DAYS 1-5 (FEBRUARY 22-26)
A cloudy but quiet Sunday ahead of a winter storm that will whack the region with snow and wind tonight and Monday as low pressure emerging off the Mid Atlantic Coast intensifies rapidly and passes southeast of New England. The closer to the coast you are the wetter the snow will be. A coastal front will separate temperatures closer to freezing from temperatures below freezing – the boundary being in the vicinity of I-95 during the storm. Wetter snow combined with strongest wind gusts in the coastal plain make chances of power outages much higher in these locations. Mildest air and wettest snow holds accumulations down somewhat over Cape Cod and the Islands. Areas just west of the coastal front can maximize accumulation due to enhancement of snowfall. We also have to watch for not only bands of heavier snowfall, but bands of drier air where snow can be less intense. Thundersnow is a low chance but is possible in some of the heavier snow bands. The peak of the storm will be during the 12 hours from midnight to noon Monday with a quick increase leading into it and a slow wind-down following it. The NWS has issued a blizzard warning from the NH Seacoast through coastal Essex County, Metro Boston, all of southeastern MA, and RI. These are the areas most likely to see blizzard criteria met – sustained winds or frequent wind gusts of 35 MPH or greater and visibility under 1/4 mile for at least 3 hours. Accumulation expectation is 10 to 18 inches for most areas with the most likely area failing to reach 10 being Cape Cod and the Islands and isolated greater-than-18 inch pockets a potential under any quasi-stationary bands of heaviest snow. Storm wind-down is complete by Monday night then we get a break with high pressure bringing fair weather Tuesday. The next low pressure system comes our way via the Great Lakes Wednesday with some snow/mix/rain. This one will not be a major event. Unsettled weather lingers into Thursday as well and the next storm system approaches by late Thursday from the Ohio Valley with another rain/mix/snow threat. More details on the midweek unsettled episodes in the next post.
TODAY: Cloudy. Highs 30-37. Wind N to NE 5-15 MPH.
TONIGHT: Overcast. Snow arrives south to north, heavy at times late evening and overnight. Thunder possible near South Coast overnight. Lows 25-32. Wind NE increasing to 15-25 MPH inland and 25-35 MPH coast with higher gusts.
MONDAY: Overcast. Snow, heavy at times morning, including the chance of thunder. Snow tapering off west to east afternoon. Highs 27-34, coldest well inland, mildest Cape Cod. Wind NE 15-35 MPH, gusts 40-60 MPH, strongest along the coast.
MONDAY NIGHT: Clearing. Lows 18-25. Wind N 15-25 MPH with higher gusts evening, diminishing overnight.
TUESDAY: Mostly sunny. Highs 28-35. Wind NW 5-15 MPH.
TUESDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy. Lows 13-20. Wind W under 10 MPH.
WEDNESDAY: Cloudy. Rain/mix/snow likely. Highs 30-37. Wind variable 5-15 MPH.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT / THURSDAY: Mostly cloudy. Occasional rain/mix/snow expected. Lows 26-33. Highs 33-40. Wind variable 5-15 MPH.
DAYS 6-10 (FEBRUARY 27 – MARCH 3)
Clearing out February 27 based on current timing. Briefly dry weather, then next unsettled weather threat comes in the March 1-2 time frame. Temperatures near to below normal.
DAYS 11-15 (MARCH 4-8)
One or two additional unsettled weather threats as the active pattern continues in early March. Temperatures near to below normal.
Thanks, TK.
Thanks Tk
Thanks TK
Some very light snow where I am. The appetizer before the main course.
SPC outlook for the storm. Maybe some thundersnow
https://www.spc.noaa.gov/partners/outlooks/fema/images/fema01_swody1.png?1771764108
Good morning and thank you TK
Did someone mention the HREF at the end of the last blog. Here it is. WOW!!!!
https://ibb.co/v60h4WyK
If that is not a HOLY CRAP BATMAN I don’t know what is.
Actually it’s more like a thank goodness the HREF is being taken out of commission soon. 🙂
🙂 🙂 🙂
So why does the NWS use it? Thx
I did and it’s intense. Wow is true.
Thank you TK!
Wordle: 5
Off to try to find ice melt. Wish me luck!
No letters on 1st guess, 1 in position on 2nd guess, BUT totally and completely LOST! Haven’t a clue. Setting it aside for a few. 🙂
I have two letters in correct place after three guesses and have no idea what word is. Also setting it aside
Here comes Hernando!
I need to write an ABBA “Fernando” parody, like, today.
Hahaha, that would be epic!
6Z Euro
Surface
https://ibb.co/Fb6b4Pqs
Total qpf 1.5-1.7 for Boston
https://ibb.co/nqX7Bz3V
TK, thanks for your sane approach to this storm. It is NOT 2/6/78. It is NOT 4/1/1997. It’s a strong storm. Probably a foot or so – as much as 15 inches – in Boston with bigger amounts just south of the city.
60-80 MPH winds and 1-2 feet of snow is pretty big to me. Way over 15 inches in Boston. Nothing will compare to 78 and not sure anyone here is saying that.
Agreed Hadi.
It’s clearly a biggie for sure. It may not be tops in snow totals, but the damage it may inflict could be right up there. We shall see.
Nemo had us without power for days. It doesn’t have to be the Blizzard of 78 to have a huge impact.
Hmmm
Did someone mention near the end of the last blog that the RRFSA was not on board?
Here is the 6Z total snow
https://www.pivotalweather.com/model.php?m=rrfs_a&p=sn10_acc-imp&rh=2026022206&fh=60&r=us_ne&dpdt=&mc=
Looks on board to me. 🙂
RRFS-A
I know that the RRFS means RAPID REFRESH FORECAST SYSTEM, but what does the A represent?
TWC calling it Hernando
WFSB our CBS station in CT which has named winter storm since 1973 when most of the CT is expected to get 6 or more inches of snow or most of CT is expected to get 1/4 inch or greater ice accumulation. This year the theme is President’s names
This storm is being called Blizzard Calvin. We had Abraham just after Christmas and Benjamin about a month ago.
My name for it: winter storm.
🙂
lol!
the 12Z HRRR is rolling….
NTC radar, just to see what’s cooking down the road.
https://radar.weather.gov/station/KOKX/standard
To JpD,
RRFS-A: The A is shorthand for Prototype A. I believe the model is still designated as experimental.
Ahhh, makes perfect sense. Thank you very much.
That is correct.
The NWS map.
https://www.weather.gov/images/box/winter/StormTotalSnow.jpg
HAM HIRES wind gusts in knots
https://ibb.co/G43pN8yC
Hmmm should read: NAM
Thanks TK!
12Z HRRR winds
https://www.pivotalweather.com/model.php?m=hrrr&p=sfcwind_mslp&rh=2026022212&fh=29&r=us_ne&dpdt=&mc=
“They call the wind Hernando”
Thanks TK.
USA leads 1-0. YAY!
US up 1-0 vs Canada in Olympic hockey match.
The key to it all, 500mb goes negative tilt
https://www.pivotalweather.com/model.php?m=hrrr&p=500wh&rh=2026022212&fh=12&r=conus&dpdt=&mc=
Shopping done !
Thee HRRR is cranking out the SNOW!!!
Up a tad from 6Z totals!
Is it just me or is this thing coming in hot?
I think you are correct. based on the HRRR, the NAM should be through the ROOF!!!
Not that the NAM would necessarily be correct.
And fast
It’s just you. Nothing has changed.
12Z HRRR Kuchera snow totals.
https://www.pivotalweather.com/model.php?m=hrrr&p=snku_acc-imp&rh=2026022212&fh=39&r=us_ne&dpdt=&mc=
20 inches for BOSTON! 2 feet Plus to the SW.
Hover the mouse and look at the totals just outside the city.
“about” 22 inches for JP
25 inches for areas out around Millis,Medway and Holliston.
tell me this is NOT a BIG storm….
IT IS!!!! or it WILL BE.
Might see more than 20 here
I need to go EAT something, but I can’t force myself to leave my computer. My wife says I am OBSESSED!!! Guess I am, when it comes to big snows. 🙂
Thank you Mr. JP for posting the modeling for everyone.
Mark is unavailable. We usually share. Love doing it. No problem.
Agree!
I appreciate your non hype approach to forecasting.however,I would like to point out that you tend to lump ”Cape Cod and the islands” together as if they were one homogenous area and as a weather reporter and observer of over 50 years I can tell you they are not.Nantucket is over 30 miles out to sea from my location and usually has very different snow totals from mainland Cape Cod with most snow scenarios.even Marthas Vineyard is usually quite different from Nantucket.this would be reflected in annual snowfall statistics,which can be hard to find for the island.but I always read your posts,find them interesting.
You are correct, and it’s easy to overlook all of that in the context of the “region”. Making note of it!
So is Melrose going to have the more wet/ snow? Why no accumulations for areas?
Wetter on the front end but trending drier. At least according the the HRRR.
I put the #’s in the discussion section. 10-18 for you. 🙂
Borderline wet. Not mashed potatoes, but definitely not the feather fluff we had in the previous big storm.
Thanks TK! I fully expect to lose power in Padanaram Village. Really interested to experience this wind although the results will stink when we lose power.
I consider myself lucky to get Wordle in 4.
Excellent. I AM i. The middle of it. Not looking good so far.
Excellent SClarke. I’m in the I have no clue car so far with JPD
Danielle Noyes. Thorough report.
You can fast for ward to 3:41 to see snow map.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYB4dN0QBGw
The “convection-allowing” higher res guidance is starting to show the banding features better now, not only including a couple of intense bands, but the in-between subsidence zones where the snow rates are much lower. The latter is why I left 10 as the lower limit.
I am thinking I’ll be on lower end because of proximity to the shore. On the other hand, I’ll get battered by wind.
Clarification…
No, it’s not coming in “hotter” than expected, nor is it coming in faster than expected.
The low pressure area has barely started to organize at this point. It takes place in the hours ahead of us and the greatest impact timing has been outlined in my discussion above.
If I spy any changes to expectation, I’ll post it here in the comments section.
(See the comment I made just before this one.)
12z nam kuchera snow
https://www.pivotalweather.com/model.php?m=nam&p=snku_acc-imp&rh=2026022212&fh=42&r=us_ne&dpdt=&mc=
Interesting how some of the giant snow totals are being “model-projected” with not enough precipitation to create such totals with the ratios in place.
Not the first time I’ve seen that.
34 here
Ocean: 36
Wordle: 5
I thought I would never get it. Had to even waste a guess to catch another letter.
Wow. Great JPD. Im now in the no clue car alone
If you want a good laugh, look at the NBM snow map from NJ to New England. 🙂
US 1-0 still vs Canada. The Canadiens had a 5 on 3 and could not score.
Absolutely key kill there.
Thrilling USA / Canada hockey gold medal game so far.
USA goalie is a product of UMass Lowell, my alma mater. 🙂
And one heck of a goalie!
Cool.
U.S. hockey has come a long way since 1980. I realize that the Miracle on Ice was in 1980. But overall, U.S. hockey today is better than it was then, at least that’s my opinion. There are a lot of really good American players now.
Wordle: 3 (anytime I cross out 8 or more letters in the first two guesses I know one or two “lesser” letters will be involved.)
Re: Blizzard of 78 comparisons – call me crazy but I don’t think anything can compare to that in modern times in terms of impact because of how much forecasting and warning has improved as well as how good our snow removal abilities are.
Right. How many Front end loaders will be in service tomorrow as compared to after the Blizzard of 78???
The February 1978 storm was epic, as was April 1997. The former did a loop, as I recall, fairly close to the benchmark. It was nonstop wind howling for hours along with very heavy snow. April 1997 had some pretty good wind, too, along with incredible snowfall rates and thundersnow. Add to that, it was in April.
Yikes. Well done
12z 3KM NAM Kuchera Snow
https://www.pivotalweather.com/model.php?m=nam4km&p=snku_acc-imp&rh=2026022212&fh=55&r=us_ne&dpdt=&mc=
12Z HRW FV3 Kuchera Snow
https://www.pivotalweather.com/model.php?m=hrwfv3&p=snku_acc-imp&rh=2026022212&fh=40&r=us_ne&dpdt=&mc=
Thanks TK !
Wordle: fail 🙂
Sorry Tom. It was a tough one for sure.
I suspect I’ll join you. If I can even think of more words
NWS just put out this tweet saying this is a “Potentially Historic/Destructive Storm”: https://ibb.co/qYgqDPHW
Wow! That is some really strongly worded text there!!
Charging everything now.
Bummer, CANADA tied the score.
Does anyone know why the NWS experimental range is so wide? I’ve never seen such a wide margin before. Screenshot: https://ibb.co/RTrv19LN
9-24 for boston seems like a crazy margin.
Sorry 9-26! Even wider.
Seems way too wide. I guess they include the extremes at either end????
12Z RRFSA is back down again on snow totals!
https://www.pivotalweather.com/model.php?m=rrfs_a&p=snowfall_acc-imp&rh=2026022212&fh=38&r=us_ne&dpdt=&mc=
https://www.pivotalweather.com/model.php?m=hrrr&p=850wh&rh=2026022212&fh=28&r=us_ne&dpdt=&mc=
https://www.pivotalweather.com/model.php?m=rrfs_a&p=850wh&rh=2026022212&fh=28&r=us_ne&dpdt=&mc=
Still feel some differences and relating it the NWS text above, if the HRRR location of the 850 mb jet verifies, then yes, if the RRFS A location verifies, then that area of concern is more for Plymouth and Cape Cod. It is an important 25-40 mile difference. Also has an effect on northern mass snowfall amts, I believe.
This is the latest NWS snow map I have
https://www.weather.gov/images/box/WxStory/WeatherStory4.png
and this
https://www.weather.gov/images/box/winter/StormTotalSnow.jpg
WHY do they circulate different maps??????????
I am happy as a snow lover I am not in the CT River Valley. The shadow effect being picked up by some of the guidance.
Look at what is going on in New Jersey! Most interesting
https://radar.weather.gov/station/KOKX/standard
What exactly?
Synoptic snow going one way, low level ocean effect going the other.
Is that a convergence?
No. It’s different air flow at different levels. Very common.
Pretty cool, isn’t it?
Because of the RRFS A, I’m not a complete 100% lock on full fury.
I’m at 85%.
I allow 15% for 3-6” in the Merrimack valley, 4-8” in Boston, 5-10” in Marshfield and the full fury being just southeast of a line from Plymouth to New Bedford.
It’s where that 850 mb jet gets to. There’s decent snow and wind to its northwest and we get into that, but the full fury of 10-18” with the ferocious winds are for the areas that are UNDER that 850 mb jet and I don’t 100% trust how far northwest that gets.
With the snow amounts I hope your wrong , I want over a foot here ( without destruction ) if we get less then 10 I will be extremely disappointed
yes, that RRFSA has been all over the place. It was juiced up on the 6Z run, only to back off on the 12z run. Let’s see what the 18Z run does. I’m with you. I am somewhat skeptical of the numbers being thrown out by the NWS. The “appeared” to have hung their hat with the HREF and/or the NBM. Oh well.
10-18 seems far more reasonable than 18-24 imho. But it isn’t here yet, so who knows. There is always something unexpected.
Will be fun to watch regardless.
Boston has its first Blizzard Warning since January 28, 2022. ❄️
The 2021-22 Winter Season was only the 4th time Boston (54.0”) received more snowfall than Worcester (53.6”) in weather history. ❄️
Nice NWS discussion
https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?format=CI&glossary=1&highlight=off&issuedby=BOX&product=AFD&site=NWS&version=1
Remarried to the NBM.
and HREF
I suspect many school districts from Boston south will have 2 snow days added on to their vacations. 🙂 ❄️
Philip there is still a decent amount of snow on the ground here throughout the neighborhood’s & parking lots etc
Not for Nothing….going along with Tom’s Post.
The Canadian RDPS and GDPS have come down considerably like the RRFSA. So, what’s up with that?????
I know we’ll lose some accumulation near the coast due
to ratios. But even looking at the qpfs, they are down as well
for RRSFA, RDPS and GDPS.
HOWEVER, the CANADIAN HI RES HRDPS model, everything is through the roof!!!
So what does one believe???
Will continue to watch. 🙂
See below, location of core of 850 mb jet.
It’s the whole ballgame on this setup.
The bottom 2 links are the models you mentioned.
https://www.pivotalweather.com/model.php?m=icon&p=850wh&rh=2026022212&fh=30&r=us_ne&dpdt=&mc=
https://www.pivotalweather.com/model.php?m=hrrr&p=850wh&rh=2026022212&fh=27&r=us_ne&dpdt=&mc=
https://www.pivotalweather.com/model.php?m=rdps&p=850wh&rh=2026022212&fh=27&r=us_ne&dpdt=&mc=
https://www.pivotalweather.com/model.php?m=rrfs_a&p=850wh&rh=2026022212&fh=27&r=us_ne&dpdt=&mc=
If the top 2 verify, the big case scenario verifies. Like everyone’s snow maps and the text from NWS 15 mins ago
If the bottom 2 verify, shift snow contours and where to expect the worst winds probably 20-30 miles southeastward.
This is such an important 20-30 miles, frankly for the south shore. It’s the difference btwn that again referred to NWS text and something that’s strong but probably not crippling.
I hate that we have this 850 mb jet location difference this close in.
Excellent. Pretty pathetic to have this much disparity less than 24 hours in. Wow! Let’s see if the divergence closes up
on the 18Z runs.
WPC surface map depicting early stages of our storm
https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/sfc/90fwbg.gif
12Z RDPS
Farthest North for the 850 mb
https://www.pivotalweather.com/model.php?m=rdps&p=850wh&rh=2026022212&fh=24&r=us_ne&dpdt=&mc=
Kuchera snow
https://www.pivotalweather.com/model.php?m=rdps&p=snku_acc-imp&rh=2026022212&fh=42&r=us_ne&dpdt=&mc=
What’s up with that??? This would NOT be a headline storm
Just average run of the mill, except maybe for the wind.
TK always said to toss the RDPS so did SAK I believe. Said it was pretty much garbage.
I’ve never been a fan of it. But that doesn’t change if it suddenly forecasts “more” either.
It has too many short-comings.
100%
12Z ICON 850 mb
https://www.pivotalweather.com/model.php?m=icon&p=850wh&rh=2026022212&fh=30&r=us_ne&dpdt=&mc=
Kuchera Snow
https://www.pivotalweather.com/model.php?m=icon&p=snku_acc-imp&rh=2026022212&fh=72&r=us_ne&dpdt=&mc=
What a difference between those 2 models!!!
Exactly !!!
It’s a massive, important difference.
For Marshfield, it’s probably the difference btwn crippling (power issues) and back to functionality by later Tuesday.
12Z RAP 850 mb
https://www.pivotalweather.com/model.php?m=rap&p=850wh&rh=2026022214&fh=21&r=us_ne&dpdt=&mc=
I’m not being an ass, I promise.
In this setup, I almost don’t need to look at the snow projections first.
I need to see where the model and its run reaches the 850 mb jet and where it puts the absolute core of that.
Then, the snow and wind concerns land right under that.
If there’s not consistency by 00z tonight, I’ll be beyond frustrated.
I am concerned about the mixing with this storm becoming more prevalent. Could the models be picking up on that?
Yikes. Must be a storm coming. Took quite a while to get to the end of comments
Thank you TK. Up four degrees from low to 32
Did we have a G storm?? Big one was Fern so my grandson and I were thinking this is G
Gianna was the one earlier in the month that gave parts of the Carolinas snow
Ahhh ok. Tx
Snowfall Forecasts from around the dial AND an additional collection of infographics including wind gust chart, preparedness tips, warnings and alerts…
https://ibb.co/8nLFJShm
https://ibb.co/zWrWmXgR
Thanks Doc
Usually I want to say these type numbers are too low, but now I am thinking they are too high. We shall see.
Note: Ch. 7 moved their 18-24 range a few miles back away from the immediate coastline.
Probably not a huge difference in the long run.
Thank you.
USA-Canada OVERTIME!
Quite a bit of RAIN in New Jersey right now – interesting
Wow! Even raining as far North as Newark, across the River from NYC.
However, it is snowing in NYC, including Central PArk, LaGuardia airport and Kennedy airport
https://www.pivotalweather.com/model.php?m=gfs&p=850wh&rh=2026022100&fh=60&r=us_ne&dpdt=&mc=
https://www.pivotalweather.com/model.php?m=gfs&p=850wh&rh=2026022212&fh=24&r=us_ne&dpdt=&mc=
GFS yesterday vs GFS today (2nd link). Sagging south a bit with that 850 mb jet
Today’s 12z GFS is very different from yesterday’s 12z.
Yes, it did end ip much different 🙂
Boston gets under the northwest fringe of the 850 mb jet for a 3 hr period.
Marshfield gets further into it, but never its strongest core for about 6 hrs and the true core is further southeast of Marshfield.
Seeing some signals of pushing the absolute worst a bit further south and east.
Again, not a miss at all in Boston, but really not confident at all they see the worst.
last minute signs of a LESSER event for sure.
Pembroke tom & Marshfield
Towns north and west of 495, I think, might want to wait til tomorrow morning to make a snow day call.
Worcester already called it
the 12Z GFS has fallen off of a CLIFF!!!
Kuchera Snow
https://www.pivotalweather.com/model.php?m=gfs&p=snku_acc-imp&rh=2026022212&fh=42&r=us_ne&dpdt=&mc=
Well, that 850 mb jet was further south than its recent runs.
I don’t know at this point.
Does this stabilize or does that 850 mb jet sink a little further south on future runs across multiple models?
USA Men’s Hockey!!
Yay !!!
Incredible win!!! Congratulations!!!!
Aren’t we always told to not use med-long range global models to predict short range small scale details?
I don’t know the answer to that, but it’s the RRFS A that’s been on my mind the last 48 hrs and then I guess, just noticing that the GFS changed some.
That RRFS has been giving pause left and right.
It came on board, then fell overboard, got retrieved and back on board ONLY to fall in yet again!!!!!
Experimental
Who said anybody was doing that? Just noting what’s there.
I can assure you I know how to use guidance my friend. Been doing it since the Barotropic model existed. And that was a LONG time ago. 😉
Thank you TK!
Wordle – 2 (3 green letters in first word)!
Superior Shotime !!!
WOW!!! you rule today!!!!
Yikes. I am incredibly impressed. About to get back to wordle now
Thank you all! 🙂
My current plan is to watch the USA hockey game replay about 100 times!
Love it !
Go USA! Great win
Wordle 5, tough one…
Agree!
12Z HRDPS has 850 mb jet more to the SOuth
https://www.pivotalweather.com/model.php?m=hrdps&p=850wh&rh=2026022212&fh=24&r=us_ne&dpdt=&mc=
And subsequent heaviest snow to the South
https://www.pivotalweather.com/model.php?m=hrdps&p=prateptype-imp&rh=2026022212&fh=24&r=us_ne&dpdt=&mc=
Creeps North, but not as far as 6Z
https://www.pivotalweather.com/model.php?rh=2026022212&fh=25&dpdt=&mc=&r=us_ne&p=prateptype-imp&m=hrdps
Just got upgraded to a Blizzard Warning in Sterling, MA.
Is the NWS looking at something different that we are?
NMB??? GEEZ!!
All in! Pretty soon it will be time to call!
12z HRDPS Pummels the South Shore
https://www.pivotalweather.com/model.php?rh=2026022212&fh=26&dpdt=&mc=&r=us_ne&p=prateptype-imp&m=hrdps
700mb jet just South of Boston
https://www.pivotalweather.com/model.php?m=hrdps&p=700wh&rh=2026022212&fh=26&r=us_ne&dpdt=&mc=
12Z UKMET NOT backing down
https://www.pivotalweather.com/model.php?rh=2026022212&fh=39&dpdt=&mc=&r=us_ne&p=sn10_acc-imp&m=ukmo_global
You’d almost think it had some kind of conscience! 😉
he he he
Anything related to the Canadian suite has been less amped and a bit further south.
12Z HREF is STILL cranking out huge snow totals.
Here is just an example. 1 hour snow totals 6-7 AM tomorrow
https://ibb.co/p6vSbPm6
NOTE!!!!!!!!!!
If I bring up what a piece of guidance says, that does NOT mean that is my forecast. I feel the need to point that out.
Model output observations are NOT “TK is changing his forecast with every run.”
If you want to know my forecast, it’s posted above – i.e., the actual blog post that these comments are attached to.
Now that we have that cleared up, on we go. 🙂
Understood, although, we all take a lot more notice when you comment on model outputs as the resident expert. It’s hard to separate a simple comment about what a model is showing and if its supporting your forecast.
AIGFS does not produce enough precipitation on its 12z output to match snow maps like NWS. So we know they are not relying on that. 😉
Speaking of aigfs – in the blog you said near to below normal temps for mar 4-8th… what do you think of the past few runs where the aigfs seems to be picking up on some warmup with temps in the 60s? I know it not only seems far fetched but downright impossible with the snow cover we’ll have after tomorrow. But is any sort of a warmup plausible to even just above normal?
Is this a Miller A setup?
It’s neither clean Miller A nor clean Miller B, but it’s closer to Miller B.
Thanks TK! That makes sense.
I’m hoping for it to not be over 14 inches here. With the last big storm the snow drifts were so large enough that I had no choice but to get a ladder and shovel the roof because there were three feet plus drifts in random areas of the roof. With how strong the wind gust potential is and the rate of snowfall… unless we “underperform” from the higher end numbers the news stations have put out – I will be back up there again.
Also: I think I’d have far less anxiety about the storm if I got rid of one massive tree in particular. (Would gladly take tree removal company recommendations lol) Going to have to bite the big financial bullet and get rid of it this spring or summer. If all I had to worry about was power outages and roof clearing I’d be happier.
https://www.goes.noaa.gov/sector_band.php?sat=G19§or=na&band=09&length=24
I look at this and I see the big upper low out well to our east.
The models that advertise the big hit, they depend on the 500 mb low coming off the east coast to track northeast.
The models like the RRFS A, the new GFS, it’s more of an ENE track.
And I think it’s more likely to track closer to ENE than NE with what is east of us.
I even think if I look really close, there’s a small disturbance tracking SE thru New Brunswick.
I guess in summary, my thought is, the stuff further east in the Atlantic makes me think our system is going to gain more longitude than latitude as it passes by us.
It is possible and these models are sniffing that out first.
Nothing I have seen tells me we aren’t going to get crushed. Yes, places will get more and others less 🙂
Thanks, TK!
What a game!
I loved how the USA hockey family honored Johnny Gaudreau after the medal ceremony and brought his daughters onto the ice for the team photo. What an emotional and beautiful moment!
I think goalie Connor Hellebuyck played his college hockey at UMass-Lowell. TK, aren’t you and SAK alums of UML? If so, congratulations!
And, now, for something completely different…
Back to Winter Storm Hernando, already in progress. 🙂
12Z HRDPS Kuchera Snow. Down a tad from 6z, but still pretty impressive
https://www.pivotalweather.com/model.php?m=hrdps&p=snku_acc-imp&rh=2026022212&fh=41&r=us_ne&dpdt=&mc=
So, what is going on???
I’d like a bit more consistency here…..
Certainly a miss is OFF the table, but the big bad monster “may’ be off or “may” be on. I don’t pretend to know and it
drives me NUTS!!!!
Just wait and see what happens
Yup, I guess we’re pretty much in that mode, although we still have the 18Z suite to monitor for any last minute changes. 🙂
In your opinion could Boston end up with a bigger hit vs here down on the south shore . I can’t be anymore prepared than I am for whatever happens .
Never say never, but the feature (850 mb jet) that is most responsible for the best snow and wind is coming from south to north.
So, if it gets to Boston, it got to us and we would only be deeper into its strongest core.
The one thing that might cause what you asked is if a band of heavy snow sits over Boston and we sit in the lighter band to its south for a while.
So if I’m reading it right ( I think ) your saying we will still get significant amount down here is that correct
You’re going to get a significant amount down there.
Finally seeing some Northward progress of the snow.
https://radar.weather.gov/station/KOKX/standard
15Z RAP gets the 850 mb jet flow up over Boston
https://www.pivotalweather.com/model.php?m=rap&p=850wh&rh=2026022215&fh=23&r=us_ne&dpdt=&mc=
big time
https://www.pivotalweather.com/model.php?m=rap&p=850wh&rh=2026022215&fh=24&r=us_ne&dpdt=&mc=
15Z RAP total Kuchera snow
https://www.pivotalweather.com/model.php?m=rap&p=snku_acc-imp&rh=2026022215&fh=44&r=us_ne&dpdt=&mc=
Model ratio snow
https://www.pivotalweather.com/model.php?m=rap&p=snowfall_acc-imp&rh=2026022215&fh=44&r=us_ne&dpdt=&mc=
NBM is just nuts
https://x.com/bradybgwx/status/2025612388557263347?s=46
And has virtually zero chance of verifying.
Someone earlier mentioned thundersnow.
Can/do the models predict lightning in such a storm?
I would assume lightning comes when the storm is greatly intensifying.
Yep. Blizzard warning for sutton too
I hope the power outages are minimal for the region. I am not sure if it’s OSHA regs or not, but I do not believe power line workers can go up in bucket trucks to fix snapped wires if the winds are above a certain velocity.
Absolutely correct it’s not allowed for safety reasons as it should be
Now that we have the Euro and EuroAI, ie the 12z suite, I would say
4-8” Merrimack valley southwestward thru northern Worcester County then down into west central CT
6-10”, Rte 128 area into southern Worcester county, intoeastern CT
10-12” in Boston and its suburbs southwestward to just west of rte 24
12-15” with wind gusts to 50 maybe 55 mph in the south shore coastal towns, westward to jus east of rte 24
And then about old exit 3, south of Plymouth onto Cape Cod is that 15-20” with the overlapping wind gusts btwn 55 and 70 mph.
I can’t see the last paragraph’s snow and wind getting up to Boston’s latitude based on seeing all the models locations of the 850 mb jet, particularly its strongest core.
Now, reserve the right to a shift these contours further, based on 00z suite.
12-15 of heavy cement down here will be a significant cleanup. Snow removal ( professionally) has two parts . Part one is just keeping up with the storm during its intensity . Part two is the cleanup
For sure.
After a quick review of current & short range guidance, no changes.
I have noticed things on the map are a tad further east than previously modeled … Larger implications in the shorter term is much lower snow totals for places like eastern PA than many outlets had. We’ll see if this trend translates northeastward for impact, and if yes, how much.
These are the subtle little things we look for. They are not seeable in “the models” outside of the very high res short range stuff, and obviously real time observations (surface, radar, satellite). This is the base for the “margin of error” that exists with every run of every model, and by default we see larger errors the further away we are from the event in question. This is just how it works in this science, and such things are never really explained to the public, who are often given the wrong impression that we have a magic crystal ball of sorts to tell us exactly what’s going to happen. Wishful thinking.
The most accurate predictions are arrived at by hard core science. And even the best efforts can blow up in one’s face.
Thanks for the update TK.
In other words game on . I’ve been preparing for this since 6AM this morning !!
I am so confused…
The last big storm we had the governor was quick to issue a remote work day for non emergency employees and urged employers to do the same… but we are close to the start of the storm this time and I’ve not seen her declare that yet for this storm. Anyone know why that would be? You’d think it’d be a lock with such expansive blizzard warnings. Some businesses will tell employees to try to come in unless she issues that which she almost certainly will… but what are they waiting for?
Good point. My son will have to drive from RI to Boston regardless but mornings rush hour is at the height (unless I read that incorrectly).
They don’t always make such announcements at the same time.
Last month, the storm was already underway by late morning on Sunday.
This time, it’s getting underway in the evening.
Usually the “zone” is around 4 p.m. for such announcements, but it can vary. There are a lot of pieces to that puzzle.
Also, even the governor has a life outside of “governing” so sometimes the schedule they have may result in such an announcement coming at “Time B” instead of “Time A”. It’s still made with enough time to make arrangements. 🙂
What is that train car called where two people pump the handle to make the car go?? Whatever it is, Tom, may I join you on it please.
Wordle fail.
The hand car.
https://ibb.co/cMCvQ8w
Welcome aboard Vicki !!!!
They have lots of names. My favorite is Kalamazoo.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Handcar
http://www.railroadhandcar.com/history/history.php
Governor about to speak: https://www.youtube.com/live/bcw_aD1UGX8?si=95EEFG2IWf
She heard you. Well done
State of Emergency!! National Guard has been called in .
https://www.goes.noaa.gov/sector_band.php?sat=G19§or=ne&band=GEOCOLOR&length=24
Liftoff.
Explosive development has begun.
Has gotten much darker here during the last 30 minutes.
Definitely moving more east than north. A lot of snow lovers north of Plymouth may end up disappointed with this one even though 8-12 is still plausible in and around the Boston area. Just not sold on the very strong winds and blizzard conditions currently advertised except for the extreme south shore, cape, and islands.
It’s progged to move east first, then do a mini-cyclonic loop during the rapid occlusion phase. Coming out of that is when it moves northeastward and gives maximum impacts to SNE.
This most certainly does NOT take areas south of Boston out of the running for larger impacts. Not even close.
That’s why I said south shore, cape and islands. I’m not sold on Boston seeing the snow totals and winds as advertised by local Mets. Many have 18-24 inches for Boston south. I’m not seeing that for Boston. Maybe I’ll be proven wrong.
Not seeing it for Boston SW either down toward our area
I’m not seeing 18-24 for any widespread area, just pockets where some locations can exceed 18 if the banding is such that it allows that.
Ah, thank you TK !
I did not pick up on the cyclonic loop or the northeastward movement thereafter.
That explains why after 24 hrs, there seemed to be a change from an ENE track to more of a NE one.
Again, thanks !
You aren’t going to be right on this one
Btw system was much further west then modeled down in the Delmarva.
Jim Cantore in Plymouth!
Contrary to popular belief, TWC does not put Cantore in the “area expected to be hit hardest” automatically. If they wanted to do that, he probably should have been put in eastern NJ. 😉
Or 50 miles off the east coast of NJ
Not even New Bedford?
Travel bans now being issued along South Coast – no one to be on roads in Dartmouth between 6pm tonight and 11pm tomorrow
Rain quickly changing to snow along New Jersey coast as storm intensifies off Virginia coast
Forgive me if this was posted but I didn’t see it above…
NWS has… increased their totals?
https://ibb.co/v4hWKx87
As goes the NBM / HREF, so goes NWS.
They have a 24-30 inch zone now…
Thank you, TK. You’re having a busy Sunday!
Yes indeed. 🙂
Not “officially” doing this yet, but adding a potential “less than 10 inch” area in addition to Outer Cape Cod / Nantucket may become a reality for southeastern NH and maybe northern Essex County MA depending on trends I see over the next few hours. I’m not sold on this yet. Just mentioning it here as a possibility.
Models have also been backing off the epic snow projections down the coast and across the mid Atlantic.
18Z HRRR still on track
https://www.pivotalweather.com/model.php?m=hrrr&p=snku_acc-imp&rh=2026022218&fh=38&r=us_ne&dpdt=&mc=
It’s changed notably in the last 24 hours, actually. Not drastically, but notably.
This isn’t busting, the low west vs where the RRFS had it and a few others. Sorry I don’t see busting. I know folks look for outcomes that’s are good for them but 18 vs 24 vs 25 vs 12. The wind will make it impossible to measure.
Who said it was busting? Who is looking for outcomes that are good for them?
Plenty of folks wish things that might not happen.
Plenty of folks wish things that might not happen.
Hmmmm …… I’m not sure I get this. Unless this isn’t about on TK’s blog, but everyone here who has been talking about maybe something a little more moderate, I think has been supporting it with reasons, like 850 mb maps of run to run comparisons.
Now the logic may not be right, but I don’t think it’s been wishcasting.
I meant like we all wish things storm wise that don’t always happen bc we want them to. Just an observation about us humans behave when snow gets involved. Not sure why snow causes so might stress.
Haha agreed !
So as was noted previously, each set of short range guidance picks up a little more and a little more on where banding features will be. This doesn’t usually happen with this guidance until about now (in relation to storm peak intensification).
Closing Ceremonies have started.
Thanks TK.
Any way you slice it, a major blizzard is inbound to most of SNE. I’ll go 22” for BOS.
I know it wasn’t “perfect”, but what a colossal, massive, historic victory for the GFS. Sandy level. February 2013 level. Have I mentioned the deterministic EC has gone to you-know-what?
Wx. Props. You stuck your neck out on this one. Nice work and I enjoy your engagement with us here still.
Ditto 100 times over!!!!
Ditto from me too. I love seeing WxWatcher here
BTW WxW kudos to you for calling this days ago. You were the only one I know of told us not to give up and you were 100% right.
Yes the EC has gone to crap.
It’s almost as bad as GFS lately ..
Sad state of affairs.
Agreeing with all towards WxWatcher.
Another great weather professor on this blog to learn from.
If your predicting 22 for Boston what is your number further south shore Halifax, pembroke & Marshfield where a few of us live
NAM has also initialized way too east compared to actual location.
Tale of the tape on the 18z runs for 850 mb locations
https://www.pivotalweather.com/model.php?m=hrrr&p=850wh&rh=2026022218&fh=21&r=us_ne&dpdt=&mc=
https://www.pivotalweather.com/model.php?m=nam&p=300wh&rh=2026022218&fh=21&r=us_ne&dpdt=&mc=
https://www.pivotalweather.com/model.php?m=rrfs_a&p=850wh&rh=2026022218&fh=21&r=us_ne&dpdt=&mc=
https://www.pivotalweather.com/model.php?m=nam4km&p=850wh&rh=2026022218&fh=21&r=us_ne&dpdt=&mc=
Better. RRFS A still a little SE of the other 3, but in my opinion, not as big a discrepancy
https://www.pivotalweather.com/model.php?m=nam&p=850wh&rh=2026022218&fh=21&r=us_ne&dpdt=&mc=
That 2nd link was off 🙂
Again everything I am reading shows things initializing too far east, not sure the impact to us though.
Not for nothing, but I was just outside and there is a VERY noticable freshing NE wind. Setting it up!!!!
IF it were COLDER, I think we would be experiencing some OES now.
Yes, here too.
My wife and I had returned from picking something up for her job and while the flags west of rte 3 weren’t moving greatly, there are on the eastern side of town and I looked at her and said, oh boy if it’s already breezy.
For those interested, here is the HREF snow totals
https://ibb.co/qF5yVsTZ
Since TK pointed out a couple hrs ago the change in motion from ENE to NE after a brief cyclonic loop, and now that I looking for that, I really do see that.
I tried to see when and came up with around 72 to 70 degrees longitude that the whole vertically stacked system really does move more northeasterly and keeps the systems 850 mb jet in place for a while instead of it quickly moving out to sea.
Yes, indeed.
I think ALL systems are go!!!
Let’s GGGGOOOOOO!!!
18Z NAM is up from 12Z totals
https://www.pivotalweather.com/model.php?m=nam&p=snku_acc-imp&rh=2026022218&fh=39&r=us_ne&dpdt=&mc=
But the 3KM NAM is close to the same as 12, but Boston total down about 3 inches to 18 from 21. Not that it makes a whole lot of difference.
Even the RRFS-A Has moved the heavier snow a bit to the North
https://www.pivotalweather.com/model.php?rh=2026022218&fh=43&dpdt=&mc=&r=us_ne&p=snowfall_acc-imp&m=rrfs_a
Yeah, the furthest north models have eased southeastward, the RRFS A over the last 36 hrs has eased northwestward and I think they are getting pretty close to a consensus track with hopefully, little surprise.
https://x.com/ericfisher/status/2025659164677087566/photo/1
Credit to Eric Fisher and WBZ if this link will open for folks.
You know what is pissing me off today???
Pivotal Weather does NOT include longitude and latitude on their maps. PISS_POOR if you ask me. I think comparing 18Z to 12Z etc. And it would be most helpfull of the lon/lat were included on the maps. YES, I know, one can hover the mouse over the low center and that data is provided. Just would be more convenient if it were included on the top/bottom and sides of the maps.
Yes, I had to open a separate tab of just New England latitude and longitude maps to try to get my bearings. But then, that invites error because its difficult to accurately transpose what your trying to track.
For example:
for 10Z tomorrow AM,
The 18Z HRRR has the center at 38.62 , 71.10
While the 19Z HRRR has it at 38.83 , 71.38
Now that is a small change, but in 1 hours time, this model
has determined that the system has stayed a bit more West while moving a bit more North. To me, this is very meaningful.
Outstanding, JpDave !!!!!
Oh yes, however many miles that is can be a huge difference.
Especially when 20-30 miles can be the difference btwn 50 mph gusts and 65 mph gusts on the south shore.
Thanks y’all. And I’m certainly not in a position to spike the football, I would never have committed to such a high end scenario 3-4 days ago, but did start to see the signs that this was trending more towards a classic Nor’easter pattern. Enjoy it but stay safe!!
SSK – totals there should be comparable to Boston IMO, just depends on banding whether they’re a little higher or lower, but it won’t be much different.
Thank you , and as others have stated nice job !!
https://radar.weather.gov/station/KDIX/standard
Here’s an example of banding in this system.
As TK describes, notice the lighter snows either side of this impressive band.
Well, not that things were drastically changing on the 12z suite, BUT, I do think there were some small changes and for me, the 18z short range models that just ran, essentially stabilized things.
I wasn’t going to be surprised if they slid a bit more southeast, but I don’t think that happened at all.
And yes, I want to see the 00z stuff tonight to see that this stabilization continues. Especially for the track and the idea that the track turns from ENE to NE sometime when the stacked vertical system gets east of say, block island’s longitude.
https://www.pivotalweather.com/model.php?m=hrrr&p=refcmp&rh=2026022219&fh=18&r=us_ne&dpdt=&mc=
By the way, this radar simulation worries me for the idea that I think that orange reflectivity is where the snow goes from a decent density inland to pure cement along the coast. This is what gets the south shore coastal towns in big trouble for widespread power outage problems.
https://www.star.nesdis.noaa.gov/GOES/sector_band.php?sat=G19§or=ne&band=GEOCOLOR&length=24
I think that visible satellite I posted a couple hrs ago may have been misleading, in that, now, the low hasn’t made much progress.
I think that’s because the upper energy is getting closer. If you focus on NC, southern VA, can see that energy and its negative tilt approaching the sfc now. Once those overlap …,,
Quite the post that MPD just put out Tom !!
Oh boy, I’ll take a peak.
Yesterdays was pretty eye opening already.
Yup, that’s pretty intense.
I think they may be pleasantly surprised by the coastal flooding part and hopefully don’t need to rescue anyone, because, in theory, the max surge should take place at low tide.
But, the power outages potentially taking days to repair in the worst case scenario, yes, that has been and continues to be my biggest worry. Just hoping we get by under 55mph gusts, anything at that level or higher for 3-6 hrs and that concern could well come true.
Agree
Just saw MPDs post. Wow
https://www.star.nesdis.noaa.gov/GOES/sector_band.php?sat=G19§or=ne&band=09&length=24
Have seen so many pictures on the Plymouth fb pages of Jim Cantore. He is certainly being welcomed by the community there.
Had a fast round of flurries here but gone now.
I have looked at more models the past 3 days than I normally look at in a month. The run-to-run stuff drives me crazy and I have learned (from TK) to a degree not to take it as gospel. It has served as a reminder to me 1) not to visit the ops runs all that often; 2) look at the ensembles when and where I can; and 3) never model hug.
I have also come to the all important decision to have a glass of Cabernet while looking at pre-storm model runs. It provides clarity of course.
Todays front page Boston Herald:
“HERE WE SNOW AGAIN” ❄️
That’s a good one!
Any thoughts on conditions in Natick regarding snow totals, fluff factor and peak winds? Hoping the numbers dip a bit as you head inland. Thanks.
Searching around for live cams from coastal New Jersey.
Really cranking on the Boardwalk at Seaside Heights:
https://www.earthcam.com/usa/newjersey/seasideheights/?cam=seasideheights2
I Guess so. Good catch
Snow beginning to crank in NYC
https://bryantpark.org/web-cam
18Z GFS has come back North some with the heavier snow
https://www.pivotalweather.com/model.php?rh=2026022218&fh=45&dpdt=&mc=&r=us_ne&p=snku_acc-imp&m=gfs
I must admit I have been waiting for a storm like this since I moved back from the Midwest in July 2022. This reminds me of the days I lived on Long Island and reminds me of Feb 2003 of January 1996. This may be the strongest one I have ever been in wind wise. And while that excites the weather side of me – the home owner in me is concerned. I am very glad I do not have big trees in my yard. I just had a good winters nap and expect to be up most of the night following what I think will end up being a historic storm for this area. Certainly one to remember
Well said.
Oh and I must add I am very grateful for this blog and for all the weather lovers (much more experienced than me) that I can learn from. I know I am with a group that has been waiting for a storm like this for awhile as well.
TK/anyone …..
In the NWS’ wind discussion, they mention we will have a favorable thermodynamic environment for mixing.
Is that because, relatively speaking, it’s a milder overall environment, with not a great influx of very cold air to stabilize part of the column, which eases some of the mixing down to the sfc ????
I wonder if it’s wind related rather than temperature or precipitation type.
I feel as though every school from Worcester east must be closed tomorrow.
That’s what is confusing to me. If gov says no driving, aren’t all schools closed??
These bands that are going to form will be epic IMO, someone is walking away from this system with 36+ and maybe a 40. If these bands set up like this it will be intense.
https://www.tropicaltidbits.com/analysis/models/?model=nam3km®ion=neus&pkg=temp_adv_fgen_700&runtime=2026022218&fh=9
and then look at this, pretty much sits on us for multiple hours-
https://www.tropicaltidbits.com/analysis/models/?model=nam3km®ion=neus&pkg=temp_adv_fgen_700&runtime=2026022218&fh=9
Those right at or below those bands will have a decent chance of Thundersnow!
Well easily get to 500 comments before midnight!
Definitely- will the blog set a record?