New England has reached the heart of winter once again. New England’s average high temperatures continue to fall, reaching their lowest point of the year toward the end of the month before very slowly beginning to creep back up heading into the second half of winter. Here’s a look at the large-scale patterns that will be setting up throughout the month this year.
Summary: This month is looking to feature persistently cold temperatures with multiple chances for very cold air to push into the region through the first half of the month. The cold may gradually begin to ease up heading for the second half of the month. This cold air mass looks pretty dry, at least for the first half of the month with large storms potentially being pushed away. Read below for the in-depth discussion.
TEMPERATURES
After an unsettled stretch of weather helped usher in mild temperatures to end December and start January, temperatures will now be falling into this weekend. This will come as strong cold advection behind New Year’s Day’s departing storm. This is evidenced by the strong winds across New England today (Thursday). An expansive trough in the jet stream over the eastern two thirds of the United States will set up as this week comes to an end.