7:48AM

DAYS 1-5 (DECEMBER 28-JANUARY 1)
Slippery spots from snow and a little freezing rain in portions of north central MA and southern NH will disappear as the temperature goes up this morning, otherwise its a wet Friday, though not an excessive rain producer this time. No changes to the weekend forecast at this time as we see it dry out, start mild, and end cold. A little unsure on the timing of the next system, which looks like mainly rain as milder air will rapidly advance back into the region New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. For now will split the difference with a forecast of it becoming wet before we lose 2018 and staying wet into the morning of the first day of the new year.
Forecast details…
TODAY: Overcast with rain likely morning and midday except early freezing rain north central MA and southwestern NH. Rain tapering off late day when clouds may break. Highs 47-54 occurring late day. Wind E increasing to 10-20 MPH shifting to S by late in the day.
TONIGHT: Variably cloudy. Patchy fog. Temperatures fall back slightly into the 40s. Wind S to SW 5-15 MPH.
SATURDAY: Variably cloudy. A passing rain shower possible early. A passing snow shower possible late. Temperatures fall 40s to 30s. Wind W 10-20 MPH with higher gusts.
SATURDAY NIGHT: Clearing. Lows 15-22. Wind NW 10-20 MPH, higher gusts. Wind chill below 10 at times.
SUNDAY: Mostly sunny. Highs 28-35. Wind NW 10-20 MPH. Wind chill near to below 20 at times.
MONDAY (NEW YEAR’S EVE): Sunshine followed by increasing clouds. Risk of mix to rain at night. Lows in the 10s. Highs from the upper 30s to lower 40s.
TUESDAY (NEW YEAR’S DAY): Cloudy with rain/drizzle morning. Partial clearing afternoon. Temperatures rise to the 40s to lower 50s then steady.

DAYS 6-10 (JANUARY 2-6)
Earlier thinking was that we may be in a stretch of unsettled weather but current thinking is we may end up drier between split jet streams, one to the north, one to the south. Can’t rule out some unsettled weather at some point in this period, however.

DAYS 11-15 (JANUARY 7-11)
A colder and overall drier pattern but a risk of snow showers about every other day from passing polar jet stream disturbances.

7:24AM

DAYS 1-5 (DECEMBER 27-31)
We’re down to 5 days left of 2018, and they will present a set of changes in the weather typical of the region we live in. It starts out with a tranquil day today as high pressure overhead slides off to the east. Low pressure traveling through the Midwest will track north of England by late Friday, dragging a warm front across the region. The precipitation with this front will fall mainly as rain, although it will likely start as a period of snow and some sleet north and west of Boston where a minor accumulation is possible especially in higher elevations. The cold front from this system will cross the region early Saturday with no more than a rain shower and a mild start to the day will then be followed by falling temperatures, a gusty breeze, and perhaps a snow shower to end the day as a trough passes by. A cold Canadian high pressure area will build in for Sunday, which now looks like a dry day with any weak low passing well to the south. By the time we get to the final day of 2018, we’ll have another low pressure area approaching from the southwest, spreading cloudiness into the region. It remains to be seen if any precipitation will arrive before the clock strikes midnight, but if it did it would likely be snow. With this being a few days away, this is definitely not a high confidence forecast at this point, just something to keep an eye on.
Forecast details…
TODAY: Sunshine and high clouds. Highs 33-40. Wind light variable.
TONIGHT: Clouding over. Snow/sleet north and west of Boston, mix/rain elsewhere, developing pre-dawn, with a minor accumulation of 1 inch or less possible in areas that get snow. Lows 22-28 north, 28-34 south during the evening then rising slowly overnight. Wind light N to E.
FRIDAY: Overcast with rain likely morning and midday. Rain tapering off late day when clouds may break. Highs 47-54 occurring late day. Wind E increasing to 10-20 MPH shifting to S by late in the day.
FRIDAY NIGHT: Variably cloudy. Patchy fog. Temperatures fall back slightly into the 40s. Wind S to SW 5-15 MPH.
SATURDAY: Variably cloudy. A passing rain shower possible early. A passing snow shower possible late. Temperatures fall 40s to 30s. Wind W 10-20 MPH with higher gusts.
SUNDAY: Mostly sunny. Lows from the upper 10s to lower 20s. Highs from the upper 20s to lower 30s.
MONDAY (NEW YEAR’S EVE): Sunshine followed by increasing clouds. Risk of snow late at night. Lows in the 10s. Highs in the 30s.

DAYS 6-10 (JANUARY 1-5)
An unsettled start to 2019 with a risk of mix to rain January 1 into January 2 then a risk of mix to snow January 3 into January 4, with fair and colder weather to end the period.

DAYS 11-15 (JANUARY 6-10)
A colder and overall drier pattern but a risk of snow showers about every other day from passing polar jet stream disturbances.

7:26AM

DAYS 1-5 (DECEMBER 26-30)
Christmas Day may be over but the Christmas season goes on, with many folks on mini work vacations and still doing tours of lights displays, etc. during the course of the week between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, so the weather remains important for planning such things. During this 5-day period there are a couple of events that may have some impact on plans. After a couple dry and seasonably cold midweek days, a low pressure area will move rapidly from the Upper Midwest to southeastern Canada Friday through early Saturday. Enough cold air at the onset of this system early Friday should allow a start as snow/sleet for at least northern and interior areas of southeastern New England, but warmer air advancing will mean that it turns out as rain for the balance of the system. A cold front will come through during Saturday, and similar to the Saturday before it, expect a day of drying weather and a mild start with a colder finish. This sets up the possibility of some snow on Sunday, with cold air in place, depending on the track of a clipper low pressure system.
Forecast details…
TODAY: Sun and passing clouds. Highs 33-40. Wind N 5-15 MPH, higher gusts.
TONIGHT: Partly cloudy evening. Clear overnight. Lows 11-18. Wind light N.
THURSDAY: Sunshine and high clouds. Highs 33-40. Wind light variable.
THURSDAY NIGHT: Clouding over. Snow/sleet developing pre-dawn, except rain/mix South Coast. Lows 22-28 north, 28-34 south. Wind light N to E.
FRIDAY: Overcast. Snow and sleet changing to rain morning-midday. Rain showers likely afternoon-evening. Snow/sleet accumulation of a coating to 2 inches except little or no accumulation South Coast. Highs 40-46 occurring late-day. Wind E to SE 10-20 MPH.
SATURDAY: Sun/cloud mix. Windy. Chance of a rain shower morning. Chance of a snow shower late-day. Temperatures rise to lower 50s early then fall through the 40s during the day, 30s early evening, into the 20s late evening.
SUNDAY: Mostly cloudy. Chance of snow, favoring southern areas. Temperatures steady in the 20s.

DAYS 6-10 (DECEMBER 31-JANUARY 4)
A dry December 31 will be followed by a pattern of unsettled weather that favors rain initially and possibly mix/snow toward the end during the first few days of 2019.

DAYS 11-15 (JANUARY 5-9)
A couple systems may bring light precipitation around January 6 and 8 otherwise overall dry weather with temperatures near to below normal.

11:24AM

To all of you who celebrate, I wish you a Merry Christmas!

DAYS 1-5 (DECEMBER 25-29)
High pressure builds in for a bright and seasonably chilly Christmas Day and continues to dominate the weather through the middle of the week. A weak trough moving north to south across the region from eastern Canada on Wednesday may bring a few clouds to region. The next low pressure system will travel southwest to northeast from the Upper Midwest to southeastern Canada on Friday, a track putting New England on the warm side, and a warm front / cold front combo will bring wet weather at that time. There could be just enough cold air around at the start of the precipitation early Friday, that some areas, especially interior and higher elevations, see some snow and/or ice, but this should not be long-lasting and its impact, if it occurs, will be determined by timing. By Saturday, this system will be departing and we’ll have a blustery and drier day that starts mild and ends colder.
Forecast details…
TODAY: Sunny. Highs 33-40. Wind NW 10-20 MPH with a few higher gusts.
TONIGHT: Clear. Lows 13-20. Wind NW 5-15 MPH with a few higher gusts.
WEDNESDAY: Sun and passing clouds. Highs 33-40. Wind N 5-15 MPH, higher gusts.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy evening. Clear overnight. Lows 11-18. Wind light N.
THURSDAY: Sunshine and high clouds. Highs 33-40. Wind light variable.
FRIDAY: Overcast. Snow and sleet changing to rain morning-midday. Rain showers likely afternoon-evening. Lows in the 20s. Highs in the 40s.
SATURDAY: Sun/cloud mix. Windy. Chance of a rain shower morning. Chance of a snow shower late-day. Temperatures rise to lower 50s early then fall through the 40s.

DAYS 6-10 (DECEMBER 30-JANUARY 3)
A clipper passing south of the region December 30 may be close enough to bring snow to at least southern areas. Dry and chilly December 31. Milder with episodes of rain January 1-3 as a boundary sets up over the region and areas of low pressure move along it.

DAYS 11-15 (JANUARY 4-8)
Colder with a risk of mix/snow early period and again at the end of the period with dry weather in between.

8:34AM

DAYS 1-5 (DECEMBER 24-28)
On this day before Christmas, a 2-part disturbance will bring the only chance of getting snow on the ground before Santa’s visit. We all know Santa doesn’t need snow to visit, but many people like to see it for festive reasons. Well, part 1 of the system failed mainly to dry air, but did produce a coating of snow along parts of the South Coast and nearby areas. This was an area I was concerned may have light rain instead of snow, but everything was pushed a bit further south, the air was slightly colder, and snow fell there but nothing to the north. The second part of the system is a strong upper level disturbance that will generate snow showers this afternoon and evening. Accumulations of snow will occur in bands and be on the order of a coating to 1 inch. Sometimes in a set-up such as this a localized band may over-produce, so that will be something to watch for. The favored areas for snow this afternoon and evening will be eastern MA and southern NH. By late evening, it’s all gone, the moon will be shining, and a seasonable chill will be in place, lasting through the holiday on Tuesday which will feature bright sunshine. High pressure building in from the west will continue this weather through the middle of the week. A fast-moving low pressure area will move in during Friday, but along with the arrival of milder air behind now offshore high pressure, this will bring rain to the region, not snow. Not expecting this one to be a prolific rain producer.
Forecast details…
TODAY: Mostly cloudy. Brief very light snow South Coast / Cape Cod early. Snow showers this afternoon with a coating to 1 inch possible. Highs 35-42. Wind light variable morning, N 5-15 MPH but higher gusts this afternoon.
TONIGHT (CHRISTMAS EVE): Variably cloudy with snow showers eastern MA and southern NH early, a few snow showers possible in RI as well. Clearing late evening. Lows 17-24. Wind NW 5-15 MPH with higher gusts.
TUESDAY (CHRISTMAS DAY): Mostly sunny. Highs 33-40. Wind NW 5-15 MPH.
WEDNESDAY: Partly cloudy. Lows in the 10s. Highs in the 30s.
THURSDAY: Mostly sunny. Lows in the 10s. Highs in the 30s.
FRIDAY: Cloudy. Rain likely. Temperatures rise 30s to 40s.

DAYS 6-10 (DECEMBER 29-JANUARY 2)
Dry weather expected December 29 but delaying the cold air’s arrival so that should be an above normal temperature day as well. The remainder of the period is in question as it looks like a couple disturbances or a more organized system could affect the region with rain and/or snow. Guidance is all over the place here and the type of pattern it is doesn’t lead me to have any more confidence either so will basically punt on this today and re-evaluate for tomorrow’s update.

DAYS 11-15 (JANUARY 3-7)
This period may start unsettled then should trend drier with temperatures near to below normal.

8:14AM

DAYS 1-5 (DECEMBER 23-27)
High pressure will bring bright, dry, and seasonably cold weather to the region today, perfect for any last minute shopping or an evening drive around to view the lights. A weak and fast-moving low pressure area but with decent upper level support will move across the region Monday, Christmas Eve, producing a minor snow event, although initially it will be too mild to support snowfall along the South Coast. High pressure builds in on Tuesday, Christmas Day, and gradually slides toward the region, moving overhead by Thursday, with dry and seasonably cold weather for the holiday and midweek.
Forecast details…
TODAY: Mostly sunny. Highs 35-42. Wind W 5-15 MPH.
TONIGHT: Increasing clouds. Lows 25-32. Wind light variable.
MONDAY: Cloudy morning with a period of snow accumulating a coating to 1 inch except rain that may mix with snow South Coast. Variably cloudy afternoon with snow showers likely with additional dustings of snow possible. Highs 35-42. Wind variable 5-15 MPH morning, N 10-20 MPH afternoon.
MONDAY NIGHT (CHRISTMAS EVE): Partly cloudy with a chance of snow flurries in eastern areas early, otherwise mostly clear. Lows 17-24. Wind NW 5-15 MPH with higher gusts.
TUESDAY (CHRISTMAS DAY): Mostly sunny. Highs 33-40. Wind NW 5-15 MPH.
WEDNESDAY: Partly cloudy. Lows in the 10s. Highs in the 30s.
THURSDAY: Mostly sunny. Lows in the 10s. Highs in the 30s.

DAYS 6-10 (DECEMBER 28-JANUARY 1)
Low pressure will likely pass north of the region bringing a warm front / cold front combo to the region December 28 with a period of rain then a chance of rain showers. Breezy, chilly, drier weather returns December 29. Will watch a wave of low pressure that may bring a period of mix and/or snow to the region December 30 before dry weather to end 2018. Unsettled weather may return as early as the first day of 2019.

DAYS 11-15 (JANUARY 2-6)
A boundary nearby may be the focus for a string of low pressure areas to bring unsettled weather in the form of several periods of precipitation of several varieties for at least a portion of this period.

9:34AM

DAYS 1-5 (DECEMBER 22-26)
The dry-out process begins today, but not until a cold front sweeps eastward across the region this morning and very early afternoon with thin band of rain showers and trailed by a few additional ones. The mild air in place will be replaced by seasonable cold tonight and Sunday, along with dry weather. A small clipper low pressure system will bring some light snow/rain (depending on location) for the morning hours of Monday and then some snow showers lingering during the afternoon adding some festive flakes to the Christmas Eve atmosphere. Seasonably cold and dry weather is then expected for Christmas Day Tuesday and Wednesday as well as high pressure builds in.
Forecast details…
TODAY: Mostly cloudy through midday with a line of rain showers moving west to east across the region mid morning through very early afternoon and one or two additional rain showers possible just behind it. Becoming partly sunny by mid afternoon. Temperatures steady 48-55 morning, falling through the 40s afternoon. Wind SW shifting to W 15-25 MPH with higher gusts possible.
TONIGHT: Clearing. Lows 28-35. Wind WNW 15-25 MPH evening, diminishing overnight.
SUNDAY: Mostly sunny. Highs 35-42. Wind W 5-15 MPH.
SUNDAY NIGHT: Increasing clouds. Lows 25-32. Wind light variable.
MONDAY (CHRISTMAS EVE): Cloudy morning with a period of snow accumulating a coating to 1 inch except rain that may mix with snow South Coast. Variably cloudy afternoon with a chance of snow showers, favoring southern NH and eastern MA. Highs 35-42. Wind variable 5-15 MPH morning, N 10-20 MPH afternoon.
TUESDAY (CHRISTMAS DAY): Mostly sunny. Lows from the upper 10s to middle 20s. Highs in the 30s.
WEDNESDAY: Mostly sunny. Lows in the 10s. Highs in the 30s.

DAYS 6-10 (DECEMBER 27-31)
High pressure hangs on with fair/cold weather December 27 before a west-to-east moving low pressure system brings mix/rain December 28. Clearing, breezy, seasonably cold December 29. Currently staying with a dry forecast for December 30-31 but a boundary not far south of the region may change that and allow a wave of low pressure to get close enough for a period of snow/mix. Will keep an eye on this.

DAYS 11-15 (JANUARY 1-5)
A boundary nearby may be the focus for a string of low pressure areas to bring unsettled weather in the form of several periods of precipitation of several varieties to start off the new year.

8:55AM

DAYS 1-5 (DECEMBER 21-25)
A stormy solstice as low pressure cuts west of the region on this first day of winter (solstice 5:23PM today), bringing mild air, rain, and wind. One main rain area comes through this morning with a warm front, which will introduce a temperature spike and increasing southerly winds. Some of the heaviest rainfall will occur in showery form in a band that transitions from west to east across the region late afternoon and early evening. This band will be the one most likely to produce areas of flooding and localized damaging wind gusts. Things should settle down later at night into Saturday morning through a few additional showers are possible, and one final band of showers may cross the region west to east late morning to early afternoon Saturday with a cold front, which will put an end to the brief warm-up, and bring seasonable cold back into the region by Saturday night and Sunday. This colder air will then remain with the region through Christmas Day on Tuesday. The only shot at pre-Christmas snow remains the passage of a weak disturbance which is currently timed for the morning hours of Christmas Eve on Monday, although a touch of instability could still support a few afternoon snow flurries as it moves away. There will be no repeat of the thundersnowstorm of Christmas morning 2017, but other than our windy/wet event today, decent travel weather will be the rule right through the holiday.
Forecast details…
TODAY: Cloudy. Rain and areas of fog morning. Numerous rain showers this afternoon including a band of heavier showers and possible thunderstorms later in the day. Highs 55-62. Wind S 10-20 MPH except 20-30 MPH South Coast, higher gusts likely all areas.
TONIGHT: Cloudy with numerous rain showers and possible thunderstorms early, diminishing to scattered rain showers from west to east. Lows
48-55. Wind S 15-30 MPH with higher gusts, shifting to SW and diminishing to 5-15 MPH with higher gusts overnight.
SATURDAY: Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain showers very early and one more passing line of rain showers possible west to east during midday. Temperatures steady 48-55 morning, falling through the 40s afternoon. Wind SW shifting to W 15-25 MPH with higher gusts possible.
SATURDAY NIGHT: Clearing. Lows 28-35. Wind WNW 15-25 MPH evening, diminishing overnight.
SUNDAY: Mostly sunny. Highs 35-42. Wind W 5-15 MPH.
MONDAY (CHRISTMAS EVE): Mostly cloudy with a slight chance of light snow except rain or snow South Coast during the morning. Partly sunny with isolated snow showers afternoon. Lows from the upper 20s to middle 30s. Highs from the middle 30s to lower 40s.
TUESDAY (CHRISTMAS DAY): Mostly sunny. Lows from the upper 10s to middle 20s. Highs in the 30s.

DAYS 6-10 (DECEMBER 26-30)
High pressure will bring fair and seasonably cold weather early in the period. A passing low pressure area brings a precipitation threat December 28 into early December 29 before fair and colder weather arrives later in the period.

DAYS 11-15 (DECEMBER 31-JANUARY 4)
Dry, seasonably chilly to end 2018. 2019 may begin with a stretch of unsettled weather bringing rain and/or snow to the region. Too far out for any good idea on details and timing.

7:38AM

DAYS 1-5 (DECEMBER 20-24)
High pressure moves offshore today, a very nice day by December standards despite fading sun later behind cloudiness ahead of what will be a potent storm, the center of which will pass just west of New England late Friday. This will allow warm air and tropical moisture to flow northward across southeastern New England making for a wet and fairly warm Winter Solstice day (solstice 5:23PM Friday). With ground still somewhat saturated from the wet autumn, flooding may again be an issue as some heavy rainfall will occur in waves with this system. Also, pockets of wind damage may occur due to a moderate to strong southerly wind. It will be unstable enough that thunderstorms are possible. The storm center will head across southeastern Canada Saturday, dragging drier air in behind it, with colder air eventually arriving as a cold front sweeps across the region. This will return seasonably chilly air to the region but with bright and fair weather for Sunday. A disturbance will pass over or just south of the region Monday, Christmas Eve, bringing the slight chance of scattered light precipitation.
Forecast details…
TODAY: Increasing clouds. Highs 40-47. Wind S up to 10 MPH.
TONIGHT: Thickening overcast. Rain arriving overnight. Temperatures steady 40-47. Wind S 5-15 MPH, higher gusts.
FRIDAY: Cloudy. Rain likely with embedded heavier showers and possible thunderstorms. Highs 55-62. Wind S 10-20 MPH except 20-30 MPH South Coast, higher gusts likely all areas.
FRIDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with numerous rain showers and possible thunderstorms, diminishing from west to east overnight. Lows 48-55. Wind S 15-30 MPH with higher gusts, shifting to SW and diminishing to 5-15 MPH with higher gusts overnight.
SATURDAY: Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain showers very early and a passing rain shower possible midday. Temperatures steady 48-55 morning, falling through the 40s afternoon. Wind SW shifting to W 15-25 MPH with higher gusts possible.
SUNDAY: Mostly sunny. Temperatures fall to the 30s then remain steady during the day.
MONDAY (CHRISTMAS EVE): Variably cloudy. Chance of snow showers except rain showers South Coast. Lows in the 20s. Highs from the middle 30s to lower 40s.

DAYS 6-10 (DECEMBER 25-29)
Dry and seasonably cold December 25 (Christmas Day) through December 27. Risk of some rain/snow showers and slightly milder late period from a northern jet stream disturbance.

DAYS 11-15 (DECEMBER 30-JANUARY 3)
Dry, seasonably chilly to end 2018. A storm system may bring some unsettled weather in the earliest days of 2019.

7:28AM

DAYS 1-5 (DECEMBER 19-23)
High pressure moves overhead today then offshore Thursday with dry weather and a moderating temperature trend. A potent low pressure area will travel west of New England Friday and early Saturday on its trek from the Tennessee Valley to southeastern Canada, dragging up warm air and tropical moisture, making the first day of winter on Friday (solstice 5:23PM), feel more like a spring day in many aspects. We’ll have to be alert for possible flooding and wind damage during the passage of this system. It gets out of here Saturday, which may start on the wet side but will transition to drier, but still be rather mild with only a gradual cool-down. More seasonably chilly air arrives for Sunday.
Forecast details…
TODAY: Mostly sunny. Highs 33-40. Wind W 5-15 MPH becoming light variable.
TONIGHT: Mostly clear. Lows 22-29. Wind light SW.
THURSDAY: Increasing clouds. Highs 40-47. Wind S up to 10 MPH.
THURSDAY NIGHT: Thickening overcast. Rain arriving overnight. Temperatures steady 40-47. Wind S 5-15 MPH, higher gusts.
FRIDAY: Cloudy. Rain likely with embedded heavier showers and possible thunderstorms. Highs 55-62. Wind S 10-20 MPH except 20-30 MPH South Coast, higher gusts likely all areas.
SATURDAY: Mostly cloudy to partly sunny. Risk of rain showers early. Temperatures fall from the 50s to the 40s.
SUNDAY: Mostly sunny. Temperatures fall to the 30s then remain steady during the day.

DAYS 6-10 (DECEMBER 24-28)
Generally seasonable cold expected during this period. Mainly dry except some snow showers possible from a weak passing disturbance early in the period.

DAYS 11-15 (DECEMBER 29-JANUARY 2)
A milder and wetter start to the period then drier and seasonably chilly. Another system may bring unsettled weather within the first couple days of the New Year.

7:31AM

DAYS 1-5 (DECEMBER 18-22)
A piece of arctic air comes across New England today on gusty northwest winds under a bright but low angle sun mixed with clouds as we approach the winter solstice, which will occur Friday late-day and during weather much different than what starts this 5-day forecast period. The transition from here to there will be rather tranquil as high pressure moves overhead Wednesday then offshore Thursday with moderating temperatures. Friday’s weather will resemble spring a little more than the first day of winter as we see low pressure track just west of the region, dragging some warm air with tropical moisture up the eastern seaboard. By Saturday, we’ll be getting a drying westerly wind but with cold air lagging it will still be mild.
Forecast details…
TODAY: Partly to mostly sunny. Highs 25-32. Wind NW 15-25 MPH with higher gusts. Wind chill in the 10s.
TONIGHT: Clear. Lows 15-22. Wind NW 10-20 MPH with higher gusts. Wind chill near to below 10.
WEDNESDAY: Mostly sunny. Highs 33-40. Wind W 5-15 MPH becoming light variable.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Clear. Lows 22-29. Wind light SW.
THURSDAY: Increasing clouds. Highs 40-47. Wind S up to 10 MPH.
FRIDAY: Cloudy. Rain likely. Chance of thunderstorms late-day or evening. Temperatures steady in the 40s then rising into the 50s.
SATURDAY: Mostly cloudy to partly sunny. Risk of rain showers early. Temperatures fall from the 50s to the 40s.

DAYS 6-10 (DECEMBER 23-27)
Colder air and a passing disturbance may produce some snow showers during the December 23-24 period. Fair and seasonably cold thereafter.

DAYS 11-15 (DECEMBER 28-JANUARY 1)
Milder to start the period, a weather system bringing some precipitation, rain favored over snow, about December 29, then fair with a seasonable chill returning.

7:32AM

DAYS 1-5 (DECEMBER 17-21)
Low pressure departs today and we transition from lingering showers of rain and snow to dry and windy with falling temperatures. The squeeze between this departing low and an approaching high brings dry weather but wind and a shot of modified arctic cold for Tuesday. High pressure moves overhead with tranquil weather Wednesday, with a very cold start and milder finish. A moderating temperature trend will continue later in the week as the high moves offshore Thursday and low pressure travels from the Tennessee Valley to the upper Ohio Valley Friday, bringing milder air and rain into the region. The Winter Solstice occurs Friday at 5:22PM.
Forecast details…
TODAY: Cloudy with rain/snow showers ending west to east with spotty minor additional snow accumulation possible. Mostly cloudy afternoon. Highs 38-45. Wind NW increasing to 10-20 MPH with higher gusts by late in the day.
TONIGHT: Clearing. Lows 18-25. Wind NW 15-25 MPH with higher gusts. Wind chill near to below 10.
TUESDAY: Mostly sunny. Highs 25-32. Wind NW 15-25 MPH with higher gusts. Wind chill in the 10s.
TUESDAY NIGHT: Clear. Lows 15-22. Wind NW 10-20 MPH with higher gusts. Wind chill near to below 10.
WEDNESDAY: Mostly sunny. Highs 33-40. Wind W 5-15 MPH becoming light variable.
THURSDAY: Increasing clouds. Chance of rain late-night. Lows from the upper 20s to lower 30s early then rising. Highs in the 40s.
FRIDAY: Cloudy. Rain likely. Temperatures steady in the 40s then rising into the 50s.

DAYS 6-10 (DECEMBER 22-26)
Low pressure departs Saturday December 22 with a risk of rain showers early, lingering clouds, increasing wind, a mild start and cooler end. High pressure brings fair and seasonably chilly weather Sunday December 23. Watching for one or two passing disturbances that may bring some snow/mix but no major storminess to the region during the December 24-26 period.

DAYS 11-15 (DECEMBER 27-31)
Timing systems is hard enough when models are performing well at this range, but they are not, so my leaning for today is pattern persistence which would mean a fair and colder start to the period, a brief warm-up with a low pressure and frontal passage around December 29, and a fair weather with a seasonable end-of-December chill returning to wrap up the month, and 2018.

10:09AM

DAYS 1-5 (DECEMBER 16-20)
Low pressure brings wet weather into the region during the course of the day today although a few pockets of sleet are possible at the onset of the rain, then colder air arriving from above and from the northwest will attempt to change rain to sleet/snow, most successfully in higher elevations west and north later this evening and moving southeastward thereafter but as precipitation tapers off. Leaving yesterday’s numbers the same for now. Blustery, colder air in control much of Monday and Tuesday as it dries out. Moderating temperatures at midweek and may get wet by the end of December 20 with the next low pressure system from the west.
Forecast details…
TODAY: Cloudy. Periods of rain increasing from south to north may mix with sleet briefly. Highs 37-43. Wind NE 5-15 MPH interior and 15-25 MPH coast, higher gusts possible especially Cape Cod.
TONIGHT: Overcast. Rain likely South Coast and southeastern MA, rain/mix/snow changing to mostly snow elsewhere. Lows 27-35, coldest north and west. Wind NE to N 10-20 MPH except 15-30 MPH Cape Cod, higher gusts possible.
MONDAY: Cloudy morning with rain possibly ending as mix southeastern MA and RI with no snow accumulation expected, snow/mix ending after accumulation of a coating to 1 inch elsewhere except 1-2 inches higher elevations central MA to southwestern NH. Partly sunny afternoon with a passing snow shower possible. Highs 35-41. Wind N to NW 15-30 MPH with higher gusts possible.
TUESDAY: Mostly sunny. Windy. Lows from the middle 10s to lower 20s. Highs from the middle 20s to lower 30s.
WEDNESDAY: Mostly sunny. Lows from the middle 0s to lower 10s interior, lower to middle 10s coast. Highs in the 30s.
THURSDAY: Increasing clouds. Risk of rain late. Lows in the 20s. Highs in the 40s.

DAYS 6-10 (DECEMBER 21-25)
Transition from mild and showery to cooler and drying during the course of December 21. Seasonable cold December 22-25 with one or two opportunities for light scattered to general precipitation.

DAYS 11-15 (DECEMBER 26-30)
Disturbances bring chances of precipitation around December 26 and December 29 with temperatures near to slightly above normal for this period. This forecast remains low confidence. Hopefully some better clarity will be gained on the 11-15 day period soon.

2:26AM

DAYS 1-5 (DECEMBER 15-19)
A double-barrel low pressure area will impact the region to varying degrees this weekend, the first passing south of the region today. A little very light rain passed through parts of the region overnight but during the day today most of the rain will be right along or just offshore of the South Coast. The second low will get a little closer later Sunday and intensify as it passes southeast of Cape Cod early Monday. This puts the region into a better position to get rain and snow, and where snow occurs some accumulation may take place. See below for preliminary numbers. As the second low pulls away and intensifies, it will pull down a batch of cold air which will be accompanied by gusty winds by a return to dry weather through Tuesday. As high pressure moves overhead it will remain cold but be more tranquil Wednesday. Forecast details…
TODAY: Cloudy with a risk of some light rain near the South Coast morning. Partly sunny afternoon. Highs 48-55. Wind light E to N.
TONIGHT: Mostly cloudy. Lows 32-38. Wind NE up to 10 MPH.
SUNDAY: Mostly cloudy. Late-day rain develops south to north. Highs 37-43. Wind NE 5-15 MPH, higher gusts possible especially Cape Cod.
SUNDAY NIGHT: Overcast. Rain likely South Coast and southeastern MA, rain/mix/snow changing to mostly snow elsewhere. Lows 27-35, coldest north and west. Wind NE to N 10-20 MPH except 15-30 MPH Cape Cod, higher gusts possible.
MONDAY: Cloudy morning with rain possibly ending as mix southeastern MA and RI with no snow accumulation expected, snow/mix ending after accumulation of a coating to 1 inch elsewhere except 1-2 inches higher elevations central MA to southwestern NH. Partly sunny afternoon with a passing snow shower possible. Highs 35-41. Wind N to NW 15-30 MPH with higher gusts possible.
TUESDAY: Mostly sunny. Windy. Lows from the middle 10s to lower 20s. Highs from the middle 20s to lower 30s.
WEDNESDAY: Mostly sunny. Lows from the middle 0s to lower 10s interior, lower to middle 10s coast. Highs in the 30s.

DAYS 6-10 (DECEMBER 20-24)
Milder December 20 into December 21 with a risk of rain showers. Colder during the December 22-24 period with at least one shot at mix/snow from passing disturbances in the polar jet stream.

DAYS 11-15 (DECEMBER 25-29)
Disturbances bring chances of precipitation around December 26 and December 29 with temperatures near to slightly above normal for this period. This forecast is low confidence and intentionally left vague at this time.

7:28AM

DAYS 1-5 (DECEMBER 14-18)
A reprieve from the cold begins today and lasts through the weekend. Dry weather continues today as high pressure drifts offshore. Two low pressure systems will pass south of the region this weekend, the first far enough south so that only the South Coast may see a touch of rain early Saturday, and the second making a closer pass and bringing more wet weather a little further north but with the greatest chance later Sunday of this occurring near and south of I-90. Precipitation in higher elevations may be mixed or snow for a while if it gets far enough north as colder air will be filtering in. By Monday, the second low will be offshore and intensifying to the east of the region and may produce a few rain/snow showers but the bigger impact will be wind and somewhat colder air. Expect a breezy and chilly but dry day December 18 between that offshore storm, slowly moving away, and high pressure moving in from the west.
TODAY: Mostly sunny start, mostly cloudy finish. Highs 39-45. Wind light SE.
TONIGHT: Cloudy. Risk of light rain overnight South Coast. Lows 35-41. Wind E 5-15 MPH.
SATURDAY: Cloudy with a chance of rain in the morning, favoring the South Coast. Partial sun midday and afternoon especially north. Highs 40-46. Wind E 5-15 MPH becoming variable.
SATURDAY NIGHT: Becoming cloudy. Lows 35-41. Wind NE 5-15 MPH.
SUNDAY: Cloudy. Rain likely South Coast by afternoon, may spread to the I-90 corridor late day with some mix possible higher elevations. Highs 37-43 but may fall somewhat later in the day. Wind NE 5-15 MPH except 10-20 MPH and gusty South Coast region.
MONDAY: Mostly cloudy. Rain/snow showers possible and cannot rule out a period of accumulating snow for parts of the region. Windy. Temperatures steady in the 30s to start then may fall to the 20s later.
TUESDAY: Mostly sunny. Breezy. Lows from the upper 10s to lower 20s. Highs in the 30s.

DAYS 6-10 (DECEMBER 19-23)
High pressure will bring fair and tranquil weather December 19. A weak low pressure system from the west will bring a risk of rain showers late December 20 as it is a bit milder and a risk of rain/snow showers as colder air arrives December 21. A disturbance may bring a little snow/mix to the region sometime over the December 22-23 weekend with temperatures close to seasonal averages.

DAYS 11-15 (DECEMBER 24-28)
Low confidence based on uncertain timing of systems but leaning mainly dry and seasonably chilly to start the period then a risk of one or two bouts of unsettled weather later in the period.