textproduct: Gray - Portland

WHAT HAS CHANGED

No significant changes to the forecast for the overnight period and today.

Chances continue to increase for a round of light snow across the region on Wednesday along with the potential for a couple of snow squalls in NH later in the day.

KEY MESSAGES

1. The strong Nor'easter continues to pull away from the area the rest of tonight with further improvement in conditions and a break from wintry precipitation through the day today. However, blowing snow from gusty northwest winds may continue to cause visibility reductions at times through this morning.

2. Light snow arrives early Wednesday and may impact the morning commute for parts of the area and could linger to impact the evening commute in parts of western Maine. Heavy snow showers or even snow squalls may then approach from the west in the afternoon and evening.

3. Tranquil weather is likely after Thursday. A system may bring some light snow to coastal Maine on Friday. A thaw appears in the forecast this weekend, with colder temperatures returning early next week.

AVIATION /06Z TUESDAY THROUGH SATURDAY/

Through 06Z Wednesday...MVFR ceilings may persist at AUG and RKD for another hour or two, but otherwise VFR expected the rest of the night and Tuesday. The exception is MVFR cigs being likely at HIE along with a chance of snow showers and brief vsby reductions. Wind gusts of 20-25 kt may continue the rest of the night and may briefly increase to 25-30 kt this morning before easing this afternoon.

Outlook:

Rest of Wednesday: Widespread IFR or lower conditions expected in light snow.

Wednesday Night: Conditions return to VFR most sites, with local MVFR possible in the mtns.

Thursday: VFR Expected.

Friday: VFR expected in the north, with some restrictions possible at coastal sites for light snow.

Saturday and Sunday: VFR Expected.

MARINE

Northwesterly gales continue through early this morning, and once these drop off, a small craft advisory will be needed the rest of the day. Conditions then remain below SCA levels tonight but will likely come right back over the outer waters on Wednesday into Wednesday night as southerly flow increases and then veers westerly as a clipper system crosses northern New England.

SCA westerly winds Thursday morning will slowly lower below SCA thresholds through the day. Winds go light and variable on Friday before winds shift to southerlies and strengthen to SCA levels on Saturday. Seas of 3-5ft are forecast Thursday through Saturday morning. Seas increase to 4-6ft on Saturday. SCA conditions continue into early next week.

GYX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

ME...None. NH...None. MARINE...Gale Warning until 7 AM EST Tuesday for ANZ150>152. Gale Warning until 4 AM EST Tuesday for ANZ153-154.