Winter-like weather has seemingly crept back in, and experts don’t predict that grip will be relinquished until Wednesday.
A slew of weather-related incidents took place Sunday across western Massachusetts, with many reports of downed trees and wires from late morning into the afternoon.
Monday is expected to bring 2 to 5 inches of snow to the region, though the warmth in the ground should help to keep most roadways clear, according to forecasters. And Tuesday is expected to be even colder.
Sunday temperatures were low to mid 30s across the area, according to meteorologist Matt Doody of the National Weather Service in Taunton.
Ware saw 3.3 inches of snow Sunday, with a lesser 2.3 inches reported in Amherst. Granby and South Hadley saw about an inch of snow.
While no significant snowfall was measured in the Northampton area, a concentration of weather-related incidents was reported in the city by Northampton Police between 1 and 3 p.m.
“Sunday certainly brought some strong winds,” said Doody, adding that a morning high wind warning was changed to a high wind advisory through 7 p.m.
Among these incidents was the report of a downed tree near 30 Locust St., causing a one-hour diversion of traffic until the tree was removed Sunday at 2:19 p.m., police said.
Another tree fell on a moving car driven by a female traveling south on Woodlawn Ave. Sunday at 2:38 p.m. The tree smashed the windshield of the car, but the woman was not injured, according to police.
Hadley, Chesterfield, and Worthington also experienced fallen trees and wires due to high winds.
In locations with higher terrain, according to Doody, heavier snowfall was recorded. Monson in Hampden County saw 6.5 inches of snow Sunday, with a lesser 2.5 inches in Springfield, according to the National Weather Service in Taunton.
“The first round is basically done,” said Doody, “and it will be quiet overnight.”
But Doody said the winter blast isn’t over yet.
“Some snow will spread across the region during the early hours on Monday,” he said, reporting that Monday temperatures in western Massachusetts should remain in the low to mid 30s.
The Pioneer Valley will see about 2 to 5 inches of snow beginning between 3 and 5 a.m. and tapering off mid-afternoon.
A winter weather advisory is in place Monday from 3 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Doody said although the region will experience snow, treated roadways should stay mostly wet because of the previously warm spring weather.
“It’s April, so it’s just generally warmer, the sun stays out longer, and there’s the simple fact that we’re getting into spring now,” he said.
Nevertheless, the National Weather Service is urging morning commuters to leave a few minutes earlier to prepare for possible slippery roads.
Doody said snow in April doesn’t happen very often, but it certainly isn’t unprecedented.
“This is New England,” he said, “so it shouldn’t be super surprising to everybody.”
Tuesday is predicted by the National Weather Service to be the coldest day, with low 30s and a northerly breeze, causing things to feel colder.
Wednesday the temperature will reach back into the 40s. Thursday and Friday temperatures are predicted to reach back into the 50s, according to Doody, accompanied by a chance of rain.
Sarah Crosby can be reached at scrosby@gazettenet.com.