Matt says there’s no question we’ll all see the snow and ice on the ground diminish noticeably over the next week with the February thaw that’s unfolding. In fact, in Noyes’ Notes, he tells us there are some days this week that will actually feel really GOOD for the body! Watch our 24-hour forecast video, right here, for all you need to start the new week.
A warmer pattern is gradually taking hold across the central and eastern U.S. today, signaling the end of the prolonged Arctic outbreak. Temperatures will continue moderating through midweek, with highs reaching 10-20°F above normal in the central U.S.. While morning temperatures will still be chilly in the Northeast and Great Lakes, the trend will be toward milder conditions as southerly winds push warmer air northward.
On the West Coast, an active storm pattern remains in place as an atmospheric river event brings heavy rain and strong winds to the Pacific Northwest. Additional rainfall of 1-3 inches is expected in coastal Washington and Oregon today, with localized flooding possible. The Cascades and northern Rockies will continue to receive heavy snowfall, with several feet possible at higher elevations.
Across the South, a storm system in the Gulf of Mexico is bringing scattered thunderstorms and heavy rainfall to Florida, where isolated flash flooding is possible. Rain will taper off later today, with drier conditions returning by Tuesday.
By midweek, attention shifts to a frontal system moving across the Great Lakes and Northeast, bringing light rain and snow showers Wednesday into Thursday. While this system is not expected to be a major winter storm, it could bring some accumulating snow to interior New England and the Great Lakes region.
Looking ahead, temperatures will remain above normal through much of the week before another clipper system moves through the Northeast Friday into Saturday, followed by a reinforcing shot of colder air for the weekend.
A quiet start to the workweek is expected across New England and Upstate New York, with dry conditions, light winds, and seasonable temperatures. Any lingering lake-effect snow showers from Sunday night will diminish early today, leaving behind partly to mostly cloudy skies.
Temperatures will continue moderating, with highs reaching the upper 30s to mid-40s in southern New England and the upper 20s to mid-30s in northern New England and the higher elevations. Winds will be light out of the southwest, allowing for a pleasant but cool day compared to the extreme cold of previous weeks.
By tonight, clouds will increase ahead of an approaching system, but conditions will remain dry for most areas. Low temperatures will range from the 20s in the valleys to the low 30s along the coast.
On Tuesday, a weak system will bring scattered rain and snow showers, mainly in New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and western Massachusetts. Any snowfall accumulations will be light (generally a dusting to an inch in the higher elevations), and valley areas will see mainly rain or mixed precipitation. Temperatures will remain mild for late February, with highs again in the upper 30s to mid-40s…even warmer in Southern New England.
Looking ahead to midweek, another frontal system will bring a round of light rain and snow showers Thursday. While no major snowfall is expected, interior areas of New York and northern New England could see some accumulation before the system exits.
By the weekend, a clipper system may bring additional snow showers, followed by a return to colder temperatures. Highs will dip back into the 20s and 30s, making for a chilly but dry start to March.
