Here comes Old Man Winter SNOW SQUALLS... This is one of the better dynamic setups for squalls so far this season. Squalls are like thunderstorms in summer, and there are many parallels in their characteristics. The sharpness of the front, with Arctic air behind it, brings the convective spice, leading to rapidly deteriorating road conditions from heavy snowfall and gusty winds. Where squalls develop may drop 1"+ of snow in a half hour or less. While the front will cross the state this morning into the early afternoon, not all areas will get squalls, but many places have a chance of receiving moderate to heavy snow showers, which may look and act like them. The bottom line is this is an *awareness issue* for those on the roadways. Yes, your phone could rattle off an alert that may freak you out. If you are driving, find a safe place to get off the road as far from traffic as possible. If the shoulder is the best you can do, put on your 4-way hazard lights, get out of the vehicle, and get away from it. AFTER THE FRONT PASSES... Temperatures are expected to fall. Some areas could see the thermometer plummet 5-10° within an hour. Coastal regions that climb above freezing in the morning may experience a flash freeze in the afternoon, as the ground is cold enough where a quick change in surface air temperature could turn a puddle into black ice in short order. The wind is expected to pick up and be gusty well into the evening. Understanding the power grid, I can't rule out isolated power outages. SNOW SHOWERS are expected to be hit-or-miss through late afternoon into the evening. This may impact the evening commute. COLD WEATHER ADVISORY for the mountains and north overnight into Friday morning, where wind chill values may drop into the -30° to -20° range. Thankfully, this round of Arctic air is short-lived. While temperatures will run below normal over the next several days, it won't be as brutal as this. Stay aware, stay alert, and stay safe. The wood fired saunas are up and running at Spinney's The PTW Weather Wall updates 24/7 Your financial support is needed and appreciated for 2026 Always have MULTIPLE ways to receive weather alerts. Stay aware, stay on alert, and stay safe. - Mike PRINT MEDIA: Feel free to quote and cite my work here for your stories. Please extend me the professional courtesy of acknowledging that you are referencing my material, so I can review your final product and link it on the PTW IN MEDIA page on this website. Feel free to send me a message via the Facebook page or Twitter (X) to get my phone number if necessary. Thank you! NOTE: The forecast information depicted on this platform is for general information purposes only for the public and is not designed or intended for commercial use. For those seeking pinpoint weather information for business operations, you should use a private sector source. For information about where to find commercial forecasters to assist your business, please message me and I will be happy to help you. |
Mike Haggett
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