By 1812Blockhouse
Mansfield and the surrounding area are bracing for a wintry stretch as the National Weather Service predicts snow showers, frigid temperatures, and brisk winds beginning Thursday and lasting through Sunday night. Residents are advised to prepare for hazardous driving conditions, with multiple rounds of snow accumulation expected.
Thursday Brings Clouds and Prepares for Snow
The day starts with partly sunny skies and temperatures reaching a high near 29°F. However, a west wind of 13 to 15 mph will make it feel much colder. By nightfall, snow showers are set to roll in after 3:00 AM, bringing the first round of accumulation. Temperatures will drop to a low of 24°F as west winds ease slightly to 7 to 10 mph. Forecasts indicate 1 to 2 inches of snow overnight, with an 80% chance of precipitation.
Friday: Steady Snow Showers and Gusty Winds
Snow will persist into Friday morning, tapering off after 1:00 PM. With a high near 27°F and west winds of 8 to 15 mph, gusting as high as 25 mph, the day will feel bitterly cold. An additional 1 to 2 inches of snow is possible, further complicating road conditions.
Friday night sees a 40% chance of lingering snow showers. Temperatures will drop to 17°F, with strong west winds of 14 to 16 mph and gusts up to 26 mph. New snow accumulation is expected to be less than one inch.
Weekend Forecast: Snow Showers Ease but Cold Intensifies
Saturday offers a break from heavy snow, with only a 30% chance of morning snow showers. By afternoon, skies remain mostly cloudy, and temperatures will struggle to reach a high of 21°F. Snow accumulation is forecast to stay under half an inch.
Saturday night brings the coldest temperatures of the week, with a low near 12°F under mostly cloudy skies.
Sunday offers slightly brighter conditions, with partly sunny skies and a high near 23°F. However, the reprieve will be short-lived, as snow showers are expected to return late Sunday night, starting after 1:00 AM. The low will be around 17°F, with a 60% chance of additional snowfall.
Prepare for Travel Challenges
With snow accumulation potentially reaching up to 4 inches between Thursday night and Friday, and additional light snowfall over the weekend, roadways may become slick and treacherous. Wind gusts as high as 26 mph could also impact visibility, particularly during periods of active snowfall.
Local officials urge residents to drive cautiously and stay updated on changing weather conditions. For those planning outdoor activities, be sure to bundle up as wind chills will make already low temperatures feel even colder.
