When weather geeks collide - Bet #2 - Will there be thunderstorms in New England this weekend?

Posted by Matt Noyes November 13, 2008 at 4:19 pm

Danielle and Matt are at it again. Ready for Round Two! This time, the focus is on the weekend forecast. The setup brings a large and energetic upper level storm, a strengthening cold front, and lots of warmth and moisture ahead of that front. But is it all enough for thunderstorms? Danielle says the skies will open up, but no lightning and thunder will be recorded. Matt says we not only will get thunder, but even could push severe thunderstorm limits if all lines up correctly. What do YOU think? Thunderstorms in New England this weekend? View the video and add your thoughts to the comments section…

Verdict: The first thunderstorms were recorded in New England at the 11 AM hour on Saturday in both New Haven and Oxford, CT. Both reported a moderate thunderstorm as a swath of deep tropical moisture moved through from south to north. Winds gusted to 17 mph in both storms, but as winds increase later Saturday, stronger thunderstorm gusts are expected.

When weather geeks collide - Bet #1 - Will it snow in Maine today?

Posted by Matt Noyes November 13, 2008 at 4:17 pm

What do meteorologists do in our free time? Talk weather, of course! And when we can’t reach a consensus, there’s only one thing left to do - BET! Of course, gambling is illegal so there’s nothing (much) really on the line here, except for some pride and a chance to be forced into looking at every small detail of the weather event in question.

We have two bets going in the weather center today - the first is whether any snow will fall in Maine by the time today/this evening’s precipitation winds down. In the ring, we have two contenders - a rookie meteorologist who comes with a new energy, vigor and determination…and in the opposing corner, a familiar face with New England experience under his belt. But as we all know in the world of meteorology, you’re only as good as your last forecast, so experience doesn’t mean much if the forecast doesn’t pan out.

So, enjoy the video and see Danielle Niles and Matt Noyes make their case for snow or no snow. And while you’re at it, add your thoughts in the comments section!

Verdict: Snow was recorded Thursday evening from the mountains of Maine to Northern Maine. Accumulations were less than one inch for most spots, and visibility never dipped below about 2.5 miles in light snow, but a few hours of snow were recorded, especially in the Crown of Maine. In the end, the cold air was just a bit too dense to be scoured out quickly, and the result was snow, changing to rain.