This weekend – although noteworthy for how messy it is – isn’t much of a surprise. Our On the Horizon monthly forecast and Pattern Predictions focused on cold air holding firm in Canada into the start of April and that means a combination of rain, freezing rain, sleet and snow this weekend in New England…while some make a run toward 80°! Matt Noyes has full details in our Weekend Insights video.
This weekend’s weather in New England is a masterclass in meteorological contrast. According to meteorologist Matt Noyes, a dramatic battle of air masses sets the stage for a weekend featuring snow and freezing rain in the north, 70s and sun in the far south, and a lot of messy weather in between. Yes, you read that right. While parts of Connecticut could reach into the mid-70s on Saturday, far northern New England will stay in the 30s—with snow flying in places like Lewiston, ME and Burlington, VT. The dividing line? A stalled front that sets up right over central New England.
Snow begins late Friday night across northern New England. By early Saturday, freezing rain and sleet will spread into parts of Maine, New Hampshire, and even interior Massachusetts. While road impacts may be limited during the day thanks to a strong March sun angle, Saturday night is a different story. Temperatures dip below freezing, and untreated roads and surfaces could become icy, especially from the Lakes Region of NH to Portland, ME and the hills of central MA. In some areas, up to a third of an inch of ice may accumulate.
From Worcester to Boston and up into southern New Hampshire, it’s a mix of chilly rain and occasional breaks. It won’t be a washout—but it won’t be pretty either. Showers Saturday and early Sunday, especially during the morning, will make travel damp and dreary.
Parts of southern Connecticut will flirt with 70–77° temperatures on Saturday, especially with breaks of sun early in the day. But don’t be fooled—cooler air wins the battle again Saturday night, and even here, clouds and rain return.
Showers will continue across much of New England early Sunday, but warmer air starts pushing north, turning frozen mix to plain rain. The North Country may still deal with sleet and patchy ice through Sunday morning. By afternoon, most areas should be on the milder side of the front.
As Gulf moisture moves in, expect heavier downpours Monday night before things finally clear out and dry up on Tuesday.
Take-aways:
Snow totals: Up to 8” possible in the northern mountains, especially above 1500–2000 feet (see video for accumulation map)
Freezing rain: Greatest threat Saturday night into early Sunday, from the eastern slopes of the Greens to southwestern NH and parts of southern Maine
Key concern: Overnight temps dipping below freezing Saturday, leading to slick untreated surfaces
