Key Takeaways:
- A major pattern shift in the weather is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds to the Boston area on Friday
- Temperatures will rise to the upper 50s for the first time since November, but will be accompanied by a windswept rainfall
- The rain will arrive during the morning commute on Friday and will be heaviest in the late morning through mid-afternoon hours
- Wind warnings have been issued, with southerly wind gusts expected to peak between 40 and 60 miles per hour
- The snow cover across central and southern New England will be melted and washed away over the next few days
Introduction to the Weather Pattern Shift
A significant change in the weather is expected to hit the Boston area, bringing an end to the cold temperatures that have dominated the first half of December. For 15 out of the first 16 days of the month, temperatures have been below average, making it the coldest start to December in 25 years. However, this is all about to change, with forecast high temperatures expected to reach the upper 40s on Thursday and the upper 50s on Friday. This warm-up will be accompanied by a storm system that is currently in the Pacific Northwest, which will sweep across the country and pick up moisture from another system in the Gulf of Mexico.
Timing of the Rain
The rain is expected to arrive in the Boston area during the morning commute on Friday, between 7 and 9 a.m., and will overspread the entire region from west to east. The heaviest rain will fall in the late morning through mid-afternoon hours, with some very heavy downpours, localized street flooding, and perhaps even some embedded thunder. The rain will move offshore between 3 and 5 p.m., making for a much drier evening commute. Total rainfall from this system is expected to reach between 0.5"-1.5", making it the wettest system this month.
Wind Warnings and Impact
The winds may end up being the main story and greatest impact with this storm, with southerly wind gusts expected to peak between 40 and 60 miles per hour for most of central and eastern Massachusetts. The National Weather Service has already issued a high wind watch for the Cape and Islands on Friday and may extend it farther inland. Scattered pockets of wind damage, some trees and limbs down, and isolated power outages are expected. The winds will shift to the west on Friday night and remain somewhat gusty through early Saturday, although well off their peak from midday Friday.
Snow Melt and Winter Weather
The mild temperatures, combined with the heavy rain and strong winds, will cause the snow depth to decrease significantly across central and southern New England. By Saturday morning, the only snow left in southern New England will be in shady patches or parking lot piles. However, the higher elevations in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine are expected to hold on to a good amount of snow. For those wishing for a White Christmas, there may be one last chance for snow on the ground on December 25, with models hinting at some light snow in the area sometime around next Tuesday or Wednesday.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
In conclusion, the Boston area is expected to experience a significant shift in the weather pattern, with heavy rain and strong winds bringing an end to the cold temperatures. While the snow cover will be melted and washed away, there is still a chance for snow on the ground on Christmas Day. It is essential to stay tuned to the latest forecast updates to plan for the upcoming weather events. The next few days will be crucial in determining the outcome of the winter weather, and it is crucial to be prepared for any eventuality.