Check out this impressive satellite image of the nor’easter that hit us yesterday. It’s now offshore of southeast Maine, and has strengthened considerably, taking on a classic “comma head” structure that is a hallmark of strong surface low storm systems.
Don’t shoot the messenger, but we are forecast to get even more snow Saturday. A clipper system to our northwest over Michigan will combine with another low pressure system moving into the Carolinas later today. Once this system moves offshore, it will begin strengthening and growing into another nor’easter. Luckily, forecast models are currently showing much lower amounts of available moisture (precipitable water) for this upcoming storm. In addition, even though the storm is forecast to pass near us, the bulk of the precipitation is currently forecast to remain over the open ocean. What this means is that we should only see light accumulations of snow, on the order of 1-3″. However, as with the previous storm, there is still a little uncertainty about the final track of this storm, and changes could lead to higher snowfall amounts.
Otherwise, expect milder temps today with windy and sunny conditions prevailing, temps in the low 40s. This should help some of the snow to melt. We should have clear skies for part of the evening to see the full moon on Valentine’s Day. Clouds move in overnight, with snow showers during the day Saturday and a high in the mid 30s. Another weaker clipper system moves in Sunday with another chance for light snow and high temps around freezing. Yet another system is forecast for Monday night into Tuesday, which looks to be snow to start and snow transitioning to rain on Tuesday. Monday’s high near freezing with a warm up Tuesday ahead of the frontal system moving in.
Here’s a graphic showing the snowfall totals from around the area from this last storm.