Quick-Hitting Chill

We have another rare bout with arctic air but like the few other occasions this winter, it will be brief then it's right back to above average temperatures starting Tuesday. The cold air rushed into the region overnight via howling winds at times. Today's highs around southern New England were in the range of 25-30 but it was much chillier across northern New England. The WBZ WeatherBug Network station at Bretton Woods was 8 below zero at 6pm! Granted, the equipment is located up on the slopes overlooking the majestic Presidential Range so it is elevated. Nevertheless, it is frigid up north and a secondary surge of arctic air is pushing into northeastern MA. Temperatures are falling into the teens in Essex County while Boston south is in the middle to upper 20s. This chunk of chill will expand southward tonight so most areas will fall down to the single numbers to near zero up north to 10-15 degrees along and south of the Mass Pike. The gusty wind will make it feel closer to zero as the evening progresses but the wind should be decreasing later on. Plan on a cold trek out for the morning commute. There will be a cold breeze but not a strong wind.Temperatures will be rising from the upper single numbers to middle teens then up to the lower 30s for the lunch hour then above freezing for the ride home later in the day as we continue to enjoy the later sunsets- tomorrow's occurs at 5:13pm. The sky will be clear to partly cloudy tonight with patchy clouds and sunshine on the menu for tomorrow. The westerly wind will blow at 10-20 mph tomorrow so it will be much less harsh in the afternoon.

Looking ahead, it will become cloudier on Valentine's Day and continue that way on Wednesday. A couple of weak disturbances will be advancing eastward from the Midwest but it appears that there is only a slight risk of a few spotty sprinkles both days with highs in the lower to middle 40s. A more important system is destined to release a swath of precipitation here Thursday night into Friday. It is still too premature to be confident of the placement of the rain/snow line. Presently, most indicators point to snow of at least a few inches over much of northern New England with rain over southeastern New England including Boston but snow to rain north and west of Boston. If a secondary storm develops along the frontal boundary, the spell of snow could linger well into Friday up north and that would be excellent news for the ski resorts as the February school vacation commences.

Melissa Mack delivers her AccuWeather Forecast in the morning and Todd Gutner follows later in the afternoon.

I look forward to seeing all the students and teachers at 4 school visits this week in Medford, Malden, Chelmsford and Webster.

Make it a great week!