3:07AM

It’s the holiday season, and we have a cluster of them these 3 days (Hanukkah beginning at sundown today, Christmas Eve today, Christmas Day Sunday, and of course Kwanzaa Monday). Whichever holiday(s) you celebrate, may it find you in good health and bring happiness and joy!

DAYS 1-5 (DECEMBER 24-28)
A cold front will cross southern New England today, bringing a period of rain from west to east, though higher elevations of central MA to southern NH will see some snow to start as the air will be just cold enough. This front will move rather rapidly and the rain will end from west to east this afternoon with some partial clearing following rather quickly. This sets up a dry and chilly night, favorable for travel around the region in general, though some areas may see patchy icy spots if rain puddles are not able to drain or dry before the temperature drops, so be aware of that. Christmas Day Sunday will be a pleasant, seasonably chilly day as high pressure tracks north of the region. The next low pressure system will follow that high into southeastern Canada Monday, and its associated cold front will bring another round of rain showers to this area Monday night, though some ice pellets may mix in as well. Impact from this will be rather insignificant as it will be a fairly weak and fast-moving system. Behind it will by dry weather with a mild Tuesday and colder Wednesday.
TODAY: Cloudy through early afternoon with a period of rain developing west to east mid to late morning except snow with minor accumulation in the higher elevations of central MA and southern NH to start, then ending from west to east early to mid afternoon, lastly on Cape Cod. Partial clearing following. Wind S to SW 10-20 MPH with a few higher gusts, shifting to W in the afternoon.
TONIGHT – CHRISTMAS EVE: Partly cloudy evening. Mostly clear overnight. Lows 25-32. Wind NW 5-15 MPH.
SUNDAY – CHRISTMAS DAY: Mostly sunny. Highs 38-45. Wind N 5-15 MPH.
SUNDAY NIGHT: Mostly clear. Lows 20-28. Wind light N.
MONDAY: Increasing clouds. Chance of light rain/sleet late. Highs 35-42. Wind variable 5-15 MPH.
TUESDAY: Partly cloudy. Windy. Lows 25-32. Highs 40-47.
WEDNESDAY: Mostly sunny. Lows 18-24. Highs 33-40.

DAYS 6-10 (DECEMBER 29-JANUARY 2)
Same general pattern continues with frontal passages December 29 and again late in the period with rain showers favored. A shot of dry but colder weather mid period probably including New Year’s Eve.

DAYS 11-15 (JANUARY 3-7)
Pattern persistence with fast-moving low pressure areas tracking over or north of the region with a few episodes of rain/mix possible.

2:23AM

DAYS 1-5 (DECEMBER 23-27)
High pressure provides very pleasant late December weather today, favoring for work commutes, errands, and any travel. On Saturday, Christmas Eve, a low pressure system will track eastward across southeastern Canada, dragging a cold front through New England, producing a period of rain, though some brief mix is possible in higher elevations of north central MA and southwestern NH. Another area of high pressure brings very nice weather for Christmas day, Sunday. The next system, similar to that of Saturday in track but somewhat weaker, will bring the chance of rain showers late Monday before fair weather returns on Tuesday.
TODAY: Mostly sunny. Highs 39-46. Wind W 5-15 MPH with higher gusts.
TONIGHT: Mostly clear evening. Clouds arriving overnight. Lows 25-33. Wind SW 5-15 MPH.
SATURDAY: Mostly cloudy through early afternoon with late morning mix/rain higher elevations of central MA and southwestern NH, midday and early afternoon rain elsewhere. Partial clearing west to east late. Highs 40-47. Wind SW 10-20 MPH shifting to W in the afternoon.
SATURDAY NIGHT – CHRISTMAS EVE: Partly cloudy evening. Mostly clear overnight. Lows 22-30. Wind W 5-15 MPH.
SUNDAY: CHRISTMAS DAY: Mostly sunny. Highs 38-45. Wind W 10-20 MPH.
MONDAY: Increasing clouds. Late-day and evening rain showers. Lows 28-35. Highs 40-47.
TUESDAY: Sun/clouds. Breezy. Lows 28-35. Highs 40-47.

DAYS 6-10 (DECEMBER 28-JANUARY 1)
Timing is likely to bring next system as a rain event into the region about December 29 followed by a shot of colder air to end 2016. Progressive pattern likely brings the following low pressure system into the region to begin 2017 on an unsettled note but will fine-tune.

DAYS 11-15 (JANUARY 2-6)
No significant changes to the large scale pattern with a couple systems bringing precipitation threats with rain favored over snow and temperatures generally above normal.

10:00AM

DAYS 1-5 (DECEMBER 22-26)
Here is your forecast update which includes weather for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Kwanzaa, the start of Hanukkah, Boxing Day, and even St. Stephen’s Day if you’re from Ireland. 😉 Happy Holidays to all of you!
The discussion is essentially unchanged from yesterday’s update, so expansion of details will take place in comments following this forecast update. Here it is.
TODAY: Mainly cloudy. Areas of light snow/mix with minor accumulation in some locations mainly Boston/Providence northwestward morning and midday, and mix/rain areas to the southeast midday and afternoon. Highs 38-45. Wind SW 10-20 MPH shifting to W late with higher gusts.
TONIGHT: Clearing. Lows 22-30. Wind W 5-15 MPH.
FRIDAY: Mostly sunny. Highs 36-43. Wind W 10-20 MPH.
SATURDAY – CHRISTMAS EVE: Mostly cloudy with periods of rain showers which may end as a mix especially northwest of Boston then partial clearing later. Lows 22-30. Highs 38-45.
SUNDAY – CHRISTMAS DAY: Partly cloudy. Lows 20-28. Highs 38-45.
MONDAY: Increasing clouds. Lows 20-28. Highs 38-45.

DAYS 6-10 (DECEMBER 27-31)
Storm track is north of the region and fronts associated with these systems pass through here early December 27 and likely December 29 based on current timing of systems. Rain showers are most likely, but some mix/snow cannot be ruled out. No major storms. Coldest day likely December 28 and 30, otherwise temperatures mostly above normal.

DAYS 11-15 (JANUARY 1-5)
The same general pattern is expected with an overall milder than average regime and short-lived light to moderate precipitation events, favoring rain, a couple times.

2:21AM

DAYS 1-5 (DECEMBER 21-25)
The Winter Solstice occurs this morning at 5:44AM. Winter officially begins at that time.
Boston’s average high temperature on Christmas Day is 39. The last 4 years have shown us an even split with 2012 and 2013 showing below normal temperatures with highs of 35 and 28, respectively, while the last 2 were anomalously warm at 59 in 2014 and 62 in 2015 following an incredibly warm Christmas Eve. It’s most rare to end up with a Christmas of near normal temperatures. This will be one of those years. But before we get to that, we have some weather changes to go through, although none of them will be particularly dramatic, just typical of a moderating temperature regime and fast flowing jet stream taking energy mainly north of the region, with associated fronts moving through the region Thursday and Saturday, bringing minor precipitation at best.
TODAY: Sunshine. Highs 37-44. Wind W 5-15 MPH gusting to 20 MPH.
TONIGHT: Increasing clouds. Lows 22-30. Wind SW 5-15 MPH.
THURSDAY: Mostly cloudy through early afternoon with scattered light snow to mix morning from central MA into southern NH, scattered light snow/rain southeastern NH, eastern MA, and northern RI later morning to early afternoon, and scattered light rain southeastern MA and southern RI early to mid afternoon. Decreasing clouds from west late. Highs 38-45. Wind SW 10-20 MPH shifting to W late with higher gusts.
THURSDAY NIGHT: Clearing. Lows 22-30. Wind W 5-15 MPH.
FRIDAY: Mostly sunny. Highs 36-43. Wind W 10-20 MPH.
SATURDAY – CHRISTMAS EVE: Variably cloudy. Isolated rain showers through early afternoon. Lows 22-30. Highs 38-45.
SUNDAY – CHRISTMAS DAY: Partly cloudy. Lows 20-28. Highs 38-45.

DAYS 6-10 (DECEMBER 26-30)
Current timing brings low pressure areas north of the region late December 26 to early December 27, and again around December 29. Temperatures fluctuate, average above normal overall, though brief cold shots follow the passage of fronts early December 27 and later December 29.

DAYS 11-15 (DECEMBER 31-JANUARY 4)
The same general pattern is expected with an overall milder than average regime and short-lived light to moderate precipitation events, favoring rain, a couple times.

2:37AM

DAYS 1-5 (DECEMBER 20-24)
Cold air hangs on today then we see midweek moderation ahead of the next low pressure system which will pass north of the region and bring a chance of rain showers by Thursday. Otherwise, it’s a fairly dry pattern for this 5-day period which will be favorable for errands and travel.
TODAY: Mostly sunny except partly cloudy with isolated snow showers far southeastern MA through midday. Highs 30-38. Wind light N to E.
TONIGHT: Partly cloudy. Lows 18-26. Wind light SW.
WEDNESDAY: Mostly sunny. Highs 36-44. Wind SW 5-15 MPH.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy. Lows 26-34. Wind SW 5-15 MPH.
THURSDAY: Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain showers mainly afternoon hours. Highs 38-46. Wind SW 10-20 MPH.
FRIDAY: Partly cloudy. Lows 22-30. Highs 36-44.
SATURDAY – CHRISTMAS EVE: Partly cloudy. Lows 22-30. Highs 40-48.

DAYS 6-10 (DECEMBER 25-29)
Fair and slightly cooler Christmas Day December 25. Next storm system likely passes to the north and produces rain showers December 26 with mainly fair weather following and temperatures near to above normal.

DAYS 11-15 (DECEMBER 30-JANUARY 3)
A couple Pacific systems bring precipitation threats with rain favored over snow as systems will likely track to the north of the region. Temperatures generally above normal.

7:26AM

DAYS 1-5 (DECEMBER 19-23)
A cold start to the week, then moderating as a milder regime returns.
TODAY: Increasing sun. Highs 23-30. Wind NW 5-15 MPH.
TONIGHT: Mostly clear. Lows 5-13. Wind W up to 10 MPH.
TUESDAY: Mostly sunny. Highs 28-36. Wind SW 5-15 MPH.
WEDNESDAY: Mostly sunny. Lows 13-21. Highs 37-44.
THURSDAY: Mostly cloudy. PM rain may end as mix at night. Lows 22-30. Highs 40-48.
FRIDAY: Partly cloudy. Lows 30-38. Highs 38-45.

DAYS 6-10 (DECEMBER 24-28)
Fair December 24. Timing uncertain but may see some precipitation on Christmas Day December 25 depending on timing of next system. Additional unsettled weather is possible after that. Temperatures near to above normal.

DAYS 11-15 (DECEMBER 29-JANUARY 2)
Mild pattern with a couple precipitation threats, odds favoring rain over snow.

8:18AM

DAYS 1-5 (DECEMBER 18-22)
The mild air is in…for a few hours…but will be pushed back out by a strong cold front crossing the region today. Before that, melting snow/ice will occur rapidly and rain showers will be numerous, first to the northwest of Boston, then progressing to the southeast with time. Thunder will accompany the rain showers in some locations. By tonight, the rain will be gone, but the temperature will take a dive, falling up to 40 degrees from the midday highs. That puts us back in the cold for tomorrow and Tuesday, though it will moderate later Tuesday. Further moderation is expected for midweek and the next storm system that approaches Thursday will likely feature more rain than snow, but this one is far enough out there and cold air not that far away so that a shift in the track of the system could introduce a better chance of snow to parts of the region.
TODAY: Mainly cloudy. Numerous rain showers from northwest to southeast across the region including the chance of thunderstorms. Patchy fog. Highs 51-59 except 40s in some deeper valleys. Wind SW 5-15 MPH with higher gusts.
TONIGHT: Clearing. Lows 13-20. Wind W 10-20 MPH with higher gusts. Rapid freezing of any wet surfaces and remaining snow cover.
MONDAY: Mostly sunny. Highs 20-28. Wind NW 10-20 MPH with higher gusts.
TUESDAY: Mostly sunny. Lows 3-12. Highs 28-36.
WEDNESDAY: Mostly sunny. Lows 13-21. Highs 38-45.
THURSDAY: Clouding up. Chance of rain/mix/snow later. Lows 22-30. Highs 38-45.

DAYS 6-10 (DECEMBER 23-27)
Rain/mix/snow possibly early December 23. Fair weather expected for December 24. Chance of some snow/mix/rain December 25. Some additional unsettled weather possible later in the period. Temperatures near to above normal.

DAYS 11-15 (DECEMBER 28-JANUARY 1)
A milder pattern with a couple storm threats favoring rain/mix over snow, but too early to be confident on details.

9:25AM

DAYS 1-5 (DECEMBER 17-21)
Wide area of overrunning snow this morning and midday brings several inches of accumulation before a combination of warming aloft from south to north and a tapering off of precipitation from west to east puts an end to that. After that, just areas of light rain/drizzle, which will freeze on snowcover and other surfaces over the interior as temperatures struggle to reach or exceed freezing during the day. Eventually, it warms up overnight and that means a round of rain showers will accompany a cold front that will cross the region Sunday. Behind this front, another shot of cold air will freeze anything up that is on the ground, so make sure all areas you want clear are done by midday on Sunday. The first few days of next week look dry, starting out cold then moderating to a more seasonable level.
TODAY: Overcast. Snow in the morning changing to rain/drizzle south to north except freezing rain away from the coast by midday before ending. Parts of the region may see the precipitation end before a change can take place, however. Snow accumulation before 1-3 inches South Coast and Cape Cod, 3-6 inches I-95 corridor to the I-495 belt, 5-8 inches north central MA and southwestern NH. Temperatures rise slowly to around 32 north and near 40 south by the end of the day. Wind S 5-15 MPH.
TONIGHT: Mostly cloudy. Spotty drizzle and a slight chance of rain showers. Patchy fog. Temperatures rise into the 40s. Wind S 5-15 MPH.
SUNDAY: Mostly cloudy. Patchy fog early. Rain showers likely morning and midday, may end as mix from northwest to southeast afternoon. Highs 48-55. Wind SW 10-20 MPH morning shifting to NW with higher gusts afternoon.
MONDAY: Mostly sunny. Lows 15-22. Highs 27-34.
TUESDAY: Partly sunny. Lows 12-20. Highs 30-38.
WEDNESDAY: Partly cloudy. Lows 14-22. Highs 34-42.

DAYS 6-10 (DECEMBER 22-26)
Risk of rain/mix/snow later December 22 to early December 23. Risk of a few rain/snow showers December 24 – not a major system. Fair December 25-26 based on current timing. Temperatures near to above normal. Will refine this forecast in the coming days.

DAYS 11-15 (DECEMBER 27-31)
A fairly active Pacific jet stream pattern continues with one or two storm threats possible during this period. As is expected this time of year, precipitation type would depend on track and overall set-up, but odds would favor rain as it looks like milder air will dominate with a northward-displaced jet stream in this area.

1:51AM

DAYS 1-5 (DECEMBER 16-20)
Arctic cold keeps its hold on southern New England today with dry weather and gradually diminishing wind as high pressure moves overhead. The rapid progression of weather systems means that a low pressure area will approach the region Saturday, with a large area of overrunning snowfall as milder Pacific air attempts to dislodge the cold air in place, and it will be rather stubborn to go at first, meaning that a moderate accumulation of snowfall may occur in a good portion of the region Saturday morning. As surface temperatures are slow to warm while it does warm up more easily aloft, precipitation will change to rain that will likely freeze on existing snowcover and other surfaces. A plus may be that the precipitation may move out of the region before we have a chance to see much ice accretion. By Saturday evening and the early hours of Sunday, the milder air will finally overtake the region, but it won’t be around along, as a cold front will come chugging along, producing a period of rain showers Sunday morning and midday. If enough moisture hangs around behind the front, the precipitation could end as a mix or snow. What is more certain is that a fairly rapid temperature drop will result in a freeze-up of softened snow and any melt-water and rain water, so by Sunday night and early Monday it may be quite icy in some locations. Monday itself will be a dry and cold day as high pressure moves in. For the time being, it appears that Tuesday will also feature fair but chilly weather.
TODAY: Sun and a few clouds. Highs 15-23. Wind NW 15-30 MPH with higher gusts morning, diminishing during the afternoon.
TONIGHT: Increasing clouds. Snow developing west to east after 2AM. Lows 12-20. Wind light variable.
SATURDAY: Overcast. Snow in the morning changing to rain south to north except freezing rain away from the coast by midday before ending. Snow accumulation before change over 1-2 inches South Coast and Cape Cod, 2-5 inches I-95 corridor to the I-495 belt, 5-8 inches north central MA and southwestern NH. Temperatures rise slowly to around 32 north and near 40 south by the end of the day. Wind S 5-15 MPH.
SATURDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy. Spotty drizzle and a slight chance of rain showers. Patchy fog. Temperatures rise into the 40s. Wind S 5-15 MPH.
SUNDAY: Mostly cloudy. Patchy fog early. Rain showers likely morning and midday, may end as mix/snow from northwest to southeast afternoon. Highs 48-55. Wind SW 10-20 MPH morning shifting to NW with higher gusts afternoon.
MONDAY: Mostly sunny. Lows 15-22. Highs 27-34.
TUESDAY: Partly sunny. Lows 12-20. Highs 30-38.

DAYS 6-10 (DECEMBER 21-25)
Low confidence on timing but at the moment it looks like the best chance of a system bringing rain/mix/snow would be later December 22 to early December 23. Mainly dry weather would start and end the period, including the Christmas Holiday and the start of Hanukkah. Temperatures during this period will be closer to seasonal normals.

DAYS 11-15 (DECEMBER 26-30)
A fairly active Pacific jet stream pattern continues with one or two storm threats possible during this period. As is expected this time of year, precipitation type would depend on track and overall set-up, but odds would favor rain as it looks like milder air will dominate with a northward-displaced jet stream in this area.

7:35AM

DAYS 1-5 (DECEMBER 15-19)
Arctic air moves into the region in waves through tonight and hangs on into early Saturday before being pushed out by a Pacific storm system which will bring a swath of snow eventually transitioning to ice/rain Saturday. Still some detail to be worked out regarding this system and will star to do that in the comments below and then have a full breakdown on the next blog entry. By Sunday we’re going to transition the other way from milder to colder again, and that may bring its own set of interesting weather.
TODAY: Sun and clouds. Isolated to scattered snow showers and snow squalls. Any squalls can contain briefly heavy snow and reduced visibility and produce minor accumulation and slippery travel. Highs 24-32 early, then falling temperatures. Wind W to NW 15-30 MPH with higher gusts.
TONIGHT: Partly cloudy. Isolated to scattered snow showers and snow squalls. Lows 0-12. Wind NW 20-30 MPH with gusts 40-60 MPH. Wind chill -10 to -25.
FRIDAY: Mostly sunny to partly cloudy. Isolated snow showers. Highs 14-21. Wind NW 15-30 MPH with higher gusts through early afternoon, diminishing later in the day. Wind chill often below 10.
SATURDAY: Cloudy. Snow developing then transitioning to ice/rain. Lows 10-18. Highs 35-42.
SUNDAY: Mostly cloudy. Rain showers morning to midday may end as snow.. Temperature 45-55 early, then falling.
MONDAY: Mostly sunny. Lows 10-18. Highs 25-33.

DAYS 6-10 (DECEMBER 20-24)
Still have watch this period for 1 or 2 potential low pressure systems bringing precipitation threats. Temperatures a little closer to seasonable overall.

DAYS 11-15 (DECEMBER 25-29)
A weak disturbance bring the chance of rain/snow showers around Christmas and a more important system may approach later in the period.

2:20AM

DAYS 1-5 (DECEMBER 14-18)
A weak disturbance will exit the region this morning after producing spotty light snow/rain over southeastern MA and RI. A couple of arctic boundaries will cross southern New England from northwest to southeast during Thursday, possibly producing snow showers/squalls. The main story will be the strong wind and bitterly cold air that moves in with these boundaries and continues through Friday, though the wind will drop off later Friday. The very progressive pattern will drive the next storm system into the region from the west early in the weekend, but its sprawling nature means it may take much of the weekend to get through here, bringing a transition out of the late-week cold to a milder spell, then back to cold at the very end, with a variety of weather during it all.
TODAY: Cloudiness decreases and sunshine develops after a little spotty light snow/rain in eastern MA and RI early. Highs 38-45. Wind W 5-15 MPH
TONIGHT: Clear evening. Partly cloudy with isolated to scattered snow showers overnight. Lows 22-30. Wind W 5-15 MPH.
THURSDAY: Sun and clouds. Isolated to scattered snow showers and snow squalls. Any squalls can contain briefly heavy snow and reduced visibility and produce minor accumulation and slippery travel. Highs 24-32 early, then falling temperatures. Wind W to NW 15-30 MPH with higher gusts.
THURSDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy. Isolated to scattered snow showers and snow squalls. Lows 0-12. Wind NW 15-30 MPH with gusts over 40 MPH. Wind chill -10 to -25.
FRIDAY: Mostly sunny to partly cloudy. Isolated snow showers. Highs 14-21. Wind NW 15-30 MPH with higher gusts through early afternoon, diminishing later in the day. Wind chill often below 10.
SATURDAY: Clouding up early. Snow developing then transitioning to ice/rain. Lows 10-18. Highs 35-42.
SUNDAY: Mostly cloudy. Rain showers morning to midday. Temperature 45-55 morning-midday falling later.

DAYS 6-10 (DECEMBER 19-23)
Fair and cold December 19. Watch the period December 20-23 for 1 or possibly 2 precipitation threats from potential passing storms.

DAYS 11-15 (DECEMBER 24-28)
A couple weak disturbances bring the chance of rain/snow showers around Christmas and a more important system may approach later in the period.

7:34AM

DAYS 1-5 (DECEMBER 13-17)
Pattern remains very progressive with weak high pressure to the south of the region today giving way to a developing area of low pressure passing south of the region tonight and early Wednesday. Energy between this and another low over the Great Lakes will bring some cloudiness into the region by tonight to very early Wednesday with just a touch of light snow possible. Then, a couple arctic cold fronts bring much colder and windy weather in for Thursday and Friday. By Saturday, temperatures moderation is underway but this will be introduced by a period of snow to ice to rain as the warmer air has to overrun the cold air in place as it moves in.
TODAY: Increasing clouds. Highs 34-42. Wind W 5-15 MPH.
TONIGHT: Mostly cloudy. Spotty light snow. Lows 22-30. Wind SW 5-10 MPH.
WEDNESDAY: Mostly cloudy morning with spotty light snow early. Mostly sunny afternoon. Highs 33-41. Wind W 10-20 MPH.
THURSDAY: Variably cloudy. Scattered snow showers/squalls. Windy. Temperatures fall through the 20s.
FRIDAY: Mostly sunny. Windy. Lows 0-8 except 9-14 Cape Cod. Highs 17-25.
SATURDAY: Clouding over. Snow to ice to rain. Lows 8-16. Highs 38-45.

DAYS 6-10 (DECEMBER 18-22)
Milder with rain showers December 18. Colder December 19-21 but may have to watch a wave of low pressure passing to the south about December 20 with a possible snow threat. Milder with a few rain/snow showers at the end of the period.

DAYS 11-15 (DECEMBER 23-27)
Weak systems may bring a few rain/snow showers early to mid period. Watch for a stronger system late period. Temperatures variable but averaging closer to normal overall.

1:26AM

DAYS 1-5 (DECEMBER 12-16)
We start the week with a weak but somewhat significant system, weak in terms of its strength, but significant in terms of its impact on the morning commute, as snow will be in the process of transitioning to rain from south to north across the region, with a period of freezing rain over north central MA and southern NH for a while. The snow is expected to have accumulated less than 1 inch across far southeastern MA, southern RI, and the immediate coast of eastern MA, with 1-3 inches in the I-95 belt, 2-4 inches in the I-495 belt, and 3-6 inches from north central MA into southwestern and south central NH. By midday and afternoon it’s a done deal and the sky will be clearing for tonight’s Monday Night Football game in Foxboro between the Patriots and Ravens. In fact, with not too much cold air behind the storm, it won’t be all that bad for player and spectators. Expected dry weather Tuesday with a seasonable chill, then changes start to take place. Wednesday, a storm system will develop but should pass south of the region. We’ll have to watch for a period of cloudiness and perhaps a little snow/mix near the South Coast, but for now going with the idea of it staying too far south. This storm system will turn more to the north once by the region and combine with another low into a stronger system in the Canadian Maritimes, helping to drag down some very cold air for Thursday and Friday. A couple disturbances may result in snow showers/squalls Thursday afternoon and night. Expect a lot of wind as well on Thursday and Friday.
TODAY: Overcast into afternoon with rain southern MA/RI/CT and snow transitioning to rain northern MA into southern NH but with a period of sleet and freezing rain possible north central MA into interior southern NH, then rain ending from west to east midday and early afternoon. Breaking clouds late day. Highs 38-46 late-day. Wind variable under 10 MPH becoming W 5-15 MPH.
TONIGHT: Clearing. Patchy black ice on untreated surfaces. Lows 23-31. Wind W 5-15 MPH.
TUESDAY: Partly cloudy. Highs 34-42. Wind W 5-15 MPH.
TUESDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy. Lows 22-30. Wind SW 5-10 MPH.
WEDNESDAY: Mostly cloudy southeastern areas morning, otherwise partly cloudy. Highs 33-41. Wind W 10-20 MPH.
THURSDAY: Variably cloudy. Scattered snow showers/squalls. Windy. Temperatures fall through the 20s.
FRIDAY: Mostly sunny. Windy. Lows 0-8 except 9-14 Cape Cod. Highs 17-25.

DAYS 6-10 (DECEMBER 17-21)
Developing snow to mix to rain December 17 with a very cold start and less cold finish. Much milder with rain showers possible December 18. Generally dry and colder December 19-21.

DAYS 11-15 (DECEMBER 22-26)
Weak systems may bring a few rain/snow showers early and mid period. Temperatures variable but averaging closer to normal overall.

8:19AM

DAYS 1-5 (DECEMBER 11-15)
The active pattern will continue. This is not a pattern juiced with big storms, but a pattern with frequent systems and changing weather. First, a cold and dry Sunday as clouds increase ahead of the approaching low pressure area that you’ve heard about as if it’s some massive winter storm about to strike. Truth is, as far as winter-type storm systems go, it’s rather minor. Once again it’s timing as well as precipitation type that will have impact on travel. That critical time will be the Monday morning drive as snow will have fallen in much of the region starting several hours before that. The forecast is essentially unchanged from yesterday, so I’ll leave it at that. Looking ahead, there are also no significant changes to the thinking presented on the previous blog update. Tuesday will be fair and chilly as a small high pressure area crosses the region. Keeping Wednesday’s forecast mainly dry for now as systems should be weak enough and far enough apart well south and northwest that we’re in between and left with nothing. What will happen is the southern system will intensify off the Mid Atlantic as it turns more to the north, eventually joining with the northern system to form a larger storm and yank down much colder air from Canada starting Thursday.
TODAY: Sunshine fading behind increasing clouds. Highs 28-36. Wind light variable.
TONIGHT: Thickening overcast. Snow develops overnight except mix South Coast. Lows 22-30. Wind light NE to E.
MONDAY: Overcast. Precipitation morning to early afternoon will be mainly snow I 495 north of the Mass Pike and northwestward from there but may end as a period of sleet/freezing rain near I 495 and in parts of central MA to far southern NH, snow transitioning to mix then rain I 95 belt mainly Boston to Providence corridor, mix turning to rain immediate coast from Boston south including Cape Cod. Updated snow accumulation estimate: coating to 1 inch coastline and Cape Cod, 1-3 inches Boston to Providence corridor, 3-6 inches I 495 belt mainly north of the Mass Pike and northwestward from there. Highs 33-43, mildest Cape Cod. Wind variable 5-15 MPH.
TUESDAY: Partly cloudy. Lows 22-30. Highs 32-40.
WEDNESDAY: Variably cloudy. Lows 20-28. Highs 34-42.
THURSDAY: Partly cloudy. Chance of snow showers. Windy. Lows 15-23. Highs 28-35 early but falling after.

DAYS 6-10 (DECEMBER 16-20)
Fair and very cold December 16. Unsettled over the weekend of December 17-18 with a threat of snow/mix/rain depending on evolution of 1 or 2 low pressure areas. Fair and colder at the end of the period.

DAYS 11-15 (DECEMBER 21-25)
From the Winter Solstice to Christmas Day expect a fast-flowing pattern with a couple minor systems and variable temperatures averaging a little closer to normal.

2:47AM

DAYS 1-5 (DECEMBER 10-14)
Active pattern upcoming as the fast-moving Pacific jet stream pattern continues, but now sharing itself with some colder air pressing southward out of Canada, which makes things a little more interesting. After a fair and cold Saturday and most of Sunday, the next plume of Pacific moisture will arrive with a elongated wave of low pressure Sunday night into Monday. The question continues to be where the snow/mix/rain zones will be, and the best call at this point is to go with snow to start in most areas except mix South Coast Sunday night, then the mix/rain area moving northward to at least the Mass Pike area and Boston-Providence corridor during Monday morning, but how fast and to what position will determine how much snow falls. For now will lean to mainly snow for the duration in the I 495 belt north of the Mass Pike with the mix/rain zone getting into the I 95 corridor toward the end of the event, with more rain further southeast. All of this will be out of here by Monday evening in time for an 8:30PM kick off in Foxboro of Monday Night Football between the Patriots and Ravens. Tuesday will be fair and chilly as a small high pressure area crosses the region. Wednesday will bring the next risk of precipitation but at this point it looks as if it may end up being two systems that never really get too involved with each other, one passing south and the other to the north, so while it is still several days off just going with a risk of snow showers for now.
TODAY: Mostly sunny. Highs 27-35. Wind NW 10-20 MPH with higher gusts morning, diminishing afternoon.
TONIGHT: Clear. Lows 9-15 outlying areas, 16-24 elsewhere. Wind light variable.
SUNDAY: Sunshine fading behind increasing clouds. Highs 28-36. Wind light variable.
SUNDAY NIGHT: Thickening overcast. Snow develops overnight except mix South Coast. Lows 22-30. Wind light NE to E.
MONDAY: Overcast. Precipitation morning to early afternoon will be mainly snow I 495 north of the Mass Pike and northwestward from there but may end as brief mix near I 495, snow transitioning to mix and ending as mix and rain I 95 belt mainly Boston to Providence corridor, mix turning to rain immediate coast from Boston south including Cape Cod. Preliminary snow accumulation estimate: coating to 1 inch coastline and Cape Cod, 1-3 inches Boston to Providence corridor, 3-6 inches I 495 belt mainly north of the Mass Pike and northwestward from there. Highs 33-43, mildest Cape Cod. Wind variable 5-15 MPH.
TUESDAY: Partly cloudy. Lows 22-30. Highs 32-40.
WEDNESDAY: Variably cloudy. Risk of snow showers. Lows 20-28. Highs 32-40.

DAYS 6-10 (DECEMBER 15-19)
Confidence remains lower than average overall but am pretty sure of a blast of cold air early in the period and a storm threat around the weekend of December 17-18.

DAYS 11-15 (DECEMBER 20-24)
Another storm threat may occur about the middle of the period but again highly subject to change based on the fast-flowing pattern and medium range guidance difficulty in the solution of possible systems.