First Day of Winter Arrives with Rain

A quick band of snow, sleet, and rain moved across the area around 130 AM.  That was not unexpected but probably a bit startling to those who woke up to the sound.  The next batch of rain is right along the MA/CT border.  Areas like Douglas, Sutton, Webster, Dudley, Charlton, and Southbridge will certainly see rain by 730 AM. Areas east may avoid this rain band.  Don't worry there is plenty more and the rain could fill in for Eastern MA.

630 AM Northeast Radar Image

A new low pressure wave has been spawned along the front.  This usually happens and sometimes the coastal low becomes dominant and produces a major nor'easter; more on that tomorrow (next week a storm possibility).  Regardless Southern New England should enter the warm sector for a period this afternoon.  There will be isolated thunderstorms in the sector during the late morning/early afternoon hours.

Highlighted is the warm sector and direction of movement

The Storm Prediction Center highlights a chance of convection (thunderstorms)

Thunderstorm Outlook for 12/21/12 

Strong winds will be the biggest threat with any thunderstorms that develop.  I was just outside myself and it is already windy.  Here are some upper level winds that can mix down

From the Rapid Refresh

900 mb winds for 1 PM, image credit Weatherbell

From the NAM Hi Resolution 

900 mb winds for 1 PM, image credit Weatherbell

The bulk of the rain should be clearing SNE by early afternoon so after this surge of wind and rain we will be left with a blustery afternoon.  Temperatures will begin to plummet and I expect some snow showers overnight and even into Saturday.  More on next week's weather tomorrow.