Snow to rain to start the weekend

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) —  Happy March! It’s meteorological spring now and the spring (vernal) equinox, the start of astronomical spring is March 20th at 5:24 pm.

A fast moving low pressure area will exit midday. Expect a drying northwesterly wind with some sun to end the day and a clearing sky tonight as high pressure builds in.

Another larger storm will develop over the plains and move our way Friday night with a brief period of snow/wintry mix before mild air wins out and gives us rain overnight Friday and Saturday morning. We’re dry from midday Saturday through the weekend.

Look for Jupiter and Venus low in the west right after sunset now through the weekend.  They’re in conjunction (very close to each other) and will appear very bright on the horizon. Best days/times are this evening with clearing, Saturday evening, and Sunday and Monday evenings. Here’s a great view from the Malidives thanks to Petr Horálek.

Right now, we’re tied for 3rd place for the least snowy winter!

February ended up mild overall, but we won’t forget how it started! Two arctic outbreaks this winter is enough.

We’re counting down to astronomical spring. Meteorological spring begins today as the spring months are March, April, and May.

Forecast and Discussion by Meteorologist Nick Morganelli

THIS AFTERNOON: Clouds to late day sun. Sunset: 5:36 p.m.  Highs in the upper 40s.

TONIGHT: Clearing sky, Low near 30. NW 10-25 mph. diminishing late. Jupiter and Venus in western sky 6 to 8 pm.

FRIDAY: Morning sun to afternoon clouds. 30s. Light wind increasing during the evening.

FRIDAY NIGHT- SATURDAY: Another storm with evening snow mixing with and changing to rain overnight through Saturday morning. 30s.

SUNDAY: Sun and clouds, mid 40s.

MONDAY: Sunshine, near 50.

MONDAY NIGHT – TUESDAY: Rain showers overnight.