Mega-Moon, Spring Starts, Wintry Weather
Wow, what a moon! At 3pm today, the moon made its closest approach to Earth of the year. More importantly, it was closer than it has been in more than 18 years at a distance of 221,565 miles away. This so-called Super Full Worm Moon appears 14% larger and 30% brighter than those full moons that occur when Earth is farthest away. The size difference is most notable near the horizon at moonrise and moonset. It truly looked gigantic this evening due to the moon illusion. A low-hanging moon appears enormous when hovering near trees and buildings. If you missed the stunning view this evening, check out the moonset in the western sky tomorrow morning. The exact moonset occurs at 6:49am so make sure you awaken several minutes earlier to watch it. The sky should be clear most areas unless sneaky patches of low clouds still exist over some coastal areas. Note that the sunset occurs at 6:48am.
After many record high temperatures near or slightly over 70 degrees yesterday, reality returned today with temperatures in the 41-46 degree range with clouds ruling the sky much of the day. This is the beginning of a long long stretch of below average temperatures. A reloading weather block aka negative NAO will deliver cold weather for at least the next couple weeks. This pattern change has been anticipated and I was alluding to this way back in late February. Last weekend, the long range outlook signaled cold and even some snowy weather for the first week of spring. This scenario is becoming more probable but first we will enjoy some bright sunshine tomorrow as a sprawling zone of high pressure is poised over the Northeast. It will encourage radiational cooling tonight with some inland locations down to the upper teens by daybreak. Patches of low clouds and isolated sprinkles to flakes may visit some coastal locations before dissolving in the early morning hours. Sunday's highs will range from 38-42 along the coast to 42-45 over some MetroWest communities with light wind. A cool sea breeze will erupt during the morning and continue into the afternoon. Get ready to celebrate the beginning of spring tomorrow evening. The vernal equinox occurs at 7:21pm.
Looking ahead, an approaching frontal boundary and warm advection pattern will spread a shield of precipitation over the region from west to east on Monday. Sufficient cold air may result in some snow mainly north and west of the Providence to Boston corridor. A switch to rain is expected but a more prolonged spell of snow over the higher terrain of Worcester County north and west is likely where a coating up to a couple inches of snow may accumulate. Snowfall intensity would have to ramp up to produce snowy roads anywhere close to the Boston area. A weak secondary storm may develop over southeastern MA but the primary center will churn across southern Canada. In any event, the combining systems will shift offshore Monday evening allowing some partial clearing after midnight. A cold front attached to the primary center will surge southward and move offshore by midday Tuesday when sunshine will be bright again with a gusty breeze and highs in the middle to upper 40s. After that, a wave of low pressure will be exiting the Midwest on its way to Delmarva. Its swath of precipitation will overspread our area later Wednesday afternoon and continue through most of Thursday with flurries lingering into Friday. Most signs support all snow with this feature leading to a potential of at least a few inches of snow. Heavier snowfall potential s indeterminate presently. Subsequent forecast cycles on Monday should become more defining about this late season wintry slug.
Joe Joyce will deliver his AccuWeather Forecast in the morning and I shall return later in the day.
Enjoy the rest of the weekend
