Hello everyone!

Today will feature another winter storm approaching with clouds building as the day goes on. Expect to see at least a little sun this morning but things cloud over reasonably quickly.

Temps will be in the mid 30’s today at the coast while in the upper 20’s inland.

Snow looks to move in from the west in association with the clipper system that will spawn our coastal low. Towns like Fryeburg, Bethel, and Bridgton can expect snow to start in the early afternoon. Snow here will be light as the clipper system will be the main driver rather than the coastal low.

Towns along the coast get the snow mid afternoon as the coastal low starts to get going. Expect snow to become moderate in the late afternoon hours as the coastal low moves NE. Snow becomes heavy overnight especially along the coast.

Regarding amounts, due to the fact that this storm is moving so fast, expect totals to increase the farther east you go. As of now, 6-10″ is a safe bet for Portland and Augusta with amounts likely toward the 6″ part of the scale. Upwards of 2 FEET is expected over Downeast Maine.

Winds will be cranking with this storm as it rapidly intensifies. Expect sustained winds to reach 20 mph at the coast with gusts well into the 30 mph range. This will cause blizzard conditions up and down the coast as the light fluffy snow will blow and drift easily. Expect blizzard conditions to move in around 9 and continue through Sunday morning.

Here is where I expect blizzard conditions. Even if we don’t meet the visibility/wind/time criteria for an official blizzard, it sure will look and feel a lot like one. For inland areas, especially in Southern Maine, winds should be a tad too low and snowfall not as heavy so blizzard conditions are unlikely in those areas.

Snow will wind down Sunday morning as the low pulls away into the Maritimes. Expect lingering up slope snows in the mountains while the Midcoast and eastern Maine still get snow from the main system.

It appears we have more snow in the forecast for Tuesday followed by a dreaded thaw and rain late next week. Don’t worry fellow lovers of winter! The 8-14 day outlook gives us hope as march looks to come in like a lion with a cold and stormy pattern to start the month.

-Jack