Forecast: Rain, Wind And Warmth On The Way

The snow that fell overnight was not significant. However, southern New England will see a second weather system today that's expected to bring heavy rain, wind and possible thunderstorms.

Temperatures this morning are warm enough that ice on the roads won't be a problem in most areas. There is still some below freezing temperatures to the north, but these areas will see readings rise above freezing in the next few hours.

A steadier rain moves into the area later today with possible downpours. There will likely be a break in the rainfall after the evening commute before another round of showers and embedded thunderstorms hits the region. Through mid-morning tomorrow, the region is likely to get about 1 to 2 inches of rain.

Temperatures will be chilly this morning, but rise rapidly this evening and be in the 50s by 11 p.m.  This means the high temperature today will be recorded at 11:59 p.m. Today will be the 32nd day since Dec. 1 that temperatures reach 50 degrees.

The wet weather will create a slow morning and evening commute today, as well as a slow morning commute Thursday. Tomorrow’s early commute could be the most difficult due to heavy downpours.

The rain will end by mid-morning Thursday, and things will have a chance to dry out a bit. Winds will also be a factor from late today through Thursday morning. Some winds could gust over 40 miles per hour, meaning power outages are possible.

Once this weather system moves through, I expect a dry and seasonable weekend before more warm air returns for early next week. There is still some cold coming in early March, but it doesn’t appear to be a major outbreak.

You can follow my weather updates on Twitter at @growingwisdom.

Today: Periods of rain, raw and cool this morning, turning mild later this evening. Highs 38-45.

Tonight: Rain and becoming windy by morning. Temperatures rising to the 50s.

Thursday: Rain, windy and mild. Highs 55-60.

Friday: Partly sunny, with a high near 40.

Saturday: Mostly sunny and seasonable. Highs 35-40.

Sunday: Partly sunny and milder. Highs 40-45.