The bottom line is that the big storm isn't going to happen. What we will have is a period of rain and snow that could accumulate up to a few inches, especially across the Worcester hills between tonight and Sunday night. The reason for the change is that the storm just won't get its act together until it is too far east. Now, before you start blasting off all sorts of comments in the comments section, I will say I never had Boston getting more than 4 inches of snow. The biggest change to the forecast is across central Massachusetts where Thursday I felt like at least 6" of wet snow was a good possibility. With the storm not forming as expected, those areas will be hard pressed to see 2-4" of wet snow. The general idea is a one to four inch snowfall across the area over about 24 hours,a nuisance storm. I'll be updating the forecast all weekend on Twitter at @growingwisdom please send me your reports there.
This is what many call a long duration event. We will see snow showers starting as early as mid-morning today. Temperatures will be at or above freezing, I don't expect problems on the roads. As the area of low pressure moves to our south, there will be periods of light rain and snow overnight into the first part of Sunday. Some areas could see a light accumulation, but much of that will be inland and over higher terrain as well as on the existing snow, not on the roads. After a break Sunday another round of snow will move into the area for the afternoon. Again, this doesn't look like a big deal in terms of snow totals. Once the sun sets Sunday, temperatures will cool enough that any remaining falling snow will begin to stick, even to roads. The snow ends during the overnight Sunday and leaves us dry for the start of the work week.
Why no storm
Remember the storm that hit the Midwest a couple of days ago? That storm was forecast to reform, along with another storm over the Gulf of Mexico. Basically, these two storms are not going to come together so instead of a nor'easter, we will just get two bursts of precipitation, one later today and overnight and another one on Sunday into Sunday night. Those accumulation maps you are seeing incorporate any and all snow that is expected to fall from now until the end of the weekend.
The weather looks quiet for Monday before another round of showers moves into the area sometime on Tuesday. Much of next week looks to continue unsettled, but there won't be any major cold or heavy snow.
Gardening this week
With another storm on the horizon for the weekend you might feel like spring is still very far away. The reality is that in just a few weeks, many of you will be able to get into your gardens and start growing for another year. Earlier this month I went to New England Grows which is a trade show for those who work in the industry. Although not open to the general public, in this week's video I share some of the latest trends and newest plants for 2013.
I'll be updating the forecast all day on Twitter at @growingwisdom please send me your reports there.
