Negativity the weather reality

By Owen Boss

Staff Writer

CHICOPEE - The recorded low temperature at Westover Air Reserve Base was 17 degrees below zero Friday morning, smashing the previous record for the day Jan. 15 of 8 below - set in 1994.

According to News 22 meteorologist Brian Lapis, the unusually cold temperatures can be attributed to a large "trough" formed by a high-pressure system over parts of the Midwest that has allowed colder air from northern and central Canada to enter the region.

"We had a number of little storm systems earlier this week, and as they passed through they opened the door for some really cold air to come through," said Lapis.

"Not only is the air cold, but it is also very dry, and those two conditions work hand-in-hand to create a very cold situation here."

Although the overnight lows have been significantly lower than in years past, Lapis said sunshine in the morning has really helped boost the temperature during daylight hours.

"The upside is that we have sunshine, which means these low temperatures don't last very long in the morning," Lapis said.

"When you go from a low of negative 17 to a high of 15, there is a 32-degree temperature spread and that is pretty significant.

"The sunshine has been very helpful to warm us up in the afternoon."

The all-time record low temperature at Westover Air Force was 22 degrees below zero, set on Jan. 22, 1961.

What to expect this weekend

According to Lapis, low temperatures are expected to remain in the region through Sunday, when a temperature increase into the upper 20s will be accompanied by a snowstorm and the potential for more snow on Monday.

"When looking at the next couple of days I have been getting some conflicting information," Lapis said.

"Our latest model calls for light to moderate snow on Sunday and we could see another storm come in on Monday - which means this could end up being a two-parter."

Lapis said he expects parts of Hampshire County will get enough snow on Sunday to slow travel.

Owen Boss can be reached at oboss@gazettenet.com.