A few showers for interior areas Tuesday, snow and rain Wednesday and Thursday

4/20/2021

Cold front passes through Tuesday

Here we are on April 20th, and I still can't quite declare winter over just yet. There is still plenty of cold air lurking to the northwest that will need to modify before we can say goodbye to the flakes for interior areas. The coastal plain is about done for the flakes after this storm. Frost will continue to be a possibility, however. The average last frost date for southern areas is May 1st, for northern areas May 13th. For those itching to plant, you can do so, but keep the covers on the ready just in case.

A cold front approaches the region Tuesday as low pressure over central Ontario moves northeast. Clouds will be on the increase in the morning, and showers over interior areas break out Tuesday afternoon. Along the front comes the energy associated with our next widespread event moving in on Wednesday.

Showers move into western areas by around mid-morning Tuesday and clear northern and eastern areas by early evening. There is a chance for a rumble of thunder as the cold front moves east in the afternoon. Southern areas may get a sprinkle or a spot shower, but that is about it.

High temperatures range from the 50s for the north and mountains to the 60s for the coast. Interior southwestern areas may get into the low 70s. Wind from the southwest shifting to the west after the frontal passage could bring gusts up to 30 mph before briefly settling Tuesday night.

Another spring mixed bag event on the way
to wrap up the week

As the energy over the central plains moves eastward, low pressure forms along the cold front Wednesday morning and moves northeast. The low cuts through the middle part of the state in a southwest to northeast track, which cuts off the cold air, thus keeping snow to the northwest and bringing a rain event to the southeast. The storm intensifies as it moves into the Gaspe Peninsula on Thursday. The storm appears to stall out to the northeast for a few hours Thursday night, then drifts east on Friday.

A reverse flip from the previous storm as heavier amounts of precipitation appears over northern and western areas, with lesser amounts to the south.

Another high elevation snow event, and a heavy wet snow event at that. Power outages are possible for the western mountains on up into northern areas where the snow sticks. Shoveling is optional with this one, as it will be gone for most areas by the end of the weekend, if not sooner.

Wind picks up from the south Wednesday morning and then shifts to the west/northwest as the storm moves northeast Thursday morning. A Flying Trash Can Alert is in effect for coastal areas Wednesday night into Thursday as wind gusts could range in the 30-40 mph. The breeze remains steady through Friday and settles by Saturday morning.

Weekend thoughts and ten-day temperature outlook

Saturday looks fair for all. A storm is on track to impact the region starting on Sunday. The timing at this point appears for showers to arrive over southwestern areas Sunday morning. Northern areas stay dry until Sunday night, eastern areas stay dry until Sunday late Sunday afternoon. Stay tuned for updates on that.

Seasonal normal temperatures anointed in on the left and the right for Caribou and Portland for reference, the overall trend remains warmer than normal on the high and low end by a handful degrees or less through the end of the month.

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- Mike

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