The nor’easter that brought abundant snowfall to the region yesterday is east of the Gulf of Maine this morning, and it quite the intense area of low pressure. Through the day today, this system is forecast to continue to move east and northeast, into the Canadian Maritime provinces as high pressure builds into our region from the lower Great Lakes. The difference in pressure between the strong low pressure area to our east, and the relatively strong high pressure to our west will put the Capital Region in the ‘buffer zone’ today, with the change in pressure with horizontal distance travelled, or pressure gradient, quite steep across the region. This will cause surface winds to become quite strong this afternoon and evening, especially once the sun comes out. Wind speeds today are expected to be in the 15 to 30 MPH range, with some higher gusts as times. This will make snow removal a bit of a challenge, as not only will snow be blowing and drifting in some cases, but those clearing the snow will need to dress appropriately, as wind chills will likely be close to zero for the bulk of the day.
Winds will die off tonight as the high pressure area eventually wins the battle. However, the combination of clear(ing) skies, light to calm winds, high pressure overhead, and a fresh deep snow cover will cause temperatures to drop quite quickly this evening. In fact, Sunday may start out near or below zero in many spots.
The high pressure area crests over the region during the day on Sunday, and moves to our south and east late in the day. This should cause the winds to shift from a northwesterly direction early in the day to a more southerly to southwesterly direction later in the day, and allow for some modest temperature increases.
Another weather system approaches the region from the south and west on Monday, dragging both a warm and a cold front through the region during the course of the day. Though it may start out a bit chilly, temperatures are forecast to rise above freezing for the bulk of the day on Monday, but not before some potential exists for a messy wintry mix of precipitation on Monday morning. This mixed bag of precipitation should eventually change to all liquid rain by afternoon as warmer air is introduced to the region. This will be followed by a moderation in temperatures to near to slightly above normal readings for the midweek period with mostly sunny conditions during the day as a broad area of high pressure looks to build into the area.
..Below is the official forecast for the Capital Region and vicinity...
Today: Intervals of clouds and sunshine and blustery with widely scattered snow showers and/or flurries possible. High in the mid 20’s. Northwest winds 15 to 30 MPH with some higher gusts to near 40 MPH possible at times. Chance of snow is 30 percent. Little if any additional snow accumulation is expected. Wind chill temperatures from zero to 5 above zero.
Tonight: Mostly clear, calm, and frigid. Low near zero.
Sunday: Mostly sunny. High 25-30. Light and variable winds.
Sunday Night: Increasing clouds. A chance of sleet and/or freezing rain after midnight. Early low near 20, with temperatures remaining steady or slowly rising after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent. Minor ice accumulation is possible after midnight.
Monday: Overcast with sleet and/or freezing rain in the morning, quickly changing to all rain by or before afternoon. Minor ice accumulations are possible during the morning, before the changeover. High near 40. Southerly winds 5-10 MPH. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent.
Tuesday: Partly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of rain showers. High near 40 and low near 30.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny. High near 35 and low near 25.
Thursday: Mostly sunny. High near 40 and low near 25.
Useful links...
Capital Region Weather Examiner Home Page
Capital Region Weather Examiner Facebook page
Current Surface Weather Map
Hydrometeorological Prediction Center (HPC) Surface Weather Map 48 hour loop forecast
Comments