Bostonians brace yourselves – a snowy weekend is forecasted, with the potential for the first major nor'easter of the year hitting the area Saturday into Sunday. After a remarkably mild December, it seems that winter has finally decided to show up, and it's not knocking politely. The National Weather Service predicts some serious winter weather ahead, with heavy snowfall and strong winds in the cards.
With temperatures hovering around a high near 34 on Sunday, and the snow starting Saturday night before potentially mixing with rain, the stage is set for a classic nor'easter scenario. While the rest of the Northeast may just be getting a chill, it looks like Boston's in for the full show – "Snow, possibly mixed with rain, becoming all snow after 10am. High near 34. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 100%," according to the National Weather Service. The storm, powered by a strong El Niño, signifies a shift in this year's winter pattern, with January and February set to be colder and snowier.
CBS Boston reports that if this storm follows the forecasted track, it could mean "Plowable snowfall for a large portion of southern New England" and "Strong, potentially damaging east-northeast winds."
Local residents are being urged to prepare, as the "chance of precipitation is 90%" for what could be an all-out assault by Mother Nature Saturday night. With over 75% probability of significant snow over most of southern New England, and lessening only in the far southeastern areas, including the Cape, according to CBS Boston, preparations like stocking up on supplies, rescheduling travel plans, and checking snow blowers might be in order. And take note, the snow may not cease its onslaught anytime soon – another potent storm could hit midweek, throwing a mess of rain, ice, and yet more snow into the mix.
The expected storm surge may be muted somewhat by low astronomical tides, mitigating the risk of major coastal flooding. However, with ocean temperatures in the mid-40s, coastline areas could experience mixing, resulting in heavier and wetter snow. So while this weekend might just be starting a string of winter's fury, it seems that Boston's snow drought is about to end, and ends with a bang at that.
