World and Nation

Predictions of the Future and Never Materialized Scenarios

Predictions of the Future and Never Materialized Scenarios

What would have happened if you went to Caltech instead of MIT? What would life be like if that hobby or activity you’ve spent years pursuing was never introduced to you? Just like in real life, the track of weather systems has a full spectrum of various, but plausible, scenarios, and we generally focus on what actually transpired. But every so often, we ask ourselves, what would have happened? What would have happened if I had asked that guy or girl out on a date? In the version of today’s weather the question is: what would have happened if the jet stream shifted less? For about 5 days last week, all weather models had a major storm debilitating the northeast today. Forecasts of three feet of snow and wind gusts in excess of 80 mph were plentiful.

Instead, the storm is now forecasted to go 300 miles east of Cape Cod, which translates to a meager 2-4 inches of snow in Boston during the daytime hours and an additional 2 inches overnight. Besides the snow tomorrow, you’ll notice a somewhat dramatic drop in temperatures. With the spatial pattern of the upper-level winds relatively unchanged over the next 3 days, this cold air mass will be sticking for the next few days. So if you’re upset with the cold while walking to class today, just remember what could have been: 3 feet of snow and a probably canceled first day of classes.

Extended Forecast

Today: Light snow. Windy. Highs in the upper 20s˚F (-3˚C). Northwest winds 15 to 25 mph.

Tonight: Light snow. Lows in the lower 20s˚F (-6˚C). North winds 15 to 20 mph.

Tomorrow: Cloudy. Highs in the upper 20s˚F (-3˚C).

Thursday: Partly sunny with highs only in the mid 20’s˚F (-4˚C)

Friday: Sunny and warmer. Highs in the lower 40s˚F (5˚C).