Significant Weather Outlook: Monday, December 15, 2025 10 AM

Significant Weather Outlook for the Coming Week

Will do a quick recap of Sunday’s snowfall and then proceed to this week’s significant weather outlook.

December 14 Snowfall Recap

Yesterday’s snowfall was light for most of southern New England but heavier on the Cape where snowfall was enhanced by ocean effect (moist cold air flowing over significantly warmer ocean water to produce significant low-level instability).  Snowfall across the Cape appeared to average between 4 and 6 inches.  Generally, 3 to 5 inches fell across the Islands and 2 to 4 inches across southeast MA outside of the Cape and along the Rhode Island and Connecticut south coast, closer to the surface low pressure track and stronger upward motion.  A few spots along Plymouth County’s east coast may have approached 5 inches where there was also some ocean effect enhancement late Sunday afternoon and early evening.  Snow totals tapered off to the north – generally 1 to 2 inches along and north of the Mass Pike.  The amplitude of the upper trough was large enough to produce a fairly large area of overrunning light snow (moist milder air flowing over colder air) even some distance away from the surface low pressure center.  Interestingly, isolated 4+ inches fell at the tip of Cape Ann (e.g. Rockport).  From looking at radar imagery, this also appeared to be the result of ocean effect enhancement.

Coming Week Significant Weather Outlook

Cold temperatures at the start of this week will moderate mid to late week.  In fact, temperatures Thursday evening into Friday morning may soar well into the 50s.  With the exception of the higher terrain in the Berkshires and possibly the far northern Worcester hills, the snow presently on the ground will likely be eradicated by Thursday afternoon or night.  Strong southerly wind gusts (especially over the Cape, Islands, and adjacent southeast MA) appear likely Thursday night into Friday morning ahead of a cold front.  Current global models depict a southerly low-level jet of 80+ knots over southeast New England Friday morning, but it’s uncertain how much of that wind will be able to mix down to the surface.  As far as precipitation, rain possibly with embedded heavy downpours appears likely late Thursday night and Friday morning.  Rain may change to snow before ending over the northern Berkshires on Friday.  Being 4 to 5 days out, the timing of this system may change.

Gusty northwest winds behind the cold front will usher in colder air (but not as cold as early this week) for Friday night into next weekend.

The probability of criteria being met for a significant weather blog this week looks to be low, although the potential for any damaging wind gusts across southeast MA (especially Cape and Islands) late Thursday night/Friday morning will be monitored.

Unless a weather development significant enough to warrant a blog message should arise this week, the next weekly outlook will be issued next Monday (December 22).

About this Blog and Disclaimer

The National Weather Service monitors the weather 24/7 and updates forecasts, watches, and warnings as necessary.  For most of southern New England, refer to your local Weather Forecast Office for the latest forecast/warning information at weather.gov/box.  For information from other Weather Forecast Offices, go to weather.gov and click on the location of interest on the map.

A blog is issued when there is a potential risk of hazardous weather to southern New England and serves to provide background information regarding the significant weather with somewhat of an educational slant.  In the case of hurricanes, the author will attempt to issue a message when any portion of the United States coastline may be seriously impacted.  It’s intended to complement and not serve as an alternative to official forecasts issued by the National Weather Service.  Readers are urged to check National Weather Service forecasts and warnings for the most timely and updated weather information.  This weather message is solely produced by the listed author and does not constitute an official product of the Blue Hill Observatory and Science Center (BHOSC).

The frequency of this blog will depend upon the nature of the weather threat and availability of the author.  Thus, for the latest information on weather forecasts and warnings, refer to the National Weather Service, which monitors and forecasts the weather 24/7.

Blue Hill Observatory and Science Center (BHOSC)

The BHOSC maintains a continuous daily observation record that dates from February 1, 1885 without interruption and provides educational information on weather and climate to area students and the community at large.  Your support of BHOSC is much appreciated and enables this nonprofit organization to maintain the long-term climate record at the Blue Hill Observatory (longest continuous record in North America) and provide valuable educational resources on weather and climate via outreach to schools, site visits/tours, webinars, and conferences.  For more information on the Blue Hill Observatory and Science Center, explore bluehill.org.

Message issued December 15, 2025 by:
Bob Thompson
Retired National Weather Service Meteorologist
Blue Hill Observatory and Science Center Board member