CT Weather: Minor Snow Accumulation Expected By Saturday Morning

CONNECTICUT — It now looks like we'll see a bit of snow on the ground by Saturday morning.

The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook for all of southern Connecticut, stating: "Light snow is forecast Friday through Saturday. While snow amounts are mostly near a half to 1 inch, these snow amounts could trend up a few inches in subsequent forecasts if low pressure turns out to be stronger and relatively closer to the coast than forecast. Impacts are possible with slippery travel Friday, especially north and west of NYC and for the entire area on Saturday."

In northern parts of the state, some snow is forecast here too, but nothing significant. The weather service said there is a chance of snow and rain on Friday afternoon, and then some snow in the early morning hours on Saturday. Any snow that falls should end Saturday morning.

"Where we see snow, visibility could drop and a coating to one inch could add up. We’ll be monitoring the possibility of narrow bands of moderate snow to develop; if one were to do so, we could see locally higher amounts," wrote WFSB 3 TV meteorologists.

The weekend forecast

On Saturday, "Temperatures will struggle to go above freezing during the afternoon hours and given the wind it will feel even colder. As the storm moves away, strong Canadian high pressure builds in… this sends even colder air our way and between the two the wind will remain up. Sunday, we start off in the teens with wind chill values in the single digits --- for some hill towns, wind chill values could go below zero! Despite ample sunshine, temperatures in the afternoon only climb into the low and mid-20s, and with a persistent breeze it will likely feel more like 5-15 --- bundle up," WFSB 3 TV meteorologists said.

Holiday week forecast

"With high pressure cresting the region Sunday night, the wind diminishes allowing temperatures to drop into the single digits by Monday morning. After that unseasonably cold start, temps rebound to between 25 and 30 under ample sunshine. This also means great travel weather for holiday plans. Tuesday, Christmas Eve, now looks to feature a mostly cloudy sky and the chance for snow showers (nothing too impactful, at least not yet). For Christmas, Wednesday, we’re expecting a blend of sun and clouds with highs closer to normal as they peak in the upper 30s," WFSB 3 TV meteorologists said. (Read more at WFSB 3 TV).

Gov. Lamont Activates State's Severe Cold Weather Protocol

Gov. Ned Lamont announced that due to a weather forecast indicating that Connecticut will experience a period of extremely cold conditions over the next several days, he is directing the state’s severe cold weather protocol to go into effect beginning at 12 p.m. on Saturday, December 21, 2024, and remaining in effect through 12 p.m. on Tuesday, December 24, 2024.

This is the first time the protocol has been activated this season. Its purpose is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the severe cold, which could be life threatening if exposed to the elements for extended periods of time. While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies and municipalities to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 and Connecticut’s network of shelters to make sure that anyone in need can receive shelter from the outdoors, including transportation to shelters.

Anyone in need of shelter is urged to call 2-1-1 to get connected to these services or visit 211ct.org to view a list of locations. Transportation can be provided if necessary.

“Beginning this weekend and continuing through the first couple days of next week, Connecticut will experience the first blast of arctic air of the season with temperatures dropping into the single digits at night and wind gusts up to 30 miles per hour at times,” Lamont said. “Being outdoors for extended periods in these extreme conditions is not only dangerous but it can be fatal. Shelters and warming centers are available across Connecticut. Anyone in need of a safe place to stay warm is urged to call 2-1-1 to be directed to a nearby location, or check the list of locations online at 211ct.org. Transportation to a shelter or warming center can also be provided to anyone in need. Leaving pets outdoors in these frigid conditions can also be dangerous, and it is strongly advised to bring your pets indoors.”

The following actions are implemented while the protocol is enacted:

• The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security uses its WebEOC communications network, which is an internet-based system that enables local, regional, and state emergency management officials and first responders to share up-to-date information about a variety of situations and conditions. The system is used to monitor capacity at shelters across the state, enabling 2-1-1 to act as a clearinghouse to assist in finding shelter space for those who need it. Local officials, working through WebEOC, can alert 2-1-1 and the state when they open temporary shelters or warming centers.
• The Connecticut Department of Social Services, Connecticut Department of Housing, and Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services coordinate with 2-1-1 and the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness, along with community-based providers, to provide transportation for people seeking shelter.