Saturday Forecast

1:50AM

I would like to thank each and every one of you for following this blog not only during 2016, but going all the way back to its beginning at the end of 2010! Please celebrate the new year responsibly and safely. Best wishes to all for a happy and healthy 2017!

DAYS 1-5 (DECEMBER 31-JANUARY 4)
High pressure retreats to the east today and tonight as we say goodbye to 2016 and welcome 2017, a low pressure area tracking eastward just north of New England will send an area of precipitation eastward across southern New England, but this will be a relatively minor event. The time frame and temperature profile will result in snow for western to north central MA, northwestern CT, and southwestern NH by mid evening with some minor accumulation possible, so watch for a few potentially slippery spots for walking and driving. Toward midnight, the area of precipitation should be from the I-495 to I-95 belt from southeastern NH through eastern MA down into CT and northwestern RI as a mix of snow and rain, and after midnight areas to the southeast will see just light rain as it will be too mild there to support snow. By Sunday morning, it’s all offshore and a weak area of high pressure approaching from NY State will result in fair and nice weather for the first day of the new year. This high will drift eastward through Maine into the Canadian Maritimes during Monday as a broad and complex low pressure area begins its approach from the southwest, bringing cloudiness into the region by Monday, possibly wet weather by Monday night, and certainly by Tuesday. This looks like a rain event but icing may be possible at the start if it arrives Monday night. This system will move away on Wednesday and fair weather will return, but colder air lagging behind will allow it to be a mild day.
TODAY: Sun dimmed at times by variable high cloudiness. Highs 33-40. Wind NW 5-15 MPH early gradually shifting to W then SW.
EVENING: Clouding over. A period of snow southwestern NH, western to central MA, northwestern CT with minor accumulation possible here. A period of snow and rain with no accumulation of snow expected in southeastern NH, northeastern and east central MA, southeastern CT, and northwestern RI. Temperatures steady 33-40. Wind SW 5-15 MPH with higher gusts.
OVERNIGHT: Mainly cloudy. A period of light rain southeastern RI and southeastern MA. Lows 27-35. Wind W 5-15 MPH with higher gusts.
SUNDAY: Partly sunny. Highs 35-43. Wind W 5-15 MPH.
SUNDAY NIGHT: Mostly clear. Lows 15-20 interior valleys, 20-30 elsewhere. Wind light varaible.
MONDAY: Increasing clouds. Chance of ice/rain at night. Highs 37-44. Wind light SE.
TUESDAY: Cloudy. Periods of rain. Lows 32-40. Highs 40-48.
WEDNESDAY: Partly cloudy. Lows 35-42. Highs 46-53.

DAYS 6-10 (JANUARY 5-9)
Watch the period January 6-8 for the risk of some snow/mix but activity may stay to the south. This period will likely be book-ended by fair and chilly days January 5 and 9 based on current timing.

DAYS 11-15 (JANUARY 10-14)
The next time frame to watch for possible unsettled weather is January 11-13 but somewhat milder weather is expected during this period.

Friday Forecast

7:23AM

DAYS 1-5 (DECEMBER 30-JANUARY 3)
Watch for icy areas on untreated surfaces today, especially this morning. Melting/drying should take place during the day with a gusty wind and dry weather behind the departing storm of yesterday. The next system will be much weaker, moving in from the west and producing only a little light snow for New Year’s Eve Saturday night except light rain near the South Coast. This will exit early Sunday, the first day of 2017, with a generally dry and pleasant day expected as high pressure moves in, but this will quickly slip off to the east and broad low pressure from the southwest will bring at least cloudiness and the threat of some wet weather later Monday into Tuesday.
TODAY: Sun and passing clouds. Watch for icy areas on untreated surfaces especially morning. Highs 35-42. Wind W 15-30 MPH, higher gusts.
TONIGHT: Mostly clear. Lows 18-26. Wind W 10-20 MPH and gusty, diminishing overnight.
SATURDAY: Sunshine followed by increasing clouds. Highs 35-42.
SATURDAY NIGHT – NEW YEAR’S EVE: Mostly cloudy. Spotty light snow showers except rain showers South Coast. Lows 27-35.
SUNDAY – NEW YEAR’S DAY: Partly sunny. Chance of rain showers South Coast early. Highs 38-46.
MONDAY: Increasing clouds. Chance of rain/ice late day or night. Lows 22-30. Highs 35-43.
TUESDAY: Cloudy. Chance of rain. Lows 32-40. Highs 40-48.

DAYS 6-10 (JANUARY 4-8)
Fair and somewhat colder January 4-6. Risk of snow/mix around January 7-8.

DAYS 11-15 (JANUARY 9-13)
Fair weather early in the period. Unsettled weather returns later in the period. Temperatures near to above normal.

Thursday Forecast

1:39AM

DAYS 1-5 (DECEMBER 29-JANUARY 2)
Nothing fancy. Let’s get right to the facts and my best shot at forecasting this upcoming storm and the weather heading out of 2016 and into the early days of 2017. First, the storm. No big surprises or breaking news here. Still looking at a parent low pressure system moving into southeastern Canada and giving way to a newly developing low on its trailing front, moving from off the Delmarva / NJ coast later today to across far southeastern New England this evening and then into Downeast Maine by early Friday, heading into the Canadian Maritime Provinces from there. What does this mean for southern New England? It means an area of snow/mix/rain moving in from west to east this morning and midday, snow mainly higher elevations western and northern areas of MA and into southern NH, rain to the south and with a mix area in between. As the new low takes over some heavier rain will move up across parts of RI and eastern MA later in the day and evening. The rain/snow line will likely progress pretty far to the west, to the vicinity of the Connecticut River. An exception may be the highest elevations of northern Worcester County and southwestern NH which may hold onto snow for most of if not all of the event. This very fast-moving system will then will drag colder air in behind itself as it moves beyond the region. The question is does the cold air come in quickly enough to change the rain to snow all the way to the coast in MA and NH before the precipitation comes to an end. I believe it will have the greatest chance of changing in the northern reaches of the I-495 belt eastward to the I-95 belt in northeastern MA and southeastern NH, but here it would be brief enough to limit snow accumulation at the very end of the event. Will monitor and update. See forecast periods below for expected accumulations. I expect all precipitation to be done by around midnight. Once the system accelerates away, look for strong and gusty winds overnight and into Friday, which will gradually diminish later Friday. Any snow on the ground and standing water will start to freeze up in the early hours of Friday. With luck some of the pavements will dry quickly in the strong and gusty wind, but be aware of potential icy areas Friday morning, even where snow did not fall. Looking ahead to the final day of 2016 on Saturday, a weak system will approach from the west and may bring a few snow showers to the region later at night, though it may be mild enough for a few rain drops near the South Coast. This will exit early Sunday, the first day of 2017, with a generally dry and pleasant day expected as high pressure moves in, but this will quickly slip off to the east and a broad area of low pressure organizing to the southwest will spread cloudiness into the region during Monday, and depending on timing, it may get wet before the day is over.
TODAY: Cloudy. Snow/mix/rain develops west to east morning-midday with minor accumulation of snow possible in higher elevations of north central MA and southern NH, then rain dominant except in highest elevations for most of the day. Highs 33-45, coldest in highest elevations of north central MA and southern NH, mildest Cape Cod. Wind S to SE 5-15 MPH, increasing to 15-25 MPH in southeastern MA late.
TONIGHT: Overcast evening. Mix/snow highest elevations north central MA and southwestern NH, rain elsewhere, then changing to mix/snow eastward across northern MA and southern NH but remaining as mainly rain elsewhere, then all ending southwest to northeast by midnight. Snow accumulations of a coating to 2 inches mainly west of I-95 in southeastern NH and northeastern MA as well as the hills of central and south central MA and northern CT, building to 4-8 inches in higher elevations of north central MA and southwestern NH. Becoming partly cloudy overnight. Lows 28-35. Wind SE 15-25 MPH with higher gusts evening, shifting to NE then NW to the west of the storm track, SW then W to the east of the storm track, eventually W all areas 15-35 MPH with gusts 40-50 MPH except 50-55 MPH southeastern MA later at night.
FRIDAY: Sun and passing clouds. Watch for icy areas on untreated surfaces especially morning. Highs 35-42. Wind W 15-30 MPH, higher gusts.
FRIDAY NIGHT: Mostly clear. Lows 18-26. Wind W 10-20 MPH and gusty, diminishing overnight.
SATURDAY: Sunshine followed by increasing clouds. Highs 35-42.
SATURDAY NIGHT – NEW YEAR’S EVE: Mostly cloudy. Spotty light snow showers except rain showers South Coast. Lows 27-35.
SUNDAY – NEW YEAR’S DAY: Partly sunny. Chance of rain showers South Coast early. Highs 38-46.
MONDAY: Increasing clouds. Chance of rain/ice late day or night. Lows 22-30. Highs 35-43.

DAYS 6-10 (JANUARY 3-7)
Complex but weak storm system brings a chance of rain at least early January 3 before fair and slightly colder weather returns later and continues January 4-5. Next unsettled weather threat comes late in the period with odds favoring rain over snow.

DAYS 11-15 (JANUARY 8-12)
Unsettled weather most likely to start and end this period with dry weather in between. Temperatures near to above normal.

Wednesday Forecast

3:17AM

DAYS 1-5 (DECEMBER 28-JANUARY 1)
High pressure brings dry and chilly weather today. The much-talked-about “false nor’easter” arrives on Thursday. No, this storm will not be a classic nor’easter. What we have is a parent low pressure area on the Pacific jet stream moving rapidly across southeastern Canada – a common storm track in this pattern. The front that trails from it will focus energy and moisture and with some upper level support a new low pressure area will form on the front and strengthen fairly quickly as it tracks from off the New Jersey coast to across far southeastern New England by Thursday evening then accelerating into the Gulf of Maine and the Canadian Maritimes Friday morning and beyond. For southern New England, the initial precipitation before the second storm forms will move in from west to east during the morning and midday, mainly as snow/mix far inland and rain possibly starting as mix further east. The second storm will only serve to pull in warmer air from off the ocean and bring largely a rain event a good portion of the region with the exception of higher elevations from north central MA and southwestern NH westward through western MA and northwestern CT. It is in these areas that 4 or more inches of snow are very likely. Any snow further east will have to wait until the storm is accelerating away. Only then will enough cold air flow in to start changing rain to snow, but this will also occur as the precipitation is getting ready to exit. So the drop off in snowfall may be very rapid with perhaps 2-4 inches in the I-495 belt especially north of the Mass Pike, and 2 inches or less to the east. It may never snow at all along the coast from Cape Ann to Boston and especially to the south. This area is a bit of a wildcard and it will come down to a tight squeeze in timing. Behind this comes a blustery and colder but dry day Friday. Looking ahead to New Year’s Eve on Saturday, a dry day is expected, but at night a weak low pressure system approaching from the west may bring a little light snow. This does not look like a significant system at all and may just add to the festive atmosphere of the evening. This should move out by the morning of the first day of 2017.
TODAY: Clouds dominate the morning. Sun prevails in the afternoon. Highs 35-42. Wind NW 5-15 MPH with higher gusts.
TONIGHT: Mostly clear evening. Clouds increase overnight. Lows 23-31. Wind W up to 10 MPH.
THURSDAY: Cloudy. Snow/mix develops in the morning southwestern NH and higher elevations of central MA into northwestern CT. Mix to rain developing in areas to the east later morning and midday. Highs 32-40 occurring late-day. Wind SW to S 5-15 MPH.
THURSDAY NIGHT: Overcast with rain except snow higher elevations of southern NH, central MA, and northwestern CT. Then precipitation changing to mix/snow from west to east as it tapers off from southwest to northeast later at night. See above for accumulation forecast. Temperatures ranging from near 32 in snow areas to 40-45 Cape Cod during the evening falling to 27-35 overnight. Wind S to SE shifting to E 10-20 MPH with higher gusts evening, shifting to NE then N 15-25 MPH with higher gusts overnight.
FRIDAY: Sun and passing clouds. Highs 35-42. Wind NW 15-25 MPH with higher gusts.
SATURDAY – NEW YEAR’S EVE: Sun and clouds day. Clouds with a risk of some light snow at night. Lows 20-28. Highs 32-40. Evening to nighttime temperatures generally 27-33.
SUNDAY: Partly sunny. Lows 22-30. Highs 37-45.

DAYS 6-10 (JANUARY 2-6)
Low pressure area approaches on January 2 with a chance of mix to rain into January 3 before departing with drier weather returning. Generally fair and colder January 4-5 then a risk of some unsettled weather by January 6.

DAYS 11-15 (JANUARY 7-11)
Pattern remains generally the same, temperatures averaging on the milder side of normal with a little unsettled weather at times mainly early and again late in the period.

Tuesday Forecast

2:25AM

DAYS 1-5 (DECEMBER 27-31)
For the final 5 days of 2016, an active weather pattern we will see here in southern New England. It starts with the passage of a cold front this morning, with mild temperatures and rain showers, followed by a drying and cooling trend behind the front during the afternoon. Colder air will settle in tonight and Wednesday as high pressure moves toward the region from the west. This high will then push off to the east by Thursday as the next area of low pressure moves eastward across eastern Canada. Its cold front will approach New England from the west but as it gets to the northern Mid Atlantic, a new low will form on it and intensify as it tracks from near the NJ coast to likely over southeastern MA by early Friday, before exiting via the Gulf of Maine while deepening during Friday. First, the big question will be the track of the new storm and the rain/snow line that will set up somewhere in the area. Though there will likely be rapid redevelopment and intensification of low pressure off the New Jersey coast that will then track toward far southeastern New England, it will be a very progressive system and not have a lot of time for cold air to become established widespread across the region. So at this time leaning toward a wetter versus whiter scenario for all of southeastern MA and RI into parts of east central MA and southeastern NH, with more snow as you go back to the west and north. Will work on snow amounts for the next post. Behind this will come a shot of cold air for the end of the week. A weak break-away low pressure system from a larger system in the Midwest will bring the chance of some light snow later on New Year’s Eve.
TODAY: Mostly cloudy early to mid morning with rain showers ending. Partly to mostly sunny late morning on. Highs 47-54. Wind W 10-20 MPH with higher gusts.
TONIGHT: Mostly clear. Lows 24-31. Wind W 5-15 MPH.
WEDNESDAY: Mostly sunny. Highs 33-40. Wind W 5-15 MPH.
THURSDAY: Cloudy. Developing precipitation during the day, ending overnight, falling as mix to rain southeastern areas possibly ending as snow, snow to mix/rain likely ending as snow northwestern areas. Will refine this forecast on next post. Lows 22-30. Highs 38-45.
FRIDAY: Partly cloudy. Windy. Lows 22-30. Highs 30-38.
SATURDAY – NEW YEAR’S EVE: Partly sunny day. Mostly cloudy evening. Chance of light snow late night. Lows 15-22. Highs 28-35.

DAYS 6-10 (JANUARY 1-5)
New Year’s Day a weak system should bring light rain/snow showers. A larger system may bring mix to rain later January 2 into early January 3 followed by drier weather later in the period. Temperatures near to above normal.

DAYS 11-15 (JANUARY 6-10)
No major changes to the overall pattern. A couple of precipitation threats, with rain favored over mix/snow. Temperatures above normal.

Monday Forecast

2:48AM

DAYS 1-5 (DECEMBER 26-30)
The pattern remains similar to what we’ve been seeing with a general storm track across the Great Lakes into southeastern Canada. These systems drag their fronts through New England and produce our precipitation threats, often rain-dominated, but sometimes other precipitation types occur depending on timing and local conditions. We’ll be dealing with 2 of these systems during this period, one today to early Tuesday, and another one on Thursday. If the moisture sneaks in quickly enough, some spotty flakes of snow and pellets of ice may develop in parts of the region during the day today as clouds become dominant. By evening and tonight, warm enough air will result in just rain showers, although cold air trapped near the ground may allow any of that rain to freeze on some surfaces in interior northern MA into southern NH for a while before it eventually warms up enough there to eliminate that issue. This system will push offshore putting an end to the rain showers early Tuesday. A period of dry weather will follow through Wednesday. But the quick-moving pattern brings the next system in on Thursday. For now, this system looks like largely a rain event as a redevelopment of low pressure on the passing front will likely be occurring too late and in the wrong position to be the type of system that would result in significant snowfall. However, cold air moving in quickly on the back side may mean a brief period of snow for some areas at the end, provided moisture hangs around long enough. The end of the week should end up dry but much colder.
TODAY: Clouding up. Spotty light snow/sleet showers possible midday and afternoon. Late-day highs 30-36 southern NH and northern MA and 37-44 southeastern MA and RI. Wind light S.
TONIGHT: Cloudy. Rain showers likely except brief freezing rain possible in portions of southern NH and interior northern MA. Patchy fog. Temperatures rise to 38-48. Wind S to SW 5-15 MPH.
TUESDAY: Mostly cloudy early to mid morning with rain showers ending. Partly to mostly sunny late morning on. Highs 47-54. Wind W 10-20 MPH with higher gusts.
TUESDAY NIGHT: Mostly clear. Lows 24-31. Wind W 5-15 MPH.
WEDNESDAY: Mostly sunny. Highs 33-40. Wind W 5-15 MPH.
THURSDAY: Cloudy. Rain showers likely, may end as mix/snow some areas at night. Lows 22-30. Highs 38-45.
FRIDAY: Partly cloudy. Windy. Lows 22-30. Highs 30-38.

DAYS 6-10 (DECEMBER 31-JANUARY 4)
New Year’s Eve outlook: Dry and cold. New Year’s Day outlook: Snow/mix to rain but does not look like a strong weather system. Another system may bring precipitation, favoring rain, later January 2 into January 3. Should dry out by the end of the period.

DAYS 11-15 (JANUARY 5-9)
Same general pattern with 1 or 2 precipitation threats. Rain favored over snow but far too early for any high confidence.

Sunday Forecast

Merry Christmas!

2:33AM

DAYS 1-5 (DECEMBER 25-29)
High pressure to the north of the region provides a seasonably cool and dry Christmas Day. A low pressure system will move eastward into southeastern Canada Monday, and its associated cold front will bring another round of rain showers to this area Monday night. Behind it will by dry weather with a mild Tuesday and colder Wednesday. Timing brings the next front in from the west, parented by yet another low pressure area tracking into eastern Canada, during Thursday.
TODAY – CHRISTMAS DAY: Mostly sunny. Highs 38-45. Wind N 5-15 MPH.
TONIGHT: Mostly clear. Lows 20-28. Wind light N.
MONDAY: Increasing clouds. Chance of rain showers late day and night. Highs 35-42 but may rise at night. Wind variable 5-15 MPH becoming S to SW.
TUESDAY: Partly cloudy. Windy. Lows 33-40. Highs 40-47.
WEDNESDAY: Mostly sunny. Lows 18-24. Highs 33-40.
THURSDAY: Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain showers. Lows 28-35. Highs 40-48.

DAYS 6-10 (DECEMBER 30-JANUARY 3)
Dry and colder December 30-31. Next system brings a chance of rain showers later January 1 into January 2 with dry weather following.

DAYS 11-15 (JANUARY 4-8)
Pattern persistence with fast-moving low pressure areas tracking over or north of the region with a few episodes of rain/mix possible.

Saturday Forecast

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.

Friday Forecast

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.

Thursday Forecast

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.

Wednesday Forecast

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.

Tuesday Forecast

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.

Monday Forecast

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.

Sunday Forecast

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.

Saturday Forecast

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.