Scarborough, Maine (AP) – An unusual May Nor’easter is set to hit New England on Thursday, bringing weather typically seen in fall and winter just before the Memorial Day weekend.
Noreasters usually occur during fall and late winter, bringing strong winds, turbulent seas, and precipitation in the form of rain and snow. This week’s Noreaster is expected to produce wind gusts exceeding 40 mph (64 kph) and up to 2 inches (5 cm) of rain in certain regions. Snow may also fall at higher elevations.
The storm has residents of New England bracing for a challenging few days, which are normally reserved for sunshine and barbecues.
What is a Nor’easter?
According to the National Weather Service, a Nor’easter is a storm that affects the East Coast, with winds typically originating from the northeast. These storms can happen at any time of year, but they are most common and intense between September and April.
The storm has historically caused billions of dollars in damages. They tend to reach high intensity in New England and eastern Canada, often resulting in significant destruction and impairing traffic and power systems, leading to serious damage to homes and businesses.
“We’re not fans of this kind of weather,” said Kyle Pederson, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Boston.
Who will experience rain and snow?
The heaviest rainfall is predicted for Rhode Island and southern and eastern Massachusetts, according to Pederson. Some localized flooding and challenging travel conditions are anticipated on Thursday, though no major flooding is expected.
The storm should pass, leaving behind light rain and occasional drizzle on Friday.
“This is due to the substantial rainfall in the region. We don’t foresee significant flooding,” Pederson added.
Snow accumulation is likely to be limited to mountainous areas, but accumulation is possible.
Why is a Nor’easter rare in May?
Nor’easters are typically winter phenomena, making their occurrence in May quite rare. They usually develop when cold air over land creates a significant temperature gradient from west to east during winters when ocean waters are relatively warm.
Currently, there is an atmospheric traffic jam as high pressures in the Canadian Arctic permit unusually cold air to seep into the northeast. A low-pressure system off the East Coast is enhanced by a jet stream that is unusually positioned to the south.
“This is genuinely a winter-style setup, and such conditions are rare,” said Judah Cohen, director of seasonal forecasting for a private firm specializing in air and environmental studies.
If this atmospheric pattern had occurred two months earlier, he noted:
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O’Malley reported from Philadelphia.
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Source: apnews.com