DAYS 1-5 (MARCH 29 – APRIL 2)

Our restless weather syndrome continues as we move from the final few days of March to the first couple days of April, with a set of changes to go through in fairly rapid succession. We start today calm and chilly with high pressure overhead, and it will be a bright and sunny day with a decent temperature recovery off the chilly dawn lows. All the while a strong cold front will be charging out of the Great Lakes region and adjacent Canadian land, destined to cross our region near or a little after midnight tonight. This front will have a solid band of convective rain and snow along it, and that may be at least somewhat still intact as it crosses our region, most solidly to the north and west and a little more broken up as it heads into southeastern portions of the region. But don’t be surprised (if you’re awake) to see a burst of rain and/or snow, and even the chance of brief thunder, with the passage of this front. The boundary will be long gone and offshore before dawn, and it sets us up for a blustery, chilly, but dry Thursday – opening day at Fenway for the Red Sox, with the high temp of around 42 being 10 degrees cooler than the 52 degree high temp that was recorded at Fenway on January 2, the day the NHL Winter Classic was played by the Boston Bruins and Pittsburgh Penguins. If you’re going to the game on Thursday and are sitting in the shade and/or windy parts of the stadium, be prepared for wind chills in the 30s. At least we won’t need to worry about any rain (or snow) delays/cancellations. 😉 High pressure builds over the region Thursday night and the wind drops off, and we experience a perfect radiational cooling night when many areas drop to the 20s – urban centers being a little less cold of course. Friday’s weather will start with early sun and maybe a nice sunrise, but clouds advance quickly and completely ahead of a warm front, which may spread some precipitation, mostly rain but possibly starting as sleet, into the region by the end of the day. Additional periods of rain and drizzle are possible Friday night as the warm front passes through the region. The first weekend (and first 2 days) of April present a split with a wet/warm/windy Saturday in the warm sector between the warm front and an approaching cold front, and a dry/chilly/windy Sunday as the cold front will move through early in the day. Further elaboration on the details of the weekend’s weather will take place over the next few posts.

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

TONIGHT: Partly cloudy. A passing rain or snow shower possible. Lows 31-38. Wind SW 10-20 MPH shifting to NW, higher gusts possible.

THURSDAY: Sun and passing clouds. Highs 41-48.Wind NW 10-20 MPH and gusty.

THURSDAY NIGHT: Clear. Lows 25-32. Wind NW-N diminishing to under 10 MPH.

FRIDAY: Sun followed by clouds. Late-day rain possible, especially western portions of the region, which may begin as sleet. Highs 43-50. Wind variable up to 10 MPH.

FRIDAY NIGHT: Cloudy. Periods of rain and drizzle. Areas of fog. Temperatures steady 43-50. Wind SE shifting to SW 5-15 MPH.

SATURDAY: Cloudy. Rain showers likely. Highs 55-62. Wind SW 10-20 MPH, higher gusts.

SATURDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy. Rain showers likely. Chance of a thunderstorm. Lows 48-55. Wind SW 10-20 MPH, higher gusts, shifting to NW overnight.

SUNDAY: Sun and passing clouds. Highs 48-55 early, then falling temperatures. Wind NW 15-25 MPH, higher gusts.

DAYS 6-10 (APRIL 3-7)

High pressure brings fair, milder weather to start the period. Episodes of unsettled weather with a frontal boundary nearby and 1 or 2 low pressure systems to traverse the region thereafter, but a turn to dry but windy/cold weather is possible toward the end of the period.

DAYS 11-15 (APRIL 8-12)

Some see-saw weather with a dry and milder trend early in the period then an unsettled cooler trend potentially following that.

DAYS 1-5 (MARCH 28 – APRIL 1)

Surface low pressure just southeast of our area exits seaward while upper level low pressure area slides west to east across the region through this evening. This combination makes for a mainly cloudy day and evening with wettest weather in the morning but still some lingering light rain and/or snow showers in the region this afternoon and evening (snow favoring interior higher elevations but no accumulation to speak of). Drier weather moves in overnight and Wednesday as a small area of high pressure crosses the area, but this will be a short lived calm interlude as a strong cold front heading through the Great Lakes during the day Wednesday then moves across our area at night. This front will approach the region with a solid rain and snow shower band on it, and some of it may survive the trip across our area, albeit in weakening form when it does so. Regardless, some areas may see a burst of raindrops or snowflakes as the front goes by late at night from west northwest to east southeast. This will open the door for a dry but blustery and chilly Thursday – just in time for the Sox home opener at Fenway! Wind chills will be in the 30s at the game so plan accordingly if you happen to have tickets and not in a “sheltered” seating area. High pressure moving over the region will shut the wind off but also allow the temperature to really drop off Thursday night with widespread sub-freezing low temperatures – in fact most areas will fall to the 20s with the exception being urban centers and a few immediate coastal locations which can be a bit less cold. Friday will be a day that starts bright and cold but ends overcast as a warm front approaches. The precipitation from this front is going to be mostly in the form of rain when it arrives later in the day or evening, but may start as sleet for some locations. Once the front goes by during the early hours of Saturday, the first day of April will be a warmer but windy and wet one as we’ll be prone to frequent rain showers passing through.

TODAY: Cloudy with areas of light rain and drizzle during the morning. Mostly cloudy with passing light rain showers except rain or snow showers interior higher elevations this afternoon. Highs 38-45. Wind N 5-15 MPH.

TONIGHT: Mostly cloudy with a few lingering rain and snow showers evening. Clearing overnight. Lows 30-37. Wind N-NW 5-15 MPH.

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

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy. A passing rain or snow shower possible. Lows 31-38. Wind SW 10-20 MPH shifting to NW, higher gusts possible.

THURSDAY: Sun and passing clouds. Highs 41-48.Wind NW 10-20 MPH and gusty.

THURSDAY NIGHT: Clear. Lows 25-32. Wind NW-N diminishing to under 10 MPH.

FRIDAY: Sun followed by clouds. Late-day rain possible, especially western portions of the region, which may begin as sleet. Highs 43-50. Wind variable up to 10 MPH.

FRIDAY NIGHT: Cloudy. Periods of rain. Areas of fog. Temperatures steady 43-50. Wind SE shifting to SW 5-15 MPH.

SATURDAY: Cloudy. Rain showers likely. Highs 55-62. Wind SW 10-20 MPH, higher gusts.

DAYS 6-10 (APRIL 2-6)

Dry, windy, cooler for April 2 as a cold front moves through early in the day. High pressure brings dry weather early next week before the next low pressure system approaches and arrives with a return to unsettled weather.

DAYS 11-15 (APRIL 7-11)

This period may be book-ended by unsettled weather but a transitional ridge of high pressure may time just so to bring fair, milder weather for the second weekend of the month. Low confidence forecast at this point though.

DAYS 1-5 (MARCH 27-31)

Down the home stretch of March we go with a variety of weather on the menu for the final 5 days of the month. A small area of high pressure starts our Monday off with blue sky and tranquil conditions, but clouds will follow and we’ll end the day overcast as a low pressure system approaches from the west, the center of which will pass south of our region tonight, but close enough so that it gives us periods of rain, that likely mix with and turn over to snow over inland higher elevations, and may even mix with snow in some areas a little closer to the coast if it comes down just heavy enough. Other than a brief slushy accumulation in a few interior higher elevation locations, this system won’t be enough to leave a wintry mark on the area. Tuesday, while that low moves away, we’ll be in a northerly air flow behind it while upper level low pressure crosses the region, with plenty of clouds and some additional light rain showers at times and even a few more snow flurries Tuesday evening as the moisture hangs on while colder air arrives. High pressure drifts across the region with fair weather during Wednesday. A fairly strong cold front will swing through the region from a low passing to our north Wednesday night and early Thursday. While the frontal boundary may deliver a passing rain or snow shower, its bigger impact will be a blustery, chilly day on Thursday – just in time for the Red Sox home opener. Bundle up for a wind chill in the 30s if you are going to the ballpark! At least it will be dry. On Friday, expect clouds to roll right back in with an approaching warm front, which may trigger a little bit of rain or even some sleet as it moves toward the region – an unsettled end to March.

TODAY: Sunny start / cloudy finish. Rain may reach eastern CT, central MA, and southwestern NH before dark. Highs 49-56. Wind variable up to 10 MPH.

TONIGHT: Overcast. Periods of rain, may mix with and/or turn to snow at times especially inland higher elevations with brief slushy coatings possible. Lows 32-39. Wind NE up to 10 MPH.

TUESDAY: Mostly cloudy. Passing light rain showers except rain or snow showers interior higher elevations. Highs 38-45. Wind N 5-15 MPH.

TUESDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy. A few lingering rain and snow showers evening. Lows 30-37. Wind N-NW 5-15 MPH.

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

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy. A passing rain or snow shower possible. Lows 33-40. Wind SW 10-20 MPH shifting to NW.

THURSDAY: Sun and passing clouds. Highs 41-48.Wind NW 10-20 MPH and gusty.

THURSDAY NIGHT: Clear evening. Increasing high clouds overnight. Lows 28-35. Wind NW-W diminishing to under 10 MPH.

FRIDAY: Thickening clouds. Chance of light rain – some sleet possible at the start. Highs 45-52. Wind variable up to 10 MPH.

DAYS 6-10 (APRIL 1-5)

April 1-2 weekend expected to feature a mild and unsettled start and a cooler, drier finish. Dry weather early next week, unsettled weather returns toward midweek.

DAYS 11-15 (APRIL 6-10)

Unsettled weather is most likely early in the period with below normal temperatures, followed by a dry and eventually milder trend.

DAYS 1-5 (MARCH 26-30)

Low level moisture and the resultant blanket of stratus clouds over the region to start Sunday morning will be scoured out by a drying westerly wind behind departing low pressure, and a transformation to a bright and breezy day will take place during the morning, lasting through afternoon. While a gusty wind will feel cool, the air will be mild with highs over 50. Windy conditions this evening will subside overnight as high pressure builds in, and the more tranquil weather will last into Monday, which starts with bright sun. But that’s not going to last too long as clouds will stream across the sky during midday and afternoon ahead of the next low pressure system. These clouds lower and thicken by day’s end and lead to a period of rain Monday night, which may even mix with some snow over interior higher elevations by the early hours of Tuesday. Low pressure will track just south of our region during this time, and as it departs on Tuesday, a cooler northerly wind will take over with a few lingering showers of rain, except rain or snow in higher elevations of interior locations during the day. Another area of high pressure will dry and clear us out Tuesday night into Wednesday, but as that high slips quickly offshore, the wind flips around to southwest ahead of a cold front, and a rain or snow shower may visit parts of the region with the passage of that boundary Wednesday night, leading to a dry, breezy, and chilly day for the Red Sox home opener on Thursday, the penultimate day of March.

TODAY: Lots of clouds to start, then a sun/cloud mix trending to more sun. Highs 50-57. Wind W increasing to 10-20 MPH with higher gusts.

TONIGHT: Clear. Lows 32-39. Wind NW 5-15 MPH, higher gusts.

MONDAY: Sunshine followed by increasing clouds. Highs 49-56. Wind NW 5-15 MPH, higher gusts in the morning, diminishing during the afternoon.

MONDAY NIGHT: Cloudy. Rain arrives, but mixes with or changes to snow over interior higher elevations especially southwestern NH and central MA where a minor snow accumulation is possible. Lows 32-39. Wind NE up to 10 MPH.

TUESDAY: Cloudy with rain and interior higher elevation mix/snow, tapering to rain and snow showers. Highs 38-45. Wind NE-N 5-15 MPH.

TUESDAY NIGHT: Breaking clouds. Lows 33-40. Wind N-NW 5-15 MPH.

WEDNESDAY: Partly sunny. Highs 46-53. Wind NW 5-15 MPH morning, SW 10-20 MPH afternoon.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy. A passing rain or snow shower possible. Lows 32-39. Wind SW 10-20 MPH shifting to NW.

THURSDAY: Sun and passing clouds. Highs 43-50.Wind NW 10-20 MPH and gusty.

DAYS 6-10 (MARCH 31 – APRIL 4)

Active, changeable weather is expected at the end of March into early April. A frontal boundary brings unsettled weather to the region to end March and a wave of low pressure may bring a rainy start to April that may even end as snow for parts of the region as colder air arrives during the April 1-2 weekend. Later in the period based on current timing, fair and milder weather with a high pressure system April 3, followed by more unsettled weather as the next low pressure and frontal system approaches / arrives April 4.

DAYS 11-15 (APRIL 5-9)

General pattern looks unsettled and on the cool side with the greatest chance for unsettled weather early to mid period, then a drier trend.

DAYS 1-5 (MARCH 25-29)

This first weekend of spring will feature a split decision on the weather. Today, if you were up early enough you may have spied the sunshine in eastern areas, but it’s faded quickly behind an advancing cloud shield which introduces our Saturday storm system – not a big storm – but a system with a low center heading into the Great Lakes, a warm front becoming stationary before it gets by us, and a secondary low forming and passing across the region tonight. No real changes to the previous forecast regarding precipitation, which may start as some snow and/or sleet especially in inland locations northwest of Boston, but otherwise this is to be mainly a rain event – not all that heavy with a general 1/2 inch of precipitation. As the occluding frontal system lifts through our region this evening though, a bit of enhanced instability may produce a brief period of heavier rainfall, and even some embedded thunder in a few locations, with the highest chance of that occurring toward the South Coast region. Overnight, the area lifts to the northeast and sets us up with a drier but windy day on Sunday. While it won’t be a “cold” day, reaching or topping 50 for high temps, the breeze will make it feel cooler. The wind will be the result of the departing low organizing over eastern Canada while high pressure to its west pushes toward New England. That high will slide into the area Sunday night into Monday with dry and more tranquil conditions. Still looking for some clouds to arrive later Monday from unsettled weather to our west as low pressure comes out of the Midwest / Ohio Valley and passes south of New England early Tuesday, from which we can see some light rainfall for a while. This represents a portion of the energy that was being watched for a potential significant storm system in the Tuesday-Wednesday time frame, but right now the stronger indications are that it will come through our region in segments. First that one, and then another weak system passing by the region on Wednesday with just a few rain showers. Since we are still looking out at days 4 & 5 for this, it’s worth monitoring for something more important, but the stronger leaning is away from such an occurrence at this point. Will update this, of course, with tomorrow’s post.

TODAY: Cloudy. Rain arrives midday but may start as snow and/or sleet in central MA through interior southern NH and northeastern MA where a brief accumulation may occur. Highs 37-44. Wind NE-E 5-15 MPH.

TONIGHT: Overcast. Rain likely in the evening including the chance of a thunderstorm, especially near the South Coast. Drizzle and fog overnight. Temperatures generally steady 37-44. Wind variable up to 10 MPH but shifting to SW 5-15 MPH along the South Coast.

SUNDAY: A cloudy dawn with lingering areas of drizzle and fog possible, then a sun/cloud mix. Highs 48-55. Wind W increasing to 10-20 MPH with higher gusts.

SUNDAY NIGHT: Clearing. Lows 32-39. Wind NW 5-15 MPH, higher gusts.

MONDAY: Mostly sunny to partly cloudy. Highs 49-56. Wind NW 5-15 MPH, higher gusts.

MONDAY NIGHT: Becoming cloudy. A chance of light rain overnight, favoring the southern portion of the region. Lows 35-42. Wind N to E up to 10 MPH.

TUESDAY: Mostly cloudy. Highs 42-49. Wind variable up to 10 MPH.

TUESDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy. Lows 35-42. Wind variable up to 10 MPH.

WEDNESDAY: Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain showers. Highs 42-49. Wind variable 5-15 MPH.

DAYS 6-10 (MARCH 30 – APRIL 3)

The most likely period of unsettled weather is March 31 to early April 2 as low pressure passes through the region from west to east in a progressive pattern. Temperatures variable but mostly below normal for the period.

DAYS 11-15 (APRIL 4-8)

General pattern looks unsettled and on the cool side with the greatest chance for unsettled weather at mid period.

DAYS 1-5 (MARCH 24-28)

A cold front passed through the region last night, and in comes cooler air today as high pressure builds from the Great Lakes to the Canadian border of northern New England. Our sun will be quite limited in the sky today though as first we have some lingering mid level moisture above us, and additionally some higher level moisture is sending a large shield of high cloudiness across our sky. Any clearing we do end up with this evening will be temporary, as low pressure starts to approach from the west and the clouds thicken back up and lower as we head through overnight into Saturday morning. This low’s primary center will head for the Great Lakes while a secondary low center forms just southwest of New England and rides along a frontal boundary – the same one that went through here as a cold front last night, attempted to lift back north as a warm front, but will be thwarted in its effort. As this plays out, the resultant precipitation arrives during the day Saturday and will be mainly a rain event, but may start as snow and/or sleet especially in areas outside I-495 and north of I-90, but with no more than a brief coating of frozen precipitation accumulation. The secondary low will not be that strong but may lift northeastward across the WHW forecast area enough to briefly pull that boundary north and even work a dry slot into the region. Heaviest rainfall, while limited, will occur just ahead of this dry slot and there can even be some thunder in the South Coast region, where the air is most unstable at mid levels to trigger some elevated convection. Most of the rainfall will lift out of the region during the late evening or overnight hours of Saturday as that secondary low passes through and exits, leaving us with a period of low clouds, fog, drizzle, and lighter winds in the pre-dawn hours of Sunday, but as the entire low pressure system pulls further north and east, and high pressure noses southeastward from central Canada into the Great Lakes, the increased pressure gradient between the two systems will result in a gusty, drying westerly wind for us on Sunday with improved weather – a sun/cloud mix – and while it will be cool with the breeze the air won’t be that cold. High pressure builds in for fair weather much of Monday, but we may see some cloudiness return to the sky later in the day due to some unsettled weather in the Midwest and the blow-off high cloudiness being carried eastward in the jet stream. The end of the 5-day forecast period presents a dilemma of sorts, thanks in part to inconsistent guidance presenting uncertainty about a storm threat with enough cold air around that if one were to occur we could be dealing with at least some frozen precipitation. For now just going to leave the threat in the forecast with vague wording until a clearer outcome can be discerned and details determined.

TODAY: Mostly cloudy to partly sunny. Highs 46-53. Wind NW 10-20 MPH.

TONIGHT: Partly to mostly cloudy. Lows 30-37. Wind N 5-15 MPH.

SATURDAY: Cloudy. Rain arrives by midday but may start as snow and/or sleet in central MA through interior southern NH and northeastern MA where a brief accumulation may occur. Highs 37-44. Wind NE-E 5-15 MPH

SATURDAY NIGHT: Overcast. Rain likely in the evening including the chance of a thunderstorm near the South Coast. Drizzle and fog overnight. Temperatures generally steady 37-44. Wind variable up to 10 MPH but shifting to SW 5-15 MPH along the South Coast.

SUNDAY: A cloudy dawn with lingering areas of drizzle and fog possible, then a sun/cloud mix. Highs 48-55. Wind W increasing to 10-20 MPH with higher gusts.

SUNDAY NIGHT: Clearing. Lows 32-39. Wind NW 5-15 MPH, higher gusts.

MONDAY: Mostly sunny to partly cloudy. Highs 49-56. Wind NW 5-15 MPH, higher gusts.

MONDAY NIGHT: Partly to mostly cloudy. Lows 28-35. Wind N up to 10 MPH.

TUESDAY: Mostly cloudy. Chance of snow/sleet/rain developing. Highs 35-42. Wind NE 5-15 MPH.

DAYS 6-10 (MARCH 29 – APRIL 2)

Storm threat early in the period and more unsettled weather may impact the region around the first couple days of April. Temperatures below normal.

DAYS 11-15 (APRIL 3-7)

General pattern looks unsettled and on the cool side with the greatest chance for unsettled weather mid to late period.

DAYS 1-5 (MARCH 23-27)

A few rain showers crossed the area with a warm front overnight. A few more may be around while we are in the warm sector between that front and ahead of an approaching cold front today, and the cold front may bring a few more tonight. But the “warm sector” will provide us with above normal temperatures today, so despite a gusty breeze, venturing outside won’t be too difficult. A gusty, cooler breeze will be ours behind the cold front on Friday, but the clouds may break for sun to compensate somewhat. All bets are off for much of the weekend in terms of getting “nice” weather. Low pressure makes a run at us on Saturday and spreads its precipitation shield in. While this looks like largely a rain event, enough cold air will be in place so that parts of the region, especially interior locations and areas to the north, can start as snow and/or sleet. The low pressure area is likely to redevelop along a frontal boundary that never really gets that far northward into the region, maybe only to around the South Coast, so it’ll keep us on the chilly side, and as it departs on Sunday, any improvement will be slow and it will remain on the colder side and eventually turn breezy. High pressure finally builds in with fair weather by Monday.

TODAY: Mostly cloudy. Periodic rain showers. Highs 55-62. Wind S-SW 5-15 MPH, higher gusts.

TONIGHT: Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain showers. Lows 38-45 Wind NW 10-20 MPH.

FRIDAY: Mostly cloudy to partly sunny. Highs 46-53. Wind NW 10-20 MPH.

FRIDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy. Lows 30-37. Wind N 5-15 MPH.

SATURDAY: Overcast. Rain likely, possibly some sleet and/or snow especially inland and higher elevations at the start. Highs 38-45. Wind NE 5-15 MPH.

SATURDAY NIGHT: Overcast. Areas of fog. Periods of rain tapering to drizzle. Lows 35-42. Wind E 5-15 MPH.

SUNDAY: Cloudy start with areas of fog and drizzle, then clouds may break. Highs 46-53. Wind N 5-15 MPH.

SUNDAY NIGHT: Clearing. Lows 28-35. Wind NW 5-15 MPH, higher gusts.

MONDAY: Mostly sunny. Highs 45-52. Wind NW 5-15 MPH, higher gusts.

DAYS 6-10 (MARCH 28 – APRIL 1)

Storm threat which can bring snow/sleet/rain to the region early period. Lower confidence but another low pressure system may impact the region by late in the period. Temperatures below normal.

DAYS 11-15 (APRIL 2-6)

Overall pattern continues to look wetter and cooler than normal for the early days of April.

DAYS 1-5 (MARCH 22-26)

Now that spring has arrived and you were teased with a mostly sunny and mild day yesterday, you probably would love a string of such days. But you’re not going to get that. This is New England, and it may be spring, but it’s also still March, and it’s rare to have such a stretch of weather so early in this season. What we will be seeing is an active pattern sending a couple lows and frontal systems our way, with temperature changes, and often unsettled weather through the coming weekend. Here’s how I expect it to break down: Weak high pressure holds on today with fair weather during the day, but clouds increase ahead of a warm front. That front may produce a little light rainfall later tonight as it goes through, and then we get into a warm sector between it and a cold front as a wave of low pressure passes to our north on Thursday. Along with a warmer day Thursday, we’ll have to contend with rain showers triggered by the frontal boundary that is moving into the region. This will push through at night and while it dries us out for Friday, clouds may be stubborn to depart and it will also turn cooler. The dry interlude will be brief as the next low pressure area makes a run at our region from the west southwest by the weekend. Saturday is expected to be a chilly, overcast day with the warm front from the next system not really making it into and definitely not through the region as high pressure to the north and northeast holds the colder air in – maybe enough cold so that some areas start as snow and/or sleet for a brief time on Saturday before going to rain. A secondary low forming and moving just south of our region will do its part to hold the chilly air in, so when it starts to pull away Sunday we stay on the cool side, even if we dry out – which may be a slow process. So, not the greatest outlook for the first weekend of spring here – and it should come as no surprise. 🙂

TODAY: Increasing clouds. Highs 49-56, coolest South Coast. Wind E shifting to S 5-15 MPH.

TONIGHT: Cloudy. Chance of light rain, especially late evening and overnight. Lows 40-47. Wind S 5-15 MPH.

THURSDAY: Mostly cloudy. Periodic rain showers. Highs 55-62. Wind S-SW 5-15 MPH, higher gusts.

THURSDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain showers. Lows 38-45 Wind NW 10-20 MPH.

FRIDAY: Mostly cloudy. Highs 46-53. Wind NW 10-20 MPH.

FRIDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy. Lows 30-37. Wind N 5-15 MPH.

SATURDAY: Overcast. Rain likely, possibly some sleet and/or snow especially inland and higher elevations at the start. Highs 38-45. Wind NE 5-15 MPH.

SATURDAY NIGHT: Overcast. Areas of fog. Periods of rain tapering to drizzle. Lows 35-42. Wind E 5-15 MPH.

SUNDAY: Cloudy start with areas of fog and drizzle, then clouds may break. Highs 46-53. Wind N 5-15 MPH.

DAYS 6-10 (MARCH 27-31)

The home stretch of March is expected to feature a continued pattern of frequent weather changes. Highest confidence of a dry day maybe even a sunnier one on March 27, then lower confidence on timing of systems but lots of clouds and additional wet weather (maybe even some frozen precipitation involved) heading through next week. Temperatures below normal.

DAYS 11-15 (APRIL 1-5)

Overall pattern continues to look wetter and cooler than normal for the early days of April.

DAYS 1-5 (MARCH 21-25)

This first full day of spring will also be the pick of the week for weather, with high pressure in control and mild air in place. But the pattern is still rather active, and we’ll have a number of weather systems to contend with going forward into the weekend. The first is a cold front which slides across the region tonight with little fanfare – just some clouds. The front will settle to our south briefly before returning as a warm front Wednesday with more clouds, putting us back into a slice of warmer air but this time with unsettled conditions Wednesday night and Thursday. This will be because an area of low pressure will travel just to our north during this time, then pull the frontal boundary back to the south later Thursday into Friday, but not all that far to the south. So while our rain threat may drop off on Friday, clouds will likely hang on, setting us up for a chance at more precipitation Saturday as a larger area of low pressure moves into the region from the west southwest. This one may have enough cold air to work with to produce some sleet or snow for a portion of the region early in the weekend, though this far out it does not look like a significant frozen precipitation event.

TODAY: Sunshine – few clouds late. Highs 53-60. Wind W 5-15 MPH, gusts around 20 MPH.

TONIGHT: Partly cloudy. Lows 31-38. Wind SW up to 10 MPH.

WEDNESDAY: Variably cloudy. Highs 49-56, coolest South Coast. Wind S 5-15 MPH.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain showers. Lows 40-47. Wind S 5-15 MPH.

THURSDAY: Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain showers. Highs 50-57. Wind S-SW 5-15 MPH, higher gusts.

THURSDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain showers. Lows 38-45 Wind NW 10-20 MPH.

FRIDAY: Mostly cloudy. Highs 46-53. Wind NW 10-20 MPH.

FRIDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy. Lows 30-37. Wind N 5-15 MPH.

SATURDAY: Overcast. Rain likely, possibly some sleet and/or snow especially inland and higher elevations. Highs 38-45. Wind NE 5-15 MPH.

DAYS 6-10 (MARCH 26-30)

A stretch of unsettled weather with a couple low pressure systems likely impacting the region. Rain is favored, but enough cold air may become involved for parts of the region to see mix/snow on a couple occasions.

DAYS 11-15 (MARCH 31 – APRIL 4)

Indications are for an active pattern with a couple bouts of unsettled weather and temperatures near to below normal.

DAYS 1-5 (MARCH 20-24)

As the final hours of winter tick away, leading to the Vernal Equinox at 5:24 p.m. today, we’ll start with a very chilly early morning, but see a temperature recovery during the day as high pressure shifts south of our region and a westerly breeze blows moderated air in. Our moderating trend will continue Tuesday with lots of sun and a continued westerly air flow. With the dry weather and breezy conditions through Tuesday, the risk of brush fires will be increasing. Avoid use of open flame outside near flammable brush if at all possible. Wednesday, clouds arrive and it cools slightly as a southerly air flow blows slightly cooler air in from the waters to the south of New England. The clouds that arrive finally yield some wet weather by Wednesday night as a warm front moves through. Right now it looks like we’ll be in a warm sector behind that front and ahead of a cold front on Thursday, but clouds should dominate with additional wet weather at times. The frontal boundary settles southward but rather sluggishly, allowing additional moisture as a wave of low pressure moves along the boundary bringing more rain to the region on Friday, along with somewhat cooler temperatures.

TODAY: Sunny. Highs 45-52. Wind SW 5-15 MPH, gusts up to 20 MPH.

TONIGHT: Clear. Lows 32-39. Wind WSW 5-15 MPH.

TUESDAY: Sunny. Highs 52-59. Wind W 5-15 MPH, gusts around 20 MPH.

TUESDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy. Lows 31-38. Wind SW up to 10 MPH.

WEDNESDAY: Variably cloudy. Highs 49-56, coolest South Coast. Wind S 5-15 MPH.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain showers. Lows 40-47. Wind S 5-15 MPH.

THURSDAY: Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain showers. Highs 50-57. Wind S-SW 5-15 MPH, higher gusts.

THURSDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain showers. Lows 38-45 Wind N up to 10 MPH.

FRIDAY: Cloudy. Rain likely. Highs 46-53. Wind NE 5-15 MPH.

DAYS 6-10 (MARCH 25-29)

A stretch of unsettled weather with a couple low pressure systems likely impacting the region. Rain is favored, but enough cold air may become involved for parts of the region to see mix/snow on a couple occasions.

DAYS 11-15 (MARCH 30 – APRIL 3)

Indications are for an active pattern with a couple bouts of unsettled weather and temperatures near to below normal.

DAYS 1-5 (MARCH 19-23)

On this final full day of winter, it will feel like it – blustery and cold with a strong pressure gradient providing plenty of wind, and cold air aloft triggering some fair weather clouds that will scoot across the sky once they develop with the sun’s heating. As the temperature only manages to top out near 40, spending most of the day in the 30s, the wind chill will be in the 20s, so you’re going to need the extra jacket and probably hat and gloves if you are spending any amount of time outside today. But this is short-lived. Spring arrives tomorrow (Vernal Equinox 5:24 p.m.), and it will be the start of a warm-up that will take us into midweek, though peaking Tuesday. Gusty breezes will still be around Monday but we’ll add about 10 degrees to the high temp, add another 5 Tuesday with a milder westerly breeze at lots of sunshine, then take about 5 degrees off Wednesday’s high temp in general due to a southerly wind off cooler water to our south, and more clouds. So a nice start to the spring season as we head into midweek. Thursday, however marks the start of our next unsettled period of weather. In fact as early as Wednesday night there may be some showers around, and a frontal boundary and low pressure wave keeps clouds and a rain threat in place for Thursday. While it may not rain all of the time, the cloudiness and cooler temperatures will make it less pleasant that the days preceding it. Will fine-tune that Thursday forecast as we get closer to the day.

TODAY: Sunny start, then a sun/cloud mix. Highs 36-43. Wind NW-W 15-25 MPH, gusts 30-40 MPH.

TONIGHT: Mostly clear. Lows 18-25. Wind W 10-20 MPH with higher gusts, diminishing.

MONDAY: Mostly sunny. Highs 42-49. Wind W 10-20 MPH.

MONDAY NIGHT: Mostly clear. Lows 32-39. Wind W up to 10 MPH.

TUESDAY: Mostly sunny. Highs 50-57. Wind W 5-15 MPH.

TUESDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy. Lows 38-45. Wind S up to 10 MPH.

WEDNESDAY: Partly sunny. Highs 47-54, coolest South Coast. Wind S 5-15 MPH.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain showers. Lows 40-47. Wind S 5-15 MPH.

THURSDAY: Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain showers. Highs 45-52. Wind SE 5-15 MPH.

DAYS 6-10 (MARCH 24-28)

Unsettled weather several days during this period with a string of low pressure areas passing by. Rain favored, but mix/snow not out of the question. Temperature trend cooler.

DAYS 11-15 (MARCH 29 – APRIL 2)

A somewhat active pattern with a couple of precipitation threats and near to below normal temperatures during this period.

DAYS 1-5 (MARCH 18-22)

A little delay to the clearing today as a ripple of low pressure moved up along the cold front moving offshore. An area of rain showers moving across far southeastern New England is exiting now and the dry weather in the remainder of the region moves into that area as well, despite the clouds hanging on for a portion of the day before some clearing finally works in. Despite the lack of sun, it will be a mild March day with a shot of colder air waiting for the passage of a secondary cold front tonight. This front may bring a snow shower to the higher elevations of central MA and southern NH but these should fade to a few flurries and sprinkles or nothing at all south and east of there. What won’t fade is the wind and chilly air heading in for the second half of the weekend – making Sunday feel a bit more like mid winter in comparison to today. Wind chill readings will be down in the 20s when you combine the gusty wind with air temps in the 30s. But this is only here for a short stay. As we head toward the vernal equinox Monday (late afternoon), the last hours of winter will be met with fair, more tranquil, milder weather after a cold start to the day. And this milder trend will definitely be evident for the first full day of spring on Tuesday, continuing into Wednesday as well, though Wednesday’s temperatures may come down just a little bit. I’m going to leave you with a little quiz to try to figure out why the temperatures on Wednesday may be a little cooler than the day before it. The answer shows up in this detailed forecast…

TODAY: Mostly cloudy morning with any rain exiting southeastern areas. Clouds break for sun at times afternoon. Highs 47-54. Wind W increasing to 10-20 MPH, higher gusts possible especially higher elevations by late day.

TONIGHT: Variably cloudy. A quick snow shower possible in southwestern NH and northwestern MA and maybe a brief snow flurry or sprinkle of rain to the south and east. Lows 26-33. Wind W-NW 10-20 MPH, higher gusts possible.

SUNDAY: Sun and passing clouds. Highs 36-43. Wind NW-W 15-25 MPH, higher gusts.

SUNDAY NIGHT: Mostly clear. Lows 18-25. Wind W 5-15 MPH, diminishing.

MONDAY: Mostly sunny. Highs 42-49. Wind W to variable up to 10 MPH.

MONDAY NIGHT: Mostly clear. Lows 32-39. Wind WSW up to 10 MPH.

TUESDAY: Mostly sunny. Highs 50-57. Wind W 5-15 MPH.

TUESDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy. Lows 38-45. Wind S up to 10 MPH.

WEDNESDAY: Partly sunny. Highs 47-54, coolest South Coast. Wind S 5-15 MPH.

DAYS 6-10 (MARCH 23-27)

A period of unsettled weather with a good chance of some rain from later March 23 to early March 25, followed by a trend back to dry, cooler weather.

DAYS 11-15 (MARCH 28 – APRIL 1)

A somewhat active pattern with a couple of precipitation threats and near to below normal temperatures during this period.

DAYS 1-5 (MARCH 17-21)

The trend is toward a quiet weather pattern as we move through the last few days of winter and welcome spring at the beginning of next week… First, a warm front will cross the region today, parented by low pressure passing through the Great Lakes. A lot of clouds will accompany this feature, but it will be a rain-free day for the most part, with only a few light rain showers possible late in the day in areas north and west of Boston, and then a few more of those possible later tonight as a cold front swings through, passing offshore early Saturday morning. The air behind the cold front is not really that cold, so despite a developing gusty wind and dry weather on Saturday, it will be on the milder side. It won’t be until a secondary cold front comes through the region Saturday night or very early Sunday, possibly accompanied by a snow shower in northwestern reaches of the WHW forecast area, that we will be introduced to a little blast of cold air for the final full day of winter, fittingly, on Sunday, which will be chilly and windy, but dry. But we’re going to have a moderation in temperature just in time to welcome spring with the vernal equinox on Monday, and the first full day of the new season on Tuesday as high pressure sinks to the south of the region. After a cold start early Monday, a warm-up will commence, with continued fair weather.

TODAY: Mostly cloudy. A late-day rain shower possible central to northeastern MA and southern NH. Highs 46-53. Wind variable to SE 5-15 MPH, potentially higher gusts late-day.

TONIGHT: Mostly cloudy. Rain showers possible. Lows 40-47. Wind SW 5-15 MPH, higher gusts.

SATURDAY: Sun and passing clouds. Highs 47-54. Wind W 10-20 MPH, higher gusts possible.

SATURDAY NIGHT: Variably cloudy. A quick snow shower possible in southwestern NH and northwestern MA. Lows 26-33. Wind W-NW 10-20 MPH, higher gusts possible.

SUNDAY: Sun and passing clouds. Highs 36-43. Wind NW-W 15-25 MPH, higher gusts.

SUNDAY NIGHT: Mostly clear. Lows 18-25. Wind W 5-15 MPH, diminishing.

MONDAY: Mostly sunny. Highs 42-49. Wind W to variable up to 10 MPH.

MONDAY NIGHT: Mostly clear. Lows 32-39. Wind WSW up to 10 MPH.

TUESDAY: Mostly sunny. Highs 47-54. Wind SW 5-15 MPH.

DAYS 6-10 (MARCH 22-26)

Fair weather and mild air for the middle of next week. A low pressure area threatens with precipitation (rain favored) March 24-25 before fair and cooler weather returns at the end of the period.

DAYS 11-15 (MARCH 27-31)

A more active pattern for the final days of March with a couple of precipitation threats and temperatures near to below normal.

DAYS 1-5 (MARCH 16-20)

As we head through the final few days of winter toward the vernal equinox and the start of spring, we’ll have a little typical changeable March weather, but no major storminess to deal with during the next 5 days. High pressure to our southwest noses into this area for fair weather today, but there still exists enough pressure gradient between it and the offshore storm to make for a breezy day. A warm front brings cloudiness to the region as it passes through on Friday, but the chance of any rainfall is brief and minimal, favoring northwestern areas later in the day. Milder air arrives and will last into Saturday as a cold front pushes through the region early, with the greatest precipitation threat from that later Friday night and first thing Saturday in the form of rain showers, leaving the balance of Saturday dry, breezy, and cool. The coldest air behind that front waits until a secondary trough goes by early Sunday, and that day will be blustery and chilly with a sun/cloud mix (snow flurries stay in the mountains). High pressure builds in for a tranquil arrival of spring Monday – a cold start but a milder afternoon.

TODAY: Sun and high clouds. Highs 41-48. Wind W 5-15 MPH, higher gusts.

TONIGHT: Clouds increase. Lows 28-35. Wind W to variable up to 10 MPH.

FRIDAY: Considerable cloudiness. Mid to late afternoon showers possible, mainly well west and north of Boston. Highs 46-53, coolest coastal areas. Wind variable to SE 5-15 MPH, higher gusts by late in the day.

FRIDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy. Rain showers possible. Lows 40-47. Wind SW 5-15 MPH, higher gusts.

SATURDAY: Mostly cloudy first thing with a passing rain shower possible, then a sun/cloud mix. Highs 42-49. Wind W 5-15 MPH, higher gusts.

SATURDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy. Lows 25-32. Wind NW-W 5-15 MPH, higher gusts.

SUNDAY: Sun/cloud mix. Highs 37-44. Wind W 10-20 MPH, higher gusts.

SUNDAY NIGHT: Mostly clear. Lows 18-25. Wind W 5-15 MPH, diminishing.

MONDAY: Mostly sunny. Highs 42-49. Wind W to variable up to 10 MPH.

DAYS 6-10 (MARCH 21-25)

Quiet weather the first part of the period, then we become vulnerable to unsettled weather thereafter with a cooling trend.

DAYS 11-15 (MARCH 26-30)

Active pattern with additional unsettled weather threats and near to below normal temperatures.

DAYS 1-5 (MARCH 15-19)

A blustery Ides of March behind our departing winter storm, which resulted in a sharp contrast in snowfall between very little to the southeast and monumental amounts to the northwest. In fact, across Middlesex County MA alone, amounts ranged from about 3 inches in the southeast corner of the county to 30 inches in Ashby, a high elevation in the northwestern corner of the county. Amazing when you think about it, but makes total sense given the synoptic set-up of this particular situation – and a great example of the variety that can take place over such a short distance. Today’s gusty wind is still as a result of the low pressure area that took a track like a toddler who can’t decide which toy to play with, culminating in a loop just off the eastern coast of New England. That system will move away today but as it does so, breaking clouds allow solar heating to mix an atmosphere that is still very cold aloft, so the gusty winds will continue today. High pressure moves in tonight to calm the winds and it provides us with a nice mid March day on Thursday. We’ll have to be aware of some stream and river flooding due to melting snow the next several days since the heavy snow (where it fell) was loaded with water and also followed heavy rainfall. Our next low pressure system to impact the region will do so late this week as it moves through the Great Lakes and drags a warm front through the region on Friday and a cold front early Saturday. Yesterday I was a little concerned about low pressure coming up that cold front to prolong rainfall and possibly end it as snowfall on Saturday, but latest indications are that the front will move along a little more swiftly, and a wet start to Saturday will then transition to dry, breezy, chilly weather, which will then last for the balance of the weekend.

TODAY: Lots of clouds. A passing light rain or snow shower possible. Highs 38-45. Wind N-NW 15-25 MPH, higher gusts.

TONIGHT: Clearing. Lows 25-32. Wind NW 5-15 MPH.

THURSDAY: Mostly sunny. Highs 41-48. Wind NW 5-15 MPH.

THURSDAY NIGHT: Clear. Lows 26-33. Wind variable up to 10 MPH.

FRIDAY: Variably cloudy. Brief light snow/mix possible central MA and southern NH morning. Brief light rain possible anywhere midday. Highs 43-50. Wind SW 5-15 MPH.

FRIDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy. Rain showers likely. Lows 40-47. Wind SW 5-15 MPH.

SATURDAY: Cloudy with rain showers likely early, then a sun/cloud mix. Temperatures steady 40-47 morning, may fall slightly during the afternoon. Wind shifting to NW 10-20 MPH, higher gusts.

SATURDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy. Lows 25-32. Wind NW-W 5-15 MPH, higher gusts.

SUNDAY: Sun/cloud mix. Highs 38-45. Wind W 10-20 MPH, higher gusts.

DAYS 6-10 (MARCH 20-24)

Spring arrives with the Vernal Equinox on March 20 with fair weather and moderating temperatures expected that day and March 21. Vulnerable to unsettled weather during the middle and latter portion of the period with a cooling trend.

DAYS 11-15 (MARCH 25-29)

One or two low pressure systems can impact the region with unsettled weather in a return to an active pattern for late month. Temperatures mostly below normal.