Final Note: This snowstorm never really changed over to rain anywhere in the area, and accumulating snows were able to mount up in the Berkshires over a foot in some areas. It appears the development of the secondary storm (who's exact movement and influence is often difficult to forecast due to it's previous non-existent state) occured a little too stunted, and then pushed offshore in such a manner so as to confine rainfall straight up the I-95 corridor. Moreover, this allowed colder air to remain entrenched locally, with the initial system unable to scour it out (much of its energy being sucked into the new storm didn't help much). We did get a little icing and sleet across the region, which is still notable considering temperatures in the low to mid 20s much of the afternoon. Needless to say there's going to be a lot of snow scenes out there the next few nights where the ground will look like smooth glass, with that light glaze ontop of the fallen snow.

Be sure to check out the Past Weather Events to see the final tallies from this storm.

6:00 PM - A lot of 'stuff you can hear' coming out of the sky. Sleet and freezing rain being reported with temperatures in the 20s, as that last bit of moisture pulls through. There won't be much more accumulation of anything expected after this. The next stage would be the increasing winds. As the air dries out, we could see wind chills get down to the single-digits (and perhaps lower) overnight. If you don't shovel your driveway soon, you'll be chiseling it tomorrow.

5:30 PM - Another thing about the intensity of this storm (which is much stronger than this last one that came across the area), is the ability of this system to channel a large temperature difference across a small distance. This would show concentrated warming and cooling in close proximity. The Current Regional Temperatures map, located in the Current Conditions page, reveal this nicely. The temperatures on the Cape are approaching 50 degrees, and yet in southern Maine, there are still a few single digits. With temperature differences like these...there's no doubt there's a similar situation with air pressure, and thus we'll have to watch for gusty winds overnight. You can track the ...(Current Winds, and Current Gusts, right from the Current Conditions page.

5:00 PM - Taking a look at the Current Radar, a lot of the steadier precipitation off to the west is running into the Berkshires, and running out of steam. A lot of this has to do with the mountains themselves often shadowing the valley from receiving moisture by virtue of squeezing it out over the mountains themselves with not much left over for the valley. But also, the rapidly developing storm system offshore-- the one pouring the rain/ice down on the Patriots game (thank goodness they won)...shown quite clearly with the intense 3-Hour Pressure falls...is also sapping some moisture from the old, and wrapping it around the new. We have the Worcester hills in line to block some of that moisture for us as well. Thanks a bunch.

4:00 PM - According to the latest Hourly Observations, freezing rain is indeed moving into the Pitsfield area. The temperatures in Berkshire county are a few degrees warmer, on average, than those in the Pioneer Valley.

3:45 PM - Current Temperatures indicate that the Pioneer Valley continues to keep the cold air jammed inside, with noticeable warming occuring in the higher elevations. The burst of precipitation currently advancing from the west may be weakening somewhat due to the continuing transfer of energy from the original storm system to the one that is rapidly intensifying offshore, but it is still apparent that frozen precipitation is going to dominate the weather in the valley. Hopefully it doesn't turn into a full-on ice-storm for an hour or two...Some more sleet and snow would be nice. Either way, this batch of moisture would represent the last push of moisture through the area.

3:00 PM - As we watch this next burst of precipitation move in on Current Radar, an interesting tidbit comes from Albany, New York. The latest reports from there indicate that they have received 5.1" of snow total during the day, with 0.3" coming in the last 6 hours. Moreover, they report a total liquid precipitation (melting down the snow, etc.) of 0.81". That's a lot of water wrapped up in so little snow. And, because temperatures at Albany should have yielded greater snowfall amounts if it were an all snow event, it's plainly obvious that what's coming toward us is not 'all snow'.

2:00 PM - Currently on Radar, you can see what appears to be an area of clearing toward the Berkshires, or just on the other side of them. Though this area may not in fact be clear, it does indicate a drying out of that air, out ahead of the next lobe of precipitation moving in from the west. It's a good symptom of what could be another round of steady-to-moderate precipitation, and with Current Temperatures the way they are, at this point we could still be talking about sleet/ice (instead of plain rain) before going back to snow.

1:30 PM - As precipitation gradually re-fires across the area with the arrival of the mid-level energy associated with the original storm system (the rapidly strengthening secondary one on the coastline begins to move away), you can get an idea of the different experiences across our area by watching the WebCams. Be sure to send in any weather reports you bravely obtain...and of course all weather/scenic pictures are greatly appreciated.

1:00 PM - More folks have been able to get out and measure what's outside, although keep in mind that these totals may actually be higher than the final totals, because of the compaction that goes on with a layer of sleet/ice falling ontop of some fragile fluffiness.

Salem ... 10.0"
Chester ... 9.8"
Northfield ... 9.5"
Topsfield ... 9.0"
Southwick ... 6.2"
Agawam ... 5.0"
Enfield, CT ... 3.8"
Bradley Airport ... 3.0"

12:30 PM - According to the Current Hourly Observations around the area, found in our Current Conditions page, temperatures have risen slightly, to the low-mid 20s, but we're seeing sleet and freezing drizzle around here more than anything else. The precipitation is still much lighter than we had earlier, but we still have more to go through. Judging from the Current Radar, there's another lobe of steadier precipitation on the way. This one will arrive with no doubt some warmer air at mid-levels, so we will see some sleet/ice in some spots, before going back to snow.

11:30 AM - Some wind gust reports are coming in as well. A lot of places are reporting 20 mph gusts and such, which you can follow in our Current Conditions page...(Wind Speeds, Wind Gusts).

North Adams (airport) ... 53 mph
Bennington, VT ... 54 mph

You'll notice that this sort of report never came in with the last storm of a few days ago. That is another reason why this one is a more powerful system, regardless of final snowfall tallies.

11:00 AM - The snowfall has really fallen in bursts well to our east, on the other side of the Worcester hills, where this redeveloping low pressure center will have more forcing. Of course, that's also where the best chance for the mixing/rain to push northward as well, but you can't argue with the snow totals by comparison to west of us:

Topsfield ... 8.0"
Wakefield ... 7.0"
Lowell ... 6.5"

Albany, NY ... 5.0"
Logan Airport ... 3.0"

At this point, it seems the anticipated area of heaviest snowfall accumulation will occur along Route 2, and then north of I-495 Pretty typical of an event like this, but honestly the quick initial snowfall totals (admittedly fluffed up by continued cold at the surface) have been somewhat out-of-the-norm.

10:30 AM - On Current Regional Radar, you can see the two parts of this storm complex getting more distinct. Of course, we're sort of stuck in the middle. The snow that is falling outside locally is very fine, almost like a mist. It may not be doing this everywhere, but it would be hard to expect the falling flakes to accumulate much with how fluffy what's on the ground already is. The expected temperature profile locally is starting to take shape. On the Current Temperature map, You can see areas outside the Pioneer Valley (higher elevations) starting to experience more warming than that along the river. This cold air damming would be the main culprit for any sleet or freezing rain, if they were to show. Of course, with the entire area still being relatively cold, we still have a snow/sleet precipitation profile, with very light precipitation locally at that.

10:00 AM - We're getting some more snowfall totals coming in, as things temporarily lighten up locally...

Savoy ... 8.0"
Charlemont ... 7.5"
West Springfield ... 7.0"
Monson ... 6.5"
Chester ... 5.0"
Bradley Airport ... 3.0"

If you have a report for us, change in weather, etc. Send it in!  Also, you can always follow the weather continuously from your computer, by going to our Live, 24/7 Weather Now webstream.

9:30 PM - Going forward, as the coast storm strengthens, we're going to experience some breezy conditions. This is another example of why this storm is/will be stronger than the one we went through a couple days ago. Already seeing several wind gusts over 40 miles per hour, which is nothing to sneeze at. You can check out the Current Wind Speeds, and Current Wind Gusts on our Current Conditions page. You can also see these on a Regional Level (Winds, Gusts).

9:00 AM - We may be headed for a little lull in the precipitation shortly, as our two-center system is still in the process of rearranging. With the development off the Jersey coastline, you can expect a resurgence of moisture into the area, but until it becomes dominant, we're stuck with the as-of-now main system out to the west. Its circulation pattern would put us in what would be called a 'dry slot', where warm, dry intake stunts precipitation. You can see this currently on our Current Regional Radar. By looking at the most recent 3-Hour Pressure Falls, accessible from our Current Conditions page, you can identify 2 distinct 'couplets' of rising and falling pressures (or, as the case may be to our south: 'falling and falling-not-so-quickly' pressures). These would represent the centers of this tandem storm complex, and the areas of most intense pressure falls out ahead of them would indicate the best location of movement/strength.

8:45 AM - In the places that stay all-snow (and that so far have been all snow)...especially given the ability for snowfall at colder temperatures to 'fluff up'...we're really seeing some strong snowfall amounts coming in. For example...

Goshen ... 8.5"
Greenfield ... 7.0"
Amherst ... 6.5"
Longmeadow ... 4.5"

This storm is certain to bring its higher snow totals to the north (which was not the case with this past storm). We are currently back to snow in many spots (even in Springfield), which can certainly happen because we're talking about warm air riding in way overhead, with it always below-freezing at the surface. If we can keep the temperatures aloft on the colder side, the fluffy snow can still fall...and we may still yet see some more accumulations, even in the south, before it mixes back over again.

If you have a snowfall or weather report to tell, send it in! Also...all weather pictures are welcome here as well.

8:30 AM - We often run computer-model simulations of anticipated weather. Given an initial set of data, powerful computers crunch out advanced mathematics and physics to build a picture of how the assorted weather variables come together over a region. Here's the current modelling of Forecasted Snowfall (found in our Forecast Center).

It gets interesting when compared with the same model's rendition of Total Forecast Precipitation. Though it would appear that the Pioneer Valley between Springfield and Northampton is in line for more than 6" of snow, the same model is also throwing out around 2" of total melted-down liquid precipitation (much more than this past storm). A normal 'snow-liquid-equivalent' ratio (table here, found with other assorted weather calcuators and conversion tables, in our Weather Classroom page) would yield about a 10-to-1 snow to liquid ratio (and even more with colder temperatures). So, when the modelling is taken as a whole, instead of the area receiving around 20" of snow, it will be muted by sleet, ice, and rain-- which is the only way to satisfy a computer solution of 2" of melted-down precipitation, along with 6" of snowfall. Just something to think about, and not drive through. 

8:15 AM - The National Weather Service has upgraded Hampden County with a "Winter Storm Warning", because the initial snow burst across the area has already brought a widespread 3"-4" of snowfall. "Warning" criteria would represent '6 or more inches of snow in a 12-hour period'. It is not expected that every area will receive 6" of snow, however there's some 'wiggle room' in the criteria, given the likelihood of some sleet and/or icing entering the picture. Since we're right on the cusp as it is, and the communication to the public should be one of caution on the roadways...might as well go to a 'warning' anyway.

You can view the various warnings this storm has caused for the region (lots of white 'Winter Storm Warnings') in our Forecast Center. (Image here).

8:00 AM - Throughout the morning, we've been receiving Storm-Related Closings and Cancellations. As we get them, you should see them being updated continuously on our website. Speaking about continuously updating material, you can check out all sorts of current and forecast weather data by tuning into our 24-hours a day/7 days a week constant weather stream "Weather Now".

Also, if you like, you can always access a network of webcams we've provided for you, to see what's going on in other locations. The Weather WebCams are here...So if you wanted to watch the snow in Albany, the mess in downtown Northampton, or even what's going on in Cape Cod, you can do that.

7:30 AM - It's becoming evident that some warmer air aloft is definitely working it's way into the mix (literally), especially in the Valley. Seeing that Current Temperatures are in the teens, and yet we're getting reports of sleet (you can actually tell it's not snowing by listening outside-- sure enough that's what's going on right now in Springfield)...This can only mean that perhaps a few thousand feet up above us, the temperatures are above freezing, and it would be raining. These rain drops would then re-freeze in the colder air closer to the surface, and impact the ground as a little ice pellet.

If you look at the Current Local Radar, just by the reflectivity of the precipitation itself (and not by separating it into rain/sleet/snow), mixed precipitation shows up better than rain or snow, and you can tell its presence given really cold temperatures by the yellows on the image. If temperatures were above freezing, this yellow instead would be heavy rain (or even thunder).

7:00 AM - The snow moved in around 3:00 AM, according to the 2-Day Weather History links, and when it did start, it came at a moderate pace. In fact, in just a few short hours, we've received some decent snow totals:

Amherst ... 4.5"
Lanesborough ... 4.0"
Worcester ... 3.5"

Judging from the Current Radar, there is still lots more precipitation to work through. Not only that, but the transformation of energy to this second storm off the Jersey coastline has begun. Just by looking at the 3-Hour Air Pressure Change across the region, the fastest pressure falls indicates the best locations of movement and strength. One storm center is headed up through New York, and this new one is going to go from the coastline, most likely over Southeastern Massachusetts.

If you have a weather report to give us...Here's where you can send it. Pictures are always welcome too (send them here).

12:30 AM - Temperatures remain in the teens, with humidities below 50% in many areas. Just about all of us are checking in with merely cloudy skies, and with precipitation showing up on Current Radar, it's plainly evident that that saturation is taking place. Falling snowflakes are not hitting the ground, instead sublimating before they reach the surface, adding to the humidity of the air in hopes of saturating it enough so that future snowflakes won't have to suffer this fate and thus reach the ground to coat it white. It remains to be seen how long this will take...but as a wave of thicker moisture comes closer, it should speed up on arrival.

11:30 PM (14th) - An interesting dynamic at this hour. Simultaneously, the temperature in Albany, NY is 13 degrees, whereas a little ways down the road in New York City it's sleeting with a temperature of 31. It can actually sleet overhead at either one of those temperatures...but it's at least one indicator of the column of air that's approaching our cold, dry weather locally.

11:00 PM (14th) - As the precipitation overspreads in the coming hours, it will begin as snow everywhere. It should start to accumulate fluidly as well, as upstream the snow has been sticking right away. There will be interesting forces at work overnight, as the race is on to see how much snow we can get through a newly saturated layer of air, while at the same time warm air is rushing to enter the mid-levels of the atmosphere overhead to mix things up a bit (sleet, ice, etc.)-- and represent the 'beginning of the end' for accumulating snowfall for those that experience it (except maybe until the second-half of Sunday). At this point, it doesn't look like it's going to be that dramatic for snowfall in the Valley-- certainly compared to a few days ago. The biggest concern is about how much slop we get that's not snow and not rain, because that's the stuff that is worse on the roads and the worse to remove.

Keep in mind you can continue to follow along with this storm by tuning in online to our 24/7 Weather Now online weather webstream, by accessing our Weather Page, our Forecast Center, and our Current Conditions page (including the webcams). As always, if you have a weather report that would be helpful to us, send it in! Keep those pictures coming too! They have been great. Some of them are on our Gallery page.

10:00 PM (14th) - Currently, the precipitation shield is working it's way through the last parts of the Mid-Atlantic states, about to make their way into New England. However, as can be seen on the Current Temperatures Map (located in the Current Conditions section of the website), temperatures are still in the teens in the Valley. Another interesting tidbit to note, the Current Dewpoints (measure of moisture in the air) are much colder than this-- the single digits. This implies that the onset of precipitation will be delayed somewhat overnight, as some falling snow will evaporate on the way down, attempting to saturate the air enough to permit full penetration of falling snow to the surface. This is a common element to storm systems like this (and it often is annoying to snow-lovers who get really impatient to see the flakes come down). You can follow the precipitation by watching our Regional Radar/Satellite map, also in the Current Conditions page.

First Word - This storm is a very complex one, that will result in a wide range of experiences across Western Massachusetts. It packs more of a punch than the last storm we had just a few days ago, but some may not realize it if they're only measuring with a snow-stick. As we follow this storm, there will be two main parts: A storm system working it's way up through the Mid-Atlantic states, headed for Northern New England, and then what will be a redevelopment inspiring a new storm off the the Jersey coastline. The strength of the first storm will dictate how much warm air spills into the region (forcing change-overs to sleet, ice, and rain)...The strength of the second one will indicate how strong our winds will get, and how much precipitation we'll see after noon on Sunday.