We demand a groundhog forecast redo!

Trails in Conway (Conway MA)
Photo by Laura Eve-Cowles, 2/1/2015

I refuse to believe that Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, as you HAVE TO HAVE SUN to see your shadow. And I checked. There was no sun in Punxsutawney this morning - in fact, it was about to snow! Now I suppose with all those television cameras around, they might have simulated "shadow-making" conditions, but I hardly think that counts. I demand a redo. They cannot take away my (delusions of) early spring! And there I was on such a high after the Superbowl, only to have Phil's interpreters suck the joy out of the day. Wait, just had another thought - just how far does a Pennsylvania groundhog's weather forecast reach anyway?

Meanwhile, back at home here in Amherst, we have a solid 5.25" of snow on the ground (as of 8:30 am), with the radar showing us smack in the middle of the "all snow" zone. Expect snow to continue, heavy at times, at least through early afternoon. The snow will ease up somewhat, with occasional breaks in precipitation, starting around 2 pm this afternoon, and by evening things will taper off to occasional snow and flurries. We are currently under a WINTER STORM WARNING until 1 am Tuesday.

Stone Wall in Snow, Conway MA
Photo by Laura Eve-Cowles, 2/1/2015

There is a defined snow/sleet/freezing rain line with this storm, and right now there are swirling questions about how much of southeastern MA and CT will get sleet and freezing rain. There is general consensus that areas north of the Mass Pike will get all snow. Expect about a foot, with up to 15" in some locations, mostly at higher elevations. 

As this storm pulls away later today, it will drag frigid air south, into southern New England, from the north. Temperatures will bottom out at zero to -5 F in Central and Western MA. Any locations to the south and southeast that get sleet/rain today will experience flash freezing at that point. This is one storm where Amherst is a good place to be (barring the possibility of being on some tropical island, of course).

Enjoy the snow, everyone - there's certainly going to be plenty to play in! And I know it's going to be hard, but just try to forget about Punxsutawney Phil for today.


* Special thanks for Laura Eve-Cowles for sending us today's photos, taken where she skis and snowshoes on the trails of Conway, MA.