FITCHBURG — A strong cold front is set to bring dramatic weather changes to the region, according to the National Weather Service Boston/Norton Office.
This afternoon, temperatures will reach a high near 51 degrees with partly sunny skies. A slight chance of showers is expected after 2 p.m., and westerly winds will increase to 11-17 mph, with gusts reaching up to 31 mph.
By tonight, an Arctic air mass will sweep through, causing temperatures to drop sharply. The low will fall to around 11 degrees, with wind chill values as low as -2. Winds will pick up to 14-21 mph, with gusts reaching 41 mph, making for a blustery night.
Sunday will be sunny but frigid, with a high near 22 and continued wind chill values as low as -2. Winds from the west will persist at 10-13 mph, with gusts up to 25 mph. By Sunday night, temperatures will plummet further, with a low around 5 degrees.
A gradual warm-up begins Monday, with highs nearing 28 and calmer conditions. By Tuesday, temperatures will climb to the low 40s, followed by a stretch of spring-like warmth midweek. Highs could reach the mid-50s on Wednesday, but the warm-up comes with a price—rain is expected late Tuesday night into Wednesday, with a 90% chance of precipitation and gusty south winds up to 26 mph.
By Thursday, temperatures will remain in the 50s, but another cold front will bring a return to more seasonable weather by the end of the week. Friday is expected to be mostly sunny, with a high near 40 and west winds at 13-16 mph, with gusts reaching up to 31 mph.
