Shades of 1969
Posted by Chris Lambert
We entered February, 1969, with only 6.4" of snow all winter in Boston. That month, more than made up for a lackluster winter. The February 24-27th, 1969 storm brought in 26.3" of snow to Boston, which still stands as the 3rd biggest snowstorm in the city's history. Aside from that storm, we had another 15" fall that month, giving us 41.3" of snow in the short month of February alone!
It's a great example of how one storm can make or break a winter, and it's safe to say this one made it. Boston's now had 35.6" of snow this winter... avg. to date is 26.7". Worcester has had a whopping 63.5" compared to an average of 39.4". In all fairness to this winter, it hasn't been as pathetic as last winter, especially just outside the city. Worcester was near normal before this storm, and many suburbs had picked up about 20-25" throughout the winter to date, just a bit below the averages.
So what lies ahead? Tough to say if we'll see a couple more decent storms this month for sure, but models indicate an active pattern across the eastern half the country continues the next few weeks, so the potential is there.
Blizzard conditions hit MN and ND today, but that storm will be mostly rain for us. We'll start off as a bit of sleet and freezing rain mid to late morning tomorrow before transitioning over to plain rain. I don't expect a lot of rain, about 1/2", but it will weigh down that snow. If you have a flat or low pitch roof, and it has a lot of snow on it, it's not a bad idea to know some of it off. Also, clear the gutters and drainage areas around the house or in front of your house.
I don't expect severe flooding issues with this rain. It would be more of an issue if we had 2" of rain and temps in the 50s vs the low 40s. That set-up would cause more snow to melt rapidly.
It's going to be a long few days of cleaning up ahead. Hats off to the road crews . You've done a great job so far in an immense challenge. It's not often that most of the state picks up 20-30" of snow.
Stay safe!
Storms, Heat, Sea Breezes
Posted by Pete Bouchard
What a day! Breakneck temperature swings, thunder, tornadoes in Western Mass....and we're still in late May!
More Warmth
Posted by Jeremy Reiner
You have another warm & humid day with many towns repeating yesterday's weather. That means we start with clouds & fog for a bit before hazy sun gets going. That hazy sunshine will boost temps up into the low 80s by early to mid afternoon across much of the region. At the same time a cool front will begin dropping out of Maine (backdoor front) which will quickly send temps from the 70s/80s down into the 50s/60s by late afternoon & evening. Also, when this front rams into the warmth & humidity it will spark a few showers & thunderstorms during the afternoon.
Summ-ah!
Posted by Pete Bouchard
With the snap of the fingers we were thrown into summer this afternoon. Heat, humidity, A/C and shorts - with a hazy sun to boot. But with the sea breeze knocking back the temperatures (and bringing in a round of downpours this evening), there are changes afoot.
Feet First
Posted by Jeremy Reiner
Right into summer. Warm & humid weather expected for much of the week. Good?.....Well, keep in mind that warmth & humidity are the 2 key ingredients for thunderstorms. The last being something to *lift* that warm/humid air. Usually a front is a good device to do such that. Today, we will have a cool front approach New England very late in the day & evening. That may lead to an isolated storm or two after 4pm but most towns just have a fair amount of clouds, warmth & humidity. Temps will climb to near 80 by afternoon.