Parts of New England are looking at what could be some nasty weather over the weekend, and while most of the region will see rain and wet weather, the summit of Mount Washington could see some heavy snow.
According to the Mount Washington Observatory‘s Staff Meteorologist Ryan Knapp, an upper-level low parked over New England will drive a surface low southward across the region Friday afternoon into Saturday before the system shifts offshore late Saturday night.
Friday will start with isolated showers and a brief window of possible clearing above the summits in the early morning hours. That window will be short-lived. Clouds thicken and lower through the day, with widespread precipitation arriving Friday afternoon and continuing overnight.
The precipitation type will be messy. A wintry mix of snow, sleet, freezing rain, and cold rain is expected as cold air aloft collides with milder air near the surface. The freezing line begins the day above 4,500 feet and drops to 4,000 feet by Friday afternoon. As the low passes Friday night, colder air rushes in and snow takes over entirely.
Accumulation totals for elevations between 4,000 and 5,000 feet are forecast at 2 to 4 inches, with 3 to 5 inches on the highest terrain. Some models push overnight totals to near 6 inches above 6,000 feet.
The wind threat may be the bigger story. Friday night gusts are forecast to reach 95 mph, with some models suggesting the possibility of 100 mph. Combined with plunging temperatures, wind chills are expected to drop to 10 below zero or colder.
Saturday brings continued snow and cold before the system exits. Snow tapers to scattered showers by afternoon, with temperatures in the upper 20s and wind chills lingering in the single digits through much of the day.
Knapp warned that trailheads may feel like spring while upper elevations turn increasingly cold, icy, and hazardous. Hikers are urged to carry proper gear, know their limits, and have a firm turnaround plan.
