Burst of Snow Likely Tonight for Central/Western MA

Temperatures have dropped into the upper 20's this AM allowing any left over snow/melted snow/slush to freeze.  Any untreated roads will be vulnerable to black ice so please drive carefully.  Our first winter event is in the books and let's just say we didn't do well.  Traffic accidents were reported all over the region from 146 to Rt 20 to 495 to 95 and everywhere in between.  The MassDOT ended up deploying 753 pieces of snow removal equipment according to The Boston Globe but no word on whether or not the commonwealth pre-treated.  Still these are the top 5 snow totals via the NWS Boston office.

Via NWS Boston

We have to be better.  This is New England.  Here are the low temperatures this morning/right now.

NWS minimum temperatures Tuesday December 6, 2016 (image Weatherbell)

Remember snow tires and All wheel drive do not make you Jeff Gordon.  Let's make sure we don't end up like this again okay?

Google image for Snow car accident

Short Term Forecast

A pleasant day of weather is on the table today.  Skies will be mostly sunny with high temps in the low to mid 40's.  Winds will remain light.

NWS Maximum Temperatures Tuesday December 6, 2016 (image Weatherbell)

High pressure is in control but it will be pushed northeast into Atlantic Canada today as a system approaches from the SW.  It looks impressive today but it will weaken and shift east as it hits the east coast.  A snowstorm rages across the Northern Plains but this will head into Central Canada and away from the northeast.

WPC Surface Fronts/Precipitation Tuesday 1 PM

Clouds will increase this afternoon/evening.  Some rain is possible before midnight before the main snow shield works east.  I believe it is snowing in the Berkshires by 1 AM and into Springfield/Hartford by 430-5 AM and into Worcester by 6.  Temperatures tonight will only fall to 30-32.  These are marginal for snow but the timing of the precipitation will impact the AM commute again tomorrow.   The snow threat area is west of 495 and north of 84.  Temps around 32 may produce some light freezing rain in Eastern MA.  Here is the simulated radar for 6 AM Wednesday.

06z NAM hires parallel simulated radar Wednesday 6 AM (image Weatherbell)

The precipitation will end by 9-10 AM in Southern Worcester County.  Temperatures will climb to around 40 tomorrow afternoon.   That said accumulations are again 1-2".  

NWS Boston most likely snowfall through Wednesday 1 PM

I'll be watching for some below average cold this weekend and early next week.  I'm sensing a good start to ice fishing season.

-Zack Green