As we gear up for Thanksgiving, watch out for slick spots this morning! Black ice developed in some spots where yesterday’s moisture didn’t dry out. Otherwise, today’s weather remains quiet across New England, with seasonable temperatures ranging from the mid-40s in central and southern areas to the upper 30s farther north. Clouds will gradually increase tonight ahead of the next system, bringing rain and some elevation snow by Thanksgiving morning. Matt has the latest details plus a shout-out to the Vinal Elementary School in Norwell, MA. Interested in an enrichment program too? Click for more info & how to book!
National Meteorological Summary:
As of Wednesday morning, a dynamic and impactful storm system continues its journey across the central and eastern United States, while quieter weather dominates the West.
- Central and Eastern U.S.: A significant storm system brings widespread precipitation from the Plains to the Northeast. Heavy snow continues to pile up across the higher terrain of the Central Rockies and the Great Basin, while light snow spreads into the Central High Plains. Rain extends across the Mid-Mississippi and Ohio Valleys into the Southeast, providing much-needed moisture for drought-stricken regions. By Thanksgiving, the storm intensifies over the Mid-Atlantic, bringing widespread rainfall and accumulating snow to the interior Northeast, including the Poconos, Adirondacks, and Green and White Mountains.
- Lake Effect and Arctic Chill: Behind the Thanksgiving storm, an Arctic air mass plunges southward, setting the stage for significant lake-effect snow. Favorable west-northwest winds will produce long-duration snow bands in traditional lake-effect regions, particularly downwind of Lakes Erie and Ontario, with potentially hazardous travel.
- Western U.S.: After a prolonged period of heavy rain and snow, the West enjoys a dry and tranquil spell, with temperatures moderating by the weekend as high pressure builds aloft. This pattern provides a welcome break for the region after several active weeks.
- Thanksgiving Travel: Despite quieter conditions in the West, the storm in the East will likely disrupt holiday travel, with wet and snowy weather impacting major hubs in the Northeast and challenging road conditions in interior regions.
Northeast Weather Story:
A complex and impactful weather pattern dominates the Northeast as we transition into Thanksgiving. After a brief respite on Wednesday, the region braces for a developing coastal storm that will bring widespread rain, snow, and mixed precipitation.
- Wednesday: High pressure provides a dry and seasonable day across New England and New York. Morning sunshine will fade as clouds increase ahead of the next storm system. Highs range from the mid-40s in the valleys to the upper 30s in the higher terrain. Lake-effect snow showers will linger across the Adirondacks, with localized light accumulations.
- Thanksgiving Day: A coastal low-pressure system develops along the Mid-Atlantic coast, spreading precipitation across the region. Rain dominates across southern New England, while northern and interior areas see snow or a mix of snow and rain. Elevations above 1,000 feet, including the Green Mountains, Adirondacks, and Berkshires, are expected to receive 3-6 inches of wet snow, with localized totals of 8-12 inches possible in the highest terrain and across elevated areas of Northern New England. Coastal areas will contend with a cold, soaking rain, with totals of 1-2 inches.
- Thursday Night into Friday: Precipitation gradually tapers off from west to east as the storm exits into the Canadian Maritimes. Winds shift northwest, bringing colder air and the potential for lake-enhanced snow in western and northern New York, as well as upslope snow in the Green and White Mountains.
- Holiday Weekend Outlook: Much colder air surges into the region, with highs struggling to reach the mid-30s and overnight lows dipping into the teens and 20s. Lake-effect snow continues in western New York, while lighter snow showers linger across northern New England. This colder and breezy pattern persists into early next week.
- Travel Impacts:
- Thanksgiving Morning: Icy roads are possible in interior New York and northern New England due to snow and freezing rain.
- Thanksgiving: Heavy snow in the higher elevations and lake-effect snow may lead to poor visibility and challenging travel conditions, particularly along I-90 and I-81 in New York.
- Weekend: Subfreezing temperatures and lingering snow showers could create slick spots on untreated roads.
Stay updated as details on snowfall amounts and storm timing become clearer.