In a dramatic turn of events, southern New England is bracing itself for a major winter storm that is set to make a big comeback on Tuesday, following a weekend of unseasonably warm temperatures. This abrupt change in weather comes as a weak area of high pressure persists, providing mild temperatures and a mix of clouds and sun across the region.

Although much of the area will remain dry, some passing flurries and snow showers are expected in the higher elevations of northern New England, although they will not accumulate significantly. High temperatures today are anticipated to be mostly in the 40s and 50s in the south, with slightly cooler conditions in the north and 30s across the higher terrain.

Moving into Monday, the weather will remain tranquil with increasing cloud cover and slightly cooler temperatures, reaching the mid-40s in the south and 30s in the north. However, attention quickly turns to Monday night and Tuesday as low pressure develops off the eastern seaboard and rapidly intensifies south of New England.

As a result, a First Alert has been issued for Monday night and Tuesday, with snowfall expected to start from southwest to northeast after midnight. Along the coastline, initially milder temperatures will support rain, but the colder air aloft mixing down to the surface will quickly transition it into snow. By daybreak, southeastern Massachusetts and the Cape will experience a mix of rain and snow.

The storm is expected to intensify rapidly, and snowfall rates may reach an impressive 1-3 inches per hour throughout much of the morning on Tuesday before tapering off late in the day. Although temperatures along the coastline, including Boston and points north, are projected to be at or just above freezing, recent model trends suggest colder conditions and a northerly wind, which could result in quicker snow accumulation. Meteorologists are carefully monitoring this area in case of any slight changes in the storm's track.

In addition to heavy snowfall, strong winds are a concern, particularly for the Cape where a high wind watch has been issued. Wind gusts of up to 60mph from the north/northeast are expected. Coastal areas are also at risk of coastal flooding, as an astronomical high tide combined with the storm surge may lead to significant impacts. A coastal flood watch has been issued from Tuesday afternoon until Wednesday, and authorities are closely monitoring the situation.

Furthermore, power outages are anticipated due to the combination of strong winds and wet snow, especially across the Cape and Islands. Residents are advised to be prepared and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during the storm.

According to the latest predictions, much of southern New England is expected to receive a widespread 6-12 inches of snow, with lesser amounts in central and northern areas as well as the Cape & Islands, where precipitation will begin as rain before changing to wet snow. As the storm approaches, residents are urged to stay informed about updates and heed any advisories or warnings issued by local authorities.