Late-Season March Snowstorm: What to Expect

Even though spring is only two days away, spring is nowhere in sight as another March winter storm is set to impact Western Massachusetts starting this evening into Tuesday. Hard to believe considering last year on this date, we were well into the 60s and 70s! The National Weather Service in Taunton has issued Winter Storm WARNINGS for all of Western Massachusetts for the threat of heavy snow and ice. This will be our second significant snowstorm of the month... the first as you may recall delivered widespread accumulations of 10-20" in Southern New England.

TIMELINE

Snow starts tonight for the Berkshires at first and gradually working northeast. School cancellations look to be imminent as the heaviest snow falls during the Tuesday morning commute. The roads going to be downright nasty and I would recommend staying inside if possible. During the midday on Tuesday, snow may start to changeover to a mix or rain in the Pioneer Valley as temperatures rise above freezing. I want to highlight that the threat of freezing rain is a possibility which may make things very slick outside. Meanwhile, north of the Mass Pike outside of the valley should stay mostly or all snow throughout the duration of the event. The heaviest and steadiest precipitation occurs Tuesday afternoon and will slowly but surely lighten up starting around 2-4pm. The Pioneer Valley may see a quick changeover back to snow at that time before precipitation halts Tuesday evening. By sunset Tuesday, as the low exits into the Gulf of Maine, conditions improve and snow ends. Can't rule out a stray snow shower Tuesday night, otherwise Tuesday night should be all clear and we shovel out on Wednesday!

SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS

2-5" is expected for the immediate Springfield area; 4-8" heading north into the Northampton/Amherst area. Route 2 going through Greenfield should see anywhere around 6-12". The most snow falls in the higher elevations of the Northern Berkshires (Savoy, Windsor, Lanesborough) where more than a foot is likely!