPH.

DAYS 6-10 (MARCH 31 – APRIL 4)

Front in vicinity with a rain shower chance for the final day of March and first day of April. Temperature may start mild then turn colder. Leaning chilly and unsettled April 2-4 with high pressure in eastern Canada and a boundary between cold air and mild air sitting just to our south with at least one low pressure wave moving along it. A lot of detail to work out for this time period but the initial idea is below normal temperatures, not much sun, and some precipitation probable.

DAYS 11-15 (APRIL 5-9)

The “battle-zone” pattern is likely to still be ongoing. Hard to say which side of it we end up on, but likely a combo of both resulting in some notable swings in temperature and some unsettled weather as well.

DAYS 1-5 (MARCH 25-29)

No coating of snow this morning! Just dry, chilly weather. But a warm-up commences today, albeit short-lived. High pressure over the region slides offshore and a warm front approaches from the west later on. This front will generate one area of high clouds that will filter the sun for a while this morning into midday, and then another area of clouds races in to dim or blot out the sun entirely before it sets tonight. Other than brief light rain possible in southern NH and northern MA from the passing warm front this evening / tonight, it will be dry. Warmer air surges into the region Thursday on a gusty southwesterly wind behind that warm front and ahead of a slow-moving but sharp cold front. This front will have more moisture to work with, bringing us periods of rain showers Thursday night into Friday, which will eventually taper off, but clouds will likely remain stubborn on Friday due to the slow movement of the front and a little wave of low pressure forming on it and passing to our south later in the day. There may be just enough moisture available for this passing wave to squeeze out a brief episode of light rain, mix, or wet snow Friday evening, before it starts to strengthen into a stronger low as it moves away. This drags colder air into the region for this coming weekend, which will be dry. Saturday will be the colder and windier of the two days with a sun / cloud mix, while Sunday features more sun and less wind.

TODAY: Sun, brightest early, filtered for a while mid morning to midday, briefly brighter, then fading later. Highs 50-57 except 45-52 South Coast. Wind W to SW up to 10 MPH.

TONIGHT: Mostly cloudy. Brief light rain possible southern NH / northern MA. Lows 36-43. Wind S up to 10 MPH.

THURSDAY: More clouds than sun. Highs 50-57 South Coast, 58-65 elsewhere. Wind SW 10-20 MPH, gusts 25-30 MPH.

THURSDAY NIGHT: Cloudy. Rain showers arrive. Lows 45-52. Wind SW 5-15 MPH, gusts 20-25 MPH.

FRIDAY: Cloudy with periodic rain showers in the morning, tapering off midday. Mostly cloudy afternoon. Highs 48-55 early, then falling through the 40s. Wind NW 5-15 MPH, gusts around 20 MPH.

FRIDAY NIGHT: Variably cloudy with brief light rain / mix / snow possible evening. Lows 26-33. Wind NW 5-15 MPH, gusts around 20 MPH.

SATURDAY: Sun & passing clouds. Highs 36-43. Wind NW 10-20 MPH, higher gusts.

SATURDAY NIGHT: Clearing. Lows 22-29. Wind NW to W 5-15 MPH.

SUNDAY: Sunshine and some high clouds. Highs 42-49. Wind W 5-15 MPH.

DAYS 6-10 (MARCH 30 – APRIL 3)

March 30-31 features a wave of low pressure traveling eastward and passing north of our region so that we get a warm front / cold front combo. Limited moisture for this system means only briefly unsettled weather is possible with otherwise just varying amounts of cloudiness. A quick warm-up March 30 is likely followed by a quick chill-down March 31. The first few days of April are a lower confidence forecast but heading toward a potential unsettled stretch with Canadian high pressure to our north, warmer air to our south, and a frontal boundary nearby, separating those air masses, with our region more likely on the colder side of it. Keep in touch for updates on the evolution of the more specific weather for these days.

DAYS 11-15 (APRIL 4-8)

The “battle-zone” pattern is likely to still be ongoing. Hard to say which side of it we end up on, but likely a combo of both resulting in some notable swings in temperature and some unsettled weather as well – not every day, but too early to pinpoint any specifics.

DAYS 1-5 (MARCH 24-28)

Again some folks wake up to a fresh coating of snow that fell from passing snow showers last night. This was in response to upper level low pressure moving through the region, which now lingers as a band of clouds over southeastern NH and eastern MA with just a few fleeting flakes from southern Plymouth County to Cape Cod as of sunrise. Any snow that fell will vanish as the clouds break and the sun rises higher into the sky, and high pressure building in gives us dry weather for the balance of the day today, a dry and chilly night, and fair weather with slightly milder air moving in for Wednesday. The high will slip offshore later Wednesday and a weak cold front approaches from the west. It never quite makes it all the way through, and is moisture-starved anyway, so all we’ll see it from it are some clouds anyway. The boundary actually heads back to the north Thursday in response to approaching low pressure from the west. This system will come through our region with some wet weather late Thursday to early Friday, behind which a gusty wind will develop and a transition back to colder air, especially Friday night and Saturday, but with dry weather also returning.

TODAY: Considerable cloudiness early in eastern coastal areas including lingering snow flurries in southeastern MA, otherwise sunshine and passing clouds. Highs 38-45. Wind NW to N 5-15 MPH.

TONIGHT: Partly cloudy to mostly clear. Lows 28-35. Wind variable under 10 MPH.

WEDNESDAY: Sun dominant in the morning before clouds increase from west to east in the afternoon. Highs 46-53, coolest Cape Cod. Wind W to SW 5-15 MPH.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Variably cloudy. Lows 35-42. Wind W 5-15 MPH.

THURSDAY: Partly to mostly cloudy. Highs 50-57. Wind S 5-15 MPH.

THURSDAY NIGHT: Cloudy. Rain arrives. Lows 35-42. Wind SW 5-15 MPH.

FRIDAY: Cloudy early with rain ending, then slow clearing. Highs 45-52. Wind N 5-15 MPH.

FRIDAY NIGHT: Mostly clear. Lows 22-30. Wind NW 10-20 MPH, higher gusts. Wind chill below 20.

SATURDAY: Sun & passing clouds. Highs 36-43. Wind NW 10-20 MPH, higher gusts.

DAYS 6-10 (MARCH 29 – APRIL 2)

Up and down temps, averaging near to below normal, and a couple periods of unsettled weather possible, but likely from quick-passing systems.

DAYS 11-15 (APRIL 3-7)

Battle zone set-up (warm to south, colder to north). A couple of unsettled weather bouts end up likely, and leaning toward the colder air being more dominant, but brief warmer surges are certainly possible.

DAYS 1-5 (MARCH 23-27)

A wave of low pressure moving by just to our south this morning is responsible for the shield of precipitation over much of the region, mainly rain but mixed with (and turning to) wet snow on its northern edge, which progresses south and east as the morning goes along until it moves offshore. At worst, a slushy coating of snow can occur in unpaved surfaces from this portion of the two-part event today. The second part of it will be scattered to clustered snow showers later this afternoon into this evening from upper level low pressure moving across the region. These can be responsible for a coating of snow in some areas, again mainly on unpaved surfaces, and will only be around for a few hours. Overnight and Tuesday, high pressure builds in with a fair weather and a late March chill in the air. The next low pressure system is a weak one and will pass north of our region late Wednesday to early Thursday. Its weak trough and frontal system may bring a passing rain shower to the region late Wednesday. A follow up system, slightly stronger and with more moisture, will move across the region late Thursday to early Friday with a quick warm front / cold front combo bringing some rain to the region which can end as a mix with sleet and / or wet snow early Friday before that system exits to our east.

TODAY: Cloudy. Rain turns to wet snow (some sleet mixed in) with a slushy coating on some unpaved surfaces before tapering off northwest to southeast. Afternoon snow showers redevelop, may be mixed with rain initially South Coast. Highs 37-44. Wind N 5-15 MPH, higher gusts.

TONIGHT: Mostly cloudy early with snow showers tapering off – additional slushy coatings possible early. Clearing overnight. Lows 22-29. Wind N 5-15 MPH.

TUESDAY: Mostly sunny to partly cloudy. Highs 38-45. Wind NW 5-15 MPH.

TUESDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy to mostly clear. Lows 28-35. Wind variable under 10 MPH.

WEDNESDAY: Increasing clouds. Highs 46-53, coolest Cape Cod. Wind SW 5-15 MPH.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy with rain showers evening. Partly cloudy overnight. Lows 35-42. Wind W 5-15 MPH.

THURSDAY: Partly to mostly cloudy. Highs 50-57. Wind S 5-15 MPH.

THURSDAY NIGHT: Cloudy. Rain arrives. Lows 35-42. Wind SW 5-15 MPH.

FRIDAY: Cloudy early with rain ending possibly mixed with wet snow, then slow clearing. Highs 45-52. Wind N 5-15 MPH.

DAYS 6-10 (MARCH 28 – APRIL 1)

Up and down temps, averaging near to below normal, and a couple periods of unsettled weather possible, but likely from quick-passing systems.

DAYS 11-15 (APRIL 2-6)

Trend is for up and down temps and a couple unsettled weather chances – typical of early spring. Many details TBD.

DAYS 1-5 (MARCH 22-26)

A low pressure wave will move across our region today through early Monday including an upper level low pressure area that will take until Monday night to pass through the region. This produces an extended period of unsettled weather. Some light snow / mix has already occurred, especially in northern MA and southern NH during the overnight / early morning, but this has had virtually no impact and is generally gone, leaving us just overcast early this morning. More moisture arrives during midday and afternoon and with a just-warm-enough atmospheric profile, the resultant precipitation will be mainly in the form of rain, though a little wet snow / sleet mixed in cannot be ruled out, especially north of Route 2. The trend will be for this area to move to the south as we get into tonight and Monday morning, but it will take its time, and another little low pressure wave moving the frontal boundary as it sinks southward, combined with incoming colder air, will produce some wet snow and sleet especially north of I-90 while it’s still mainly rain, maybe mixed with wet snowflakes or ice pellets before it all tapers off during the day. This area of frozen precipitation can produce a slushy coating mainly on unpaved surfaces Monday morning but should have no noticeable impact on driving. It’s scattered snow showers from the upper low in the afternoon and evening that can become heavy enough to produce a coating to 1 inch accumulation – not widespread, but in scattered locations. This can have brief impact on driving / walking on untreated surfaces, especially as darkness falls. Keep that in mind if you have late Monday travel plans. High pressure builds in with fair weather for Tuesday. The next system still looks destined to have its low pressure center travel to our north late Wednesday with a quick warm-front / cold-front combo producing a short period of unsettled weather. Brief clearing Thursday is overtaken by clouds as the next low pressure system approaches from the west later on.

TODAY: Cloudy. Any early spotty snow / sleet ends in southern NH then rain arrives west to east midday on, may be mixed with wet snow and sleet at times northern MA and southern NH. Highs 38-45 except 45-52 south of I-90. Wind variable to N 5-15 MPH.

TONIGHT: Cloudy. Periods of rain, some wet snow / sleet possible, favoring areas south of Route 2. Lows 32-39. Wind N to NE 5-15 MPH.

MONDAY: Mostly cloudy. Rain / sleet / snow possible especially Route 2 corridor southward first half of the day. Scattered snow showers favoring areas north of I-90 mid to late afternoon into evening with scattered accumulation of mainly under 1 inch. Highs 38-45. Wind N 10-20 MPH, higher gusts in the afternoon.

MONDAY NIGHT: Clearing. Lows 22-29. Wind N 5-15 MPH,.

TUESDAY: Sunny to partly cloudy. Highs 38-45. Wind NW 5-15 MPH.

TUESDAY NIGHT: Mostly clear. Lows 28-35. Wind variable under 10 MPH.

WEDNESDAY: Increasing clouds. Highs 48-55, cooler Cape Cod. Wind SW 5-15 MPH.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy with rain showers evening. Partly cloudy overnight. Lows 35-42. Wind NW 5-15 MPH.

THURSDAY: Partly to mostly cloudy. Chance of mix / rain showers at night. Highs 47-54. Wind SW 5-15 MPH.

DAYS 6-10 (MARCH 27-31)

Unsettled weather chances early March 27 and again March 29. Some up and down temperatures but overall averaging somewhat below normal.

DAYS 11-15 (APRIL 1-5)

Trend is for up and down temps and a couple unsettled weather chances – typical of early spring. Many details TBD.