Massachusetts Braces for Freezing and Snowy Winter With ‘Blizzard Conditions’

Did you feel that this morning?

Did you feel that tiny chill in the air that had you reaching for a light jacket or wondering if you should throw on the heat in the car for a few minutes? It’s a “chilling” reminder that brisk days are ahead, but how soon will they be here for good?

The Farmers' Almanac says to prepare for an unusually cold winter season.

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Why Does It Feel Cold Already?

The Farmers' Almanac predicts an El Niño will hit toward the end of 2023 into 2024.

National Geographic describes an El Niño as a climate pattern that describes the unusual warming of surface waters in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean that has the power to disrupt global atmospheric circulation.

“Global atmospheric circulation is the large-scale movement of air that helps distribute thermal energy (heat) across the surface of Earth,” the almanac states. “The eastward movement of oceanic and atmospheric heat sources cause unusually severe winter weather at the higher latitudes of North and South America. Regions as far north as the U.S. states of California and Washington may experience longer, colder winters because of El Niño.”

In simpler terms, cold temperatures will blanket the country, bringing snow, sleet and ice.

What to Expect for Winter 2023/2024

After one of the warmest winters on record last year, traditional cool temperatures and snowy conditions will return this year.

“December 2023 is forecast to start out quite stormy,” the almanac went on to say. “Our extended weather forecast calls for some blizzard conditions blowing snow into areas over northern New England, the North Central States, and northern and central areas of New Mexico, Oklahoma and Arkansas.”

For the SouthCoast and Rhode Island, it sounds like a projected snowy winter mixed with a potential El Niño can cause some undesirable winter conditions this year.

“For those of you living along the I-95 corridor from Washington to Boston, who saw a lack of wintry precipitation last winter, you should experience quite the opposite, with lots of rain/sleet and snowstorms to contend with,” the almanac stated.

So, while that little chill has crept up on early mornings in August, it will apparently be nothing compared to the welcoming of the winter season.

Enjoy the rest of summer while it is still here. We’ll be unpacking sweaters and jackets before we know it.