Spring Snow Storm to start New England’s season

A Spring snow storm will kick off the start of the season for those in Southeastern New England as a coastal storm develops off the East coast.  This system will move south of Long Island and Southeast of Nantucket as it brings a mix of snow sleet and rain to the area.

Winter Storm Warnings have been issued for Suffolk, Norfolk, Bristol and Plymouth Counties in Massachusetts as well as all of Rhode Island except Block Island

Winter Storm Watches are still in effect for Essex, Middlesex, Southern Worcester, Barnstable and Dukes counties in Massachusetts and for Block Island in Rhode Island.   5 to 10 inches of snow is generally expected in these areas with lesser amounts the further North and West you go.  Precipitation type issues will occur out on Nantucket and may also occur on the outer cape and the Vineyard and lesser amounts will be seen here with 3-6 on the Cape and Vineyard and 1-2 on Nantucket.  Winter Weather Advisories are likely to be issued by the National Weather Service at a later time.

A polar cold front moved off the New England coast during the day on Saturday as high pressure builds across Quebec.  Clear skies in the area has allowed previously above normal temperatures to fall through the night and temperatures are now below freezing under clear skies and calm conditions.  High cirrus type clouds have begun to move into the area and an increase in clouds is expected through the day for the Boston and Providence metropolitan areas.  Precipitation, which may begin as a mix of light snow and rain along the south coast, will move in later this evening after the low level dry air holds off the onset of precipitation by several hours.

The heaviest snow will be during the overnight hours into Monday morning and will have a major impact on the Monday morning commute for the entire I-95 Corridor in Southern New England.

The snow will begin to pull away from the area around noon on Monday.

Robert Millette

Staff Meteorologist

Firsthand Weather