March's Warmth: Rain, Sunshine, and Melting Snow

March has been unusually warm this year. It is over halfway through and temperatures in Boston are already more than 4. 5 degrees above the average for the month. This warmth brought rain to southern New England on Monday. Logan Airport received about 1. 75 inches of rain. Meanwhile, a band of heavy rain dumped 2 to 3 inches over much of Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. The front that brought this moist air has now moved through, and Tuesday will be spent drying out. A few sprinkles might linger along the coast in the morning, but overall, it will be a clear and bright day. The warm temperatures have had a significant impact on the snowpack in northern New England. The combination of rain and warmth has melted 1 to 3 inches of snow, leading to flooding in more than a dozen rivers and streams. The Connecticut River and several others in Western Massachusetts have crested and should not cause further issues as the area dries out. This warmth is a welcome change from the drought that began in late August and worsened during the fall. The recent storms and snowmelt have been helping to replenish water supplies and improve drought conditions. Last week’s storm removed the severe drought status from Massachusetts, and this week’s update, expected on Thursday, should show even more improvement. The warm air will continue to bring above-average temperatures over the next few days. A pocket of high pressure to the north will bring in dry air, but it won't be too chilly. Morning clouds will break up throughout the day, and the commute home will stay bright. Out-the-door temperatures will be in the upper 30s across the region with light winds. Highs will reach the low to mid-50s across New England, with the highest temperatures closer to the I-95 corridor. The Cape will be cooler, with highs in the mid-40s. Different regions will experience slightly different weather on Tuesday. Greater Boston may see an early-morning sprinkle, but conditions will improve throughout the day with more sun in the afternoon. Central and Western Massachusetts will see decreasing clouds and highs in the mid-50s to upper 50s. The Cape and Islands will have a few light showers in the morning, clearing by midday, with highs in the mid-40s. Rhode Island will have a nice day with clouds giving way to sunshine and highs in the mid-50s. New Hampshire will see decreasing clouds with highs reaching the mid and upper 50s. The rest of New England will enjoy sunshine and temperatures in the low 50s to mid-40s. This weather pattern is a reminder of how quickly conditions can change. While the warmth and rain are beneficial for ending the drought, they also highlight the need for preparedness. Flooding from melting snow and heavy rain can be dangerous, and it is important to stay informed about local conditions. The warm temperatures are a welcome change, but they also serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of weather.