4:55PM<\/p>\n
Several low pressure systems coming at the East Coast this week will be measured by their ability to phase, or the ability for energy in the northern and southern jet streams (a split flow pattern) to link up. When this happens, larger storms result.<\/p>\n
The first 2 systems are easy: One passing just south of New England Tuesday morning and another coming through the region during the day Wednesday, moving mainly west to east, not linking up with energy further to the south. These systems will produce light snow on the South Coast and scattered snow showers, respectively, with minor accumulations at best.\u00a0 A system being eyed for Friday is less certain, not only because it is further out in time, but because computer guidance varies from a nearly harmless non-phased couplet moving west to east with the northern one giving some light snow or snow showers to the region, similar to Wednesday, to a phased system that brings a major coastal storm with wind\/rain\/snow. The dilemma in terms of being a forecaster is that the computer model giving the “big hit” is one that is often fairly accurate and one of the first to pick out the track of a storm. My meteorological sense tells me not to ignore this, but my gut feeling is telling me that the Friday system will have trouble phasing due to speed differences in the northern vs southern jet stream energy. For now, it will just be something to keep an eye on, and keep the forecast wording fairly generic.<\/p>\n
Updated forecast for southeastern New England…<\/p>\n
TONIGHT: Partly cloudy to mostly clear 1st half of night, clouds return west to east later. Lows from 10 outlying areas to 15-20 urban centers & Cape Cod. Wind W 10-20 MPH gusting to 30 MPH 1st half of night diminishing to 5-10 MPH overnight.<\/p>\n
TUESDAY: Mostly cloudy through midday with heaviest clouds south of the Mass Pike, including a period of snow of up to but mostly less than 1 inch near the South Coast. Increasing sun especially north and west of Boston during the remainder of the afternoon. Highs from the upper 20s to middle 30s northwest to southeast. Wind light variable.<\/p>\n
TUESDAY NIGHT: Clouds increase again. Snow showers possible before dawn especially west of Boston. Lows around 20. Wind light variable.<\/p>\n
WEDNESDAY: Mostly cloudy. Occasional snow showers , accumulations under 1\/2 inch. Highs from the lower to middle 30s. Wind light variable.<\/p>\n
THURSDAY: Sunshine giving way to clouds. Low 17. High 37.<\/p>\n
FRIDAY: Cloudy. Chance of snow\/mix\/rain. Low 28. High 38.<\/p>\n
SATURDAY: Mostly sunny. Low 19. High 39.<\/p>\n
SUNDAY: Partly cloudy. Low 27. High 44.<\/p>\n
MONDAY: Variably cloudy. Low 31. High 46.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
4:55PM Several low pressure systems coming at the East Coast this week will be measured by their ability to phase, or the ability for energy in the northern and southern jet streams (a split flow pattern) to link up. When this happens, larger storms result. The first 2 systems are easy: One passing just south … Continue reading To Phase Or Not To Phase?<\/span>