Monday was one of the coldest late-March days in Southern New England in the past few decades. The last time the average temperature (26.5°) at TF Green was as cold after March 23rd was in April of 1982. Tuesday will begin with partly sunny skies and lows in the low to mid 20s. Clouds will gradually thicken during the day, but it should stay dry into the evening. Highs will only be near 40° with a light breeze.
While it’s quiet in Southern New England, jet stream energy over the Atlantic Ocean off the Southeastern United States coast will lead to a rapidly intensifying storm that could become one of the most intense March storms on record in the western Atlantic Ocean. When it peaks, the storm may have a central pressure similar to a strong category 3 hurricane. It looks like the storm will come close enough to New England to bring blizzard conditions to far Eastern Massachusetts and northeast Maine. Cape Cod and the islands will see wind gusts over 60 mph, and possibly as high as 75 mph. There will also be bands of heavy snow, with accumulations over 6″ likely on Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket.
Based on the current projected track the impact will be lower in interior SE MA and RI. There will be a period of snow and gusty winds late Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. The wind may gust over 40 mph, and a few inches of snow could accumulate. The storm should not bring very strong winds or significant snow to most of CT and western/central MA. The temperature will be in the upper 20s to low 30s Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.
Snow will develop around midnight, and it will continue into Wednesday morning before ending from west to east around midday in RI, and by late in the day on Cape Cod. Peak winds are likely Wednesday morning. The high temperature will only be in the 30s on Wednesday.
The wind will gradually relax Wednesday night as skies clear. It will be very cold for late March, with lows in the teens. Thursday looks mostly sunny and chilly. Highs will only be near 40. Milder weather is ahead for late in the week. Clouds will increase on Friday, and rain may arrive by late in the day. Highs will be in the low 50s.
The weekend forecast is somewhat uncertain. Saturday looks dry, but showers may return on Sunday.
