Will it ever end? Below normal temperatures expected by late weekend

    Spring arrives this Thursday, but if the current forecast guidance is correct, Mother Nature won’t be letting us out of the cold grips of Old Man Winter anytime soon. 

    First, the good news: spring-like weather is likely for the spring equinox, according to John Homenuk, lead forecaster at New York Metro Weather.

    “After some showers on Wednesday, mid and low level temperatures are forecast to increase right ahead of a cold frontal boundary. The combination of that warming air and plenty of sunshine by Thursday afternoon could bring temperatures well into the 50s throughout the area,” he said.

    Then on Saturday, central and southern areas could even flirt with 60 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. 

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    Now, the bad news: a cold front late Saturday brings back unseasonably cold temperatures, the latest forecast guidance indicates. 

    Relentless. 

    The National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center’s “6-10 Day Temperature Probability Outlook” map indicates a very high probability of below normal temperatures beginning Sunday through next Wednesday. 

    Will it get better from there? Maybe not.

    The center’s 8-14 day outlook also indicates a higher than average probability of below normal temperatures, albeit the chance is not as high as during the 6-10 day period. 

    As we get closer, forecasters will have a better handle on the actual temperatures expected. 

    So for now, here’s some simple advice: keep your winter gear handy. 

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