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Connecticut Weather Forecast: Major Snowstorm to Welcome Spring
Snow totals for Connecticut's 'first day of spring' storm have lessened, but we'll likely see substantial accumulation Sunday into Monday.
You know you live in New England when the first day of spring brings snow instead of sun. Meteorologists are watching the Sunday, March 20, storm with interest.
Meteorologist Ryan Hanrahan said the odds of a major snowstorm on Sunday have diminished since Thursday evening.
“The European model which was consistent in showing a major (12″+ storm) pulled the rug out from underneath that idea last night,” he said on his website.
Computer models are showing a less impressive forecast in terms of snow, Hanrahan said. He anticipates having more information Friday afternoon, as we get closer to the storm.
Meteorologist Gil Simmons said he is waiting for the next computer model update and is tracking the snow’s anticipated arrival for Sunday afternoon, ending early on Monday.
A hazardous weather outlook for northwestern Connecticut from the National Weather Service notes that a significant winter storm is likely for southern New England Sunday into Monday, but Massachusetts and Rhode Island may see the most snowfall.
“There is also a low to moderate risk that a wind advisory will be needed along portions of the coast Sunday night,” the NWS stated.
The Latest NWS Forecast
On Friday, Connecticut may see rain in the afternoon and early evening, coupled with gusts of wind that could reach 28 mph.
Saturday will be clear, sunny and cool, with highs in the low- to mid-40s, according to the National Weather Service forecast. Temps will drop to the upper-20s during the evening hours.
And now, for the real star of the show — the snow. Likely to start between noon and 2 p.m. on Sunday, the NWS estimates an overall accumulation of 3 to 7 inches in Fairfield, New Haven and New London Counties for the duration of the storm. Hartford and Tolland County towns are estimated to see 2 to 3 inches of snow. Wind gusts may reach 25 mph.
What About Monday?
The NWS is forecasting a 60-percent chance of snow, mainly before 10 a.m. Temps will climb to the low-40s throughout the day.
Stay in touch with Patch as we monitor the track of the storm.
Photos: Accuweather.com
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