January nor’easter will bring heavy rain, strong winds to start your work week
For most of you, it'll be too warm for snow.
A January nor’easter is poised to hit southern New England for the start of the work week, and heavy rain and wind are on the menu. Now you might think a nor’easter means heavy snow, but in actuality the term is used for low pressure systems that move up the coastline, bringing winds coming from the northeast. During our upcoming storm strong winds will buffet the coastline. This has prompted the National Weather Service to issue a high wind warning there. Winds will be strongest Monday afternoon and Monday evening. Winds will be sustained at 35 to 45 miles per hour during this time, but gusts could reach 65 miles per hour in some of the exposed coastal locations.
Locations of the high-wind warnings for Monday’s nor’easter.
Winds will be strong along the coast and could gust over 55 miles per hour.
Winds of this speed can create tree damage and therefore lead to power outages. I don’t expect widespread power issues, but those of you along the coast shouldn’t be surprised by their occurrence Monday evening.
Strong winds can also impact Logan Airport. Although the high wind warning isn’t posted for Boston, winds will still be strong there.
The other significant aspect of this upcoming storm will be the rain. Most areas will see 1 to 2 inches of rainfall. The map gives a rough idea of the rainfall totals. These are of course based on weather model simulations. Areas east of Route 495 will see the most rain, which is why there is a flood warning posted. This storm won’t produce river flooding, but will be enough rain for street and basement flooding. Give your sump pump a quick check before the storm.
Flood watch areas for Monday’s storm.
“What about ice and snow?” you might ask. Interestingly the track of the upcoming storm is quite ideal for snow. The problem is even with the perfect track, you still need cold air. The lack of winter cold means more rain than snow. There could be some sleet during the first few hours of the storm, especially away from the coast, but any accumulation would be slight. Across northern Worcester County and into southern New Hampshire there could be a coating to a perhaps an inch or two of snow.
The track of Monday’s storm
You should expect some showers, mist or drizzle in the next 24 hours, through Monday morning. The heaviest rain will take place Monday evening and overnight. The Monday evening and Tuesday morning commutes will be most affected. Tuesday evening may also wet, although rain will be ending during the day.
The nor’easter is followed by a pair of spring-like days, where sunshine will be abundant, along with mild temperatures in the 40s. I don’t see any compelling pattern change to bring any major snowstorm to the area for the foreseeable future.
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