Good morning everyone! Temperatures are ranging from the single digits to upper teens across the region this morning, with clear skies as a result of a large area of high pressure centered directly over New England. However, this is simply the calm before the storm, as we are expecting some precipitation this weekend. Here is a look outside Plymouth:

Temperatures will not rise nearly as high as yesterday, likely reaching into the upper 20’s/ low to mid 30’s by midday. Skies will begin to cloud up by the afternoon, ahead of the system set to impact the Northeast. Today will be a beautiful day to hit the slopes, but many of you are probably waiting for the fresh powder tomorrow morning.

Overnight tonight and into early Sunday morning, temperatures will remain in the 20’s, keeping the air cool enough for the precipitation to fall as snow. The first flakes will begin to fall by 7-8 pm in southeastern New England as a low pressure system rides up the coast from the Mid Atlantic, sliding just south of us and into the Atlantic. This offshore low will keep most rain/mixing at bay aside from the immediate coastline, but will also keep the heaviest snowfall rates in southern New England.  

The snow will continue to fall through Sunday morning, with the highest intensities from midnight through 7 am for the majority of New England, including all of the mountain resorts. Most of the precipitation will be out of the region by noon on Sunday, as another ridge of high pressure follows in its wake. This will keep temperatures from falling rapidly as we see with most storms; in fact, temperatures will be in the upper 20’s and lower 30’s on Sunday. Winds will increase to around 5-10 mph as the low moves east, but will become calm by Sunday evening. These winds could induce some upsloping snow showers through Sunday morning as well.

For snow totals, the southern resorts are going to see the best accumulations. Resorts including Wachusett and Jiminy can expect 3-6”, with additional upsloping totals after the storm passes. Central NH and VT will see more toward 3-5”, and southern ME in the same ballpark. Northwest VT can expect the least, as they are only likely to see 2-4”. Here is a graphical look at tomorrow's snow totals:

Conditions are not looking to be very winter-like for this upcoming week, so enjoy this fresh powder while you can!

To be frank, this upcoming week is not going to have good conditions on the slopes. Monday starts the week off with clear skies, and high temperatures in the lower to mid 40’s for resorts across the board. This will cause melting on the slopes we’ve seen similar to what’s been going on in the lower elevations. Even with these above normal temperatures, Monday still looks to be one of the best days to head out this week. While the snow may be thicker to carve through, Tuesday and Wednesday could bring slushy conditions to the slopes.

Temperatures will continue to climb as the high pressure moves out of the region, and southerly wind begins to dominate the region. Scattered rain showers will move across the region Tuesday morning, with showers lingering in the northern part of the region into the afternoon. Temperatures will reach the mid to upper 50’s, so expect slushy conditions on the mountains that day folks.

Wednesday won’t be any better, as temperatures look to challenge the 60 mark at some resorts. Expect highs to remain in the mid to upper 50’s at your local resort. Another band of showers look to also move through the region in the afternoon. However, the good news with those showers is that they will likely occur after most resorts have closed for the day. It’s honestly going to be best if you just avoid Tuesday and Wednesday on the slopes. Conditions aren’t going to be good, and resorts might close for those days anyways.

Temperatures are tracking to return to normal as we move toward the end of the work week, but we’ll have more details on that as we move closer. That’s all we have for your guys today! Get out there this weekend while you can before the rain and high temps make their way in this upcoming week!

Christopher Hohman, Plymouth State Student Meteorologist

Julia Moreland, Plymouth State Student Meteorologist

Saturday, February 17 (today) is Warren Miller Day.

Take a run for Warren Miller this weekend -- head to your favorite mountain and post to Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook using #ripwarrenmiller.

https://www.facebook.com/events/888683161304950/