Cold huh? Check out some of the readings across the areas this morning. I was quite impressed with Sanford at 17 below zero. Sanford is most often the warmest spot in Maine and today it is the coldest spot right along with Fryeburg, which was at 19 below!  I’m not a fan of this cold and the sound of the heat constantly clicking on makes my wallet shudder. Sorry oil burner, but I have a love hate relationship with you. 

In addition to the cold, more snow is on the way, and since my driveway is still icy, in spite of building a beach there with sand the past few days, shoveling/snow blowing will be a real joy this evening.

I’ll be updating the snow forecast as it changes on Twitter at @growingwisdom Please follow me there. Feel free to comment or ask questions too.

More snow

During the day a low pressure area will develop along the coast south of New England, move along the coast and then exit up the Maine coastline and into eastern Canada. These types of systems can produce a few to several inches of snow and although not a big storm, this is most definitely going to really foul up the Tuesday afternoon and evening commute. 

During the day, the storm is going to gain intensity. The strengthening storm will be steadily moving northeast, so the snow will not linger for more than about 12 hours. If the storm gets a bit stronger earlier or lasts an hour or two longer I am expecting you can add 1 to 3 inches to the total amount of snow forecast.

How much snow?

Our computer guidance is in very good agreement on snow amounts for tomorrow with a general 3- to 6-inch snowfall and some 4- to 8-inch amounts possible east of Portland. A winter weather advisory is posted for later today and overnight for most areas. Along the midcoast and Downeast a winter storm warning has been posted for snow amounts exceeding 6 inches.  If the storm gets strong enought before passing the eastern tip of the state, areas like Eastport could see a foot. More on that this afternoon and evening.

 

When does it start and end?

What you see below are lines showing when the first flakes will move into the area. 

 However, the heavier accumulating snow will hold off until after dark. Notice the radar maps below and how it’s not until 8 p.m. that the heavier snow moves into the area.

 

 

Snow will end from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. over southern Maine but not until Wednesday morning over eastern areas.

Cold midweek, but milder finish

The cold continues into Wednesday when highs will still stay in the upper 20s to lower 30s; Boston should break freezing tomorrow.  The good news is that  temperatures will warm further on Thursday along the coast, but staying colder inland and up north. This time of the year the sun is very weak and the only way we really melt snow quickly is with a mild rain.  Friday is even milder with highs into the 40s for some real melting, at least on driveways, walkways and south facing areas. There could be some rain showers on Friday as well with the milder air.

The weekend

There is going to be some unsettled weather later this weekend.  I am not sure just yet where the boundary between the cold and warm air will set up, but I am leaning towards more of a rain event Boston south and a mix north and west, but it’s very early in the game.

Weekend garden tip

The video is from a few years back, but the tips on caring for a living Christmas tree are the same.  Enjoy.

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