Spring Snowstorm Looms: Farewell Flurries Expected for Parts of Northeast

Winter made a largely unremarkable appearance this year, with minimal snowfall across much of the region and even a notable snowstorm failing to materialize as predicted.

However, as the 2023-2024 season bids its farewell, parts of Massachusetts and northern New England are poised to receive a final flurry of snowfall on the cusp of spring.

According to forecasts from the National Weather Service, a snowstorm is anticipated to impact New York, Vermont, and select areas of Massachusetts and New Hampshire from Tuesday into Wednesday, coinciding with the arrival of spring. The vernal equinox, marking the official onset of spring, is scheduled for Tuesday, March 19th, at 11:06 p.m., though the first day of spring is typically observed on March 20th.

Primarily, mountainous regions and higher elevations, particularly in New York and Vermont, are expected to bear the brunt of the snowfall. Meteorologist Michael Main from the National Weather Service’s Albany office forecasts potential snow accumulations of 4 to 8 inches in the Adirondack Mountains of New York, with similar amounts projected for certain peaks in Vermont. Southern Vermont may receive one to two inches of snow accumulation, as per the National Weather Service.

In Massachusetts, particularly the Berkshires region, snowfall is forecasted to be less substantial. Accumulation in this area is predicted to range from half an inch to one inch, with temperatures reaching the low 40s on Wednesday, making it difficult for snow to persist.

A map released by the National Weather Service’s Boston office outlines the areas in Massachusetts likely to see some snowflakes, primarily west of Interstate-91 and northern Franklin and Worcester counties extending eastward to Fitchburg. The highest probability of snowfall is concentrated in the northwest corner around North Adams.

Overall, this winter has seen above-average temperatures and lighter snowfall, with Boston experiencing temperatures 4.2 degrees higher than historical averages and snowfall totals only reaching about a quarter of the usual amount. AccuWeather notes that any deviation of two degrees or higher from the average is considered significant.