Wednesday Noyes’ Notes/1°Outside Today:
Quiet Christmas in New England, Active Pattern Returns Soon

Merry Christmas to those who celebrate! Today’s forecast brings a pleasant winter day with sunshine, slightly cooler-than-average temperatures, and a chance of a flurry or sprinkle on Cape Cod. Tonight will be clear, calm, and cold with widespread teens and single digits in northern New England. High pressure dominates through the end of the week, but an active pattern returns for the weekend through the first week of the New Year with periodic storm chances. Watch the video for full details & read on for the National & Northeast weather summaries.

National Weather Summary

Overview: A mix of active weather is expected across the U.S. for Christmas Day. While much of the country enjoys relatively mild and quiet conditions, several regions will experience more impactful weather:

  • West Coast: Another Pacific storm system will bring heavy coastal rain and mountain snow to the Pacific Northwest, northern California, and the Cascades. Flooding concerns may develop in low-lying areas, and significant snow will impact travel through the mountain passes.
  • Southern Plains: A lingering frontal boundary will trigger scattered thunderstorms across east Texas and the ArkLaTex region. Severe storms capable of producing hail and damaging winds are possible, especially in the evening. Localized flooding may also occur with heavy downpours.
  • Southeast and Florida: Isolated showers and thunderstorms will persist in Florida, while the remainder of the Southeast remains mostly dry.
  • Rest of the Country: Most areas will experience quiet conditions, with temperatures near or above average. Northern tier states from the Rockies to the Midwest will see colder, more seasonable weather.

Temperatures:

  • Above-average warmth dominates the central and southern U.S., with highs in the 50s and 60s from the Plains through the Southeast.
  • Cooler conditions persist in the northern Rockies, Midwest, and Northeast, with highs in the 30s to 40s.

Northeast Weather Story

Overview: The Northeast will experience a tranquil Christmas Day, with seasonably cold temperatures and sunny skies dominating most of the region. A persistent high-pressure system over Quebec will maintain dry weather and calm conditions.

Details by Area:

  • Northern New England (VT, NH, ME): After a chilly morning, temperatures will remain below freezing for much of the day, with highs ranging from the mid-20s to low 30s. Skies will clear throughout the day, especially in western Vermont and northern Maine.
  • Southern New England (MA, CT, RI): High temperatures in the lower to mid-30s will accompany mostly sunny skies. Northerly breezes will keep conditions brisk but calm.
  • Eastern New York and Upstate New York: Expect clearing skies through the day, with highs ranging from the mid-20s in the Adirondacks to the low 30s in the Hudson Valley.
  • Coastal Areas: Ocean-effect clouds may persist along parts of Cape Cod and the Islands in Massachusetts, along with a low chance of flurries or light freezing drizzle.

Travel and Outdoor Impacts:

  • The cold morning may cause residual slick spots on untreated surfaces from refreezing, especially in shaded and rural areas.
  • The quiet weather should be ideal for holiday travelers and outdoor activities such as skiing or winter hikes, particularly in the highlands.

Marine and Coastal Notes:

  • Northerly winds will persist offshore, bringing choppy seas and small craft conditions for coastal waters. Mariners should exercise caution.

This tranquil Christmas weather will give way to increasing clouds by the weekend, with a chance of rain or mixed precipitation returning to the region late Sunday into Monday.

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