Long-Term Forecast: Wintry Start For March, Spring in Durham and Middlefield

Today will still feel like winter in Connecticut and we could even see some snowflakes this afternoon and then it appears winter vanishes for the next week at least. But if you love snow don’t worry it appears winter may be taking a break for the next week or so but it’s expected to return by late February and early March, according to meteorologists.

Before we enjoy and look forward to a nice warmup this weekend in Connecticut where we could hit 50 degrees Sunday, we’ll be dealing with some cold temps Thursday and a chance for some snowflakes, but you won’t need the shovel, according to the National Weather Service.

WTNH News 8 Meteorologist Gil Simmons wrote, “Plan on a cold feel all day today! Sun and clouds with a scattered flurry, the wind will be gusty making it feel a lot colder! High temperatures in the 30s but feeling like the 20s with the wind. We are expecting very quiet weather right through the weekend with a warm up to the 50s Sunday! Also, get your car washed!”

Is Winter Over?

WTNH News 8 Meteorologist Kevin Arnone provides an in-depth look at how much snow has fallen all across Connecticut this winter and he takes a look at the long-range weather models to see if we’re done with snow this winter.

While the snow has piled up largely over the past week in Connecticut the entire state is above normal with snowfall totals, Arnone writes. The Connecticut shoreline is just under 30 inches and inland areas are over 42 inches, both ahead of normal expectations. (Read more about his analysis here.)

And as we’re talking about readings in the low 50s this weekend, Arnone examines whether we’ll see more snow this winter. He said it’s true much of the rest of February looks mild and the precipitation will be rain, not snow, likely.

But for those of you who love snow don’t fret, Arnone says the during the beginning of March “winter wants to make a little comeback with a few chances for wintry weather and a couple of cold shots. Stay tuned!.”

Arnone’s analysis is in agreement with AccuWeather.com’s own analysis, which means enjoy the brief warm up now as winter isn’t over yet.

Forecasters are predicting the winter weather will linger into spring across Connecticut and much of the United States. From coast to coast, cold air will maintain its grip across the northern tier of the country, according to an AccuWeather release.

Indeed, spring will start off on a wet note for the I-95 corridor. Rain and snow will fall through mid-March in Connecticut and most of the Northeast, holding back temperatures.

"As far as a significant warmup goes in the Northeast, I think you have to hold off until late April and May," AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Forecaster Paul Pastelok said in a news release.

The switch could be flipped sometime in late March or early April. The warmup should arrive faster than in the past couple of years, Pastelok said. Still, with a significant chance of snow remaining, it's difficult to judge when the cold air will retreat.

"It seems like all the cold and all the snow has been really piling up across that area and it's going to be no different going into the early spring," he said. To read more of Arnone’s weather analysis at WTNH News 8 click here.

See also: Dog Bites Student, Teacher Inside School; Trump Supporter Harassment Case Closed; PD Mourns Loss of K-9: CT News

• New Details About Russian Spy Ship Spotted Close to Connecticut Navy Base: Report
• A $230 Increase For A CT Gun Permit? Gun Owners Say Heck No!
• Hundreds Of Connecticut Bridges 'Structurally Deficient': Report
• Man Busted With 4 Kilos Of Cocaine Following Traffic Stop: State Police

Here’s the updated forecast via the National Weather Service for your area:

Thursday: Chance of snow showers this afternoon. No accumulation expected. Temps in the mid 30s only and the windchill makes it feel more like 20 degrees. Strong winds at times, which could gust to 30 mph.

Friday: High temp approaches 40 degrees with sunny skies and it will feel warmer than Thursday because winds will be diminished.

Saturday: Heatwave? High temp into the mid 40s and sunshine.

Sunday: Definite heatwave. Mostly sunny and temps in the low 50s.

Monday: Not as warm as Sunday but mid 40s and more sunshine isn’t too bad.

No significant snow chances in the forecast through next Wednesday.

Image via Shutterstock

Patch Editor Tom Davis contributed to this story.

— By BRIAN MCCREADY (Patch National Staff)