Hello to all…

..Happy Independence Day and July 4th to all SKYWARN Spotters and Amateur Radio Operators. We hope you’re all enjoying the holiday..
..Isolated to scattered strong to severe thunderstorms are possibly to likely Sunday afternoon and evening particularly over Northeastern and Central Massachusetts and into North-Central Rhode Island but the potential could extend southwest back into Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut depending if the more favorable conditions can extend back further west. Strong to damaging winds, hail, frequent lightning and heavy rainfall leading to urban and poor drainage flooding are the primary threats but an isolated tornado is a secondary threat..
..The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has placed Eastern and Central Massachusetts and Northeast Rhode Island in a marginal risk for severe weather Sunday and indicated a potential expansion of the risk further west into other parts of Southern New England and as far west as Eastern New York in future outlooks. Severe weather potential timeframe is between about 1-10 PM Sunday Afternoon and Evening..
..SKYWARN Self-Activation will monitor the severe weather potential for Sunday Afternoon and Evening..

..It has been an active week for severe thunderstorms and localized flooding across parts of Southern New England. A Post Severe Weather Coordination Message will be posted on the various events from the week of 6/28 this Saturday Evening. We are also looking for any post storm damage reports and photos to add to existing and new photo albums on the Facebook page. They can be posted on our WX1BOX Facebook/Twitter feed or to the email address pics@nsradio.org with date and location information and credit will be given to the spotter unless otherwise indicated..

We hope everyone is enjoying their July 4th. There is the potential for severe weather on Sunday Afternoon and Evening, particularly in Central and Northeast Massachusetts and into Northeast Rhode Island but could extend back southwest into Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut. The headlines depict the current thinking. Key factors include:

1.) The level of mid-level dry air in the atmosphere and whether too much of dry air stunts severe thunderstorm development. At this time, this is expected to be overcome particularly from Worcester and Providence and points north and east on most models but some models bring the potential all the way through Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut and into Eastern New York.
2.) The level of forcing or a trigger in the atmosphere to take advantage of the favorable instability and wind shear profiles in the atmosphere or whether the level of instability and wind shear compensates for a marginal trigger or forcing in the atmosphere.

SKYWARN Self-Activation will monitor the severe weather potential for Sunday Afternoon and Evening. Another coordination message will be posted by 10 AM Sunday Morning. Below is the NWS Boston/Norton Hazardous Weather Outlook, Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook and SPC Day-2 Convective Outlook:

NWS Boston/Norton Hazardous Weather Outlook:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.flus41.KBOX.html

NWS Boston/Norton Experimental Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook:
https://www.weather.gov/box/ehwo

SPC Day-2 Convective Outlook:
https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/archive/2020/day2otlk_20200704_1730.html

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
http://beta.wx1box.org
Like us on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/wx1box
Follow us on Twitter – http://twitter.com/wx1box

Hello to all…

..Scattered strong to an isolated severe thunderstorm is possible today across Western Massachusetts from West-Central Worcester County west to Berkshires and Western and Central Connecticut for this Friday Afternoon and Evening. Heavy rainfall and urban and poor drainage flooding and frequent lightning are the main threats but strong to damaging winds and hail are also possible..
..The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has placed Western and Central Massachusetts and Western and Central Connecticut in a marginal risk for severe weather this Friday afternoon and evening..
..SKYWARN Self-Activation will monitor thunderstorm potential for this Friday Afternoon and Evening across the region. This will be the only message on the Friday potential as we shift to monitoring mode..

..It has been an active week for severe thunderstorms and localized flooding across parts of Southern New England. A Post Severe Weather Coordination Message will be posted on the various events from the week of 6/28 either late today or Saturday Morning. We are also looking for any post storm damage reports and photos to add to existing and new photo albums on the Facebook page. They can be posted on our WX1BOX Facebook/Twitter feed or to the email address pics@nsradio.org with date and location information and credit will be given to the spotter unless otherwise indicated..

..Below is the NWS Boston/Norton Area Forecast Discussion, Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook and SPC Day-1 Convective Outlook..

NWS Boston/Norton Area Forecast Discussion:
https://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.fxus61.KBOX.html

NWS Boston/Norton Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook:
https://www.weather.gov/box/ehwo

SPC Day-1 Convective Outlook:
https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/day1otlk.html

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
http://beta.wx1box.org
Like us on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/wx1box
Follow us on Twitter – http://twitter.com/wx1box

Hello to all…

..Isolated to scattered strong to severe thunderstorms possible today, Wednesday, across much of Southern New England as a upper level low continues to spin over New England. Strong to damaging winds, hail, frequent lightning and heavy rainfall with urban and poor drainage flooding are the main threats with thunderstorms potentially slow moving over localized areas..
..Thunderstorm timeframe is through around 7 PM this evening. Cold pool aloft and instability levels could allow for some strong to isolated severe thunderstorm development despite weak wind fields..
..SKYWARN Self-Activation will monitor thunderstorm potential for Wednesday Afternoon and Evening across the region. This will be the only message on the Wednesday potential as we shift to monitoring mode. Below is the NWS Boston/Norton Area Forecast Discussion and Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook..

NWS Boston/Norton Area Forecast Discussion:
https://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.fxus61.KBOX.html

NWS Boston/Norton Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook:
https://www.weather.gov/box/ehwo

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
http://beta.wx1box.org
Like us on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/wx1box
Follow us on Twitter – http://twitter.com/wx1box

Hello to all..

..The following is the fifth and final message in a series of messages on Amateur Radio Field Day Weekend and providing information on the weather during this period. This is a tradition spanning over 17 years for Amateur Radio Operators involved with Field Day and the NWS Boston/Norton SKYWARN Program..
..After the Saturday afternoon and early evening beneficial rain of around 0.10″-0.90″ around the area with lesser amounts in parts of Northeast Massachusetts, Sunday will feature a warm and humid day with the potential for isolated to scattered strong to severe thunderstorms across the region. The most likely timeframe is from 3-9 PM but some activity could start as early as 12-1 PM Sunday..
..The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has upgraded much of Southern New England to a slight risk of severe weather with a marginal risk for severe weather from the cape cod canal east through Cape Cod and the Islands for Sunday afternoon and evening. Strong to damaging winds, hail, and torrential rainfall leading to urban and poor drainage flooding are the main threats. Model trends continue to indicate a greater potential for severe weather on Sunday than today with strong instability, forcing from a cold front and marginally sufficient wind fields..
..Amateur Radio Field Day Weekend is an annual event where Ham Operators across the United States setup at Emergency Operations Centers, field locations, home locations etc. to operate and test their equipment and skills and make as many radio contacts as possible during the weekend. Due to COVID-19, Amateur Radio Field Day across Southern New England will be quite different with far less Field Day sites than normal in the region and those that are up and running in the field adhering to social distancing guidelines with limited to no public access. There will be many more Amateur Radio Field Day operations operating at home and not at field locations. Amateur Radio Field Day resource information is listed below..
..SKYWARN Self-Activation will monitor conditions throughout Field Day weekend with Amateur Radio Call Up Nets brought up as required..

Here are some links to information on these Amateur Radio Field Day Sites from across the region understanding limited to no public access in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions and far less field day sites than normal years:

Amateur Radio Field Day Information: http://www.arrl.org/field-day
Amateur Radio Field Day National Locator: http://www.arrl.org/field-day-locator
Eastern Massachusetts Field Day Home Page: https://ema.arrl.org/field-day/
Eastern Massachusetts Field Day Directory: http://ema.arrl.org/field_day/
ARRL President K5UR-Rick Roderick’s Field Day 2020 Statement: http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-president-rick-roderick-k5ur-issues-field-day-2020-statement

Severe weather for Saturday was squelched by the warm front remaining along the south coast of New England today resulting in an area of light to moderate rain occurring across much of southern New England during the mid-afternoon to early evening hours bringing a beneficial 0.10″-0.90″ to much of Southern New England with lesser amounts in parts of Northeast Massachusetts.

For Sunday, conditions are lining up favorably for isolated to scattered strong to severe thunderstorms across Southern New England for Sunday Afternoon and evening. The headlines depict the current thinking. Key factors for Sunday’s severe weather potential will be as follows:

1.) The position of the cold front/impulse in the atmosphere and the timing as it sweeps through the area. This is expected to be between 3-9 PM Sunday Afternoon and evening which should take advantage of the highest instability timeframe.
2.) Wind fields will be marginal but current models have brought up the wind levels slightly. Given that change and the level of instability and some other parameters pertaining to downdraft instability, the wind fields should be sufficient for isolated to scattered strong to severe thunderstorms.
3.) While the likely timeframe for severe weather is between 3-9 PM with the actual cold front and impulse that will swing through the area, the setup of a seabreeze front and differential heating in terrain may allow activity in some areas to start a bit early between 12-3 PM in isolated locations. There is also the possibility of an isolated strong to severe thunderstorm extending past 9 PM to as late as 11 PM as instability will hold on through mid to late evening before waning after 11 PM. Amateur Radio Field Day sites towards afternoon should keep an eye to the sky and monitor conditions though the greatest risk for severe weather will be at the end of the event where any field sites will be taking down their field setups.

SKYWARN Self-Activation will monitor conditions throughout Field Day weekend with Amateur Radio Call Up Nets brought up as required. Below are links to the NWS Boston/Norton Hazardous Weather Outlook, NWS Boston/Norton Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook, and SPC Day-1 Convective Outlook:

NWS Boston/Norton Hazardous Weather Outlook:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.flus41.KBOX.html

NWS Boston/Norton Experimental Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook:
https://www.weather.gov/box/ehwo

SPC Day-1 Convective Outlook:
https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/day1otlk.html

Amateur Radio Field Day sites are encouraged to bring a NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio, monitor various cell phone weather apps where Amateur Operators may have those available and have a dedicated Ham Radio that can monitor their local SKYWARN Frequency for their area as a best safety and preparedness practice. Also sites that have mobile Internet capability can utilize that capability as a way to monitor for weather information. With Mobile Internet capability, utilizing Echolink to monitor the New England Reflector system on Echolink Conference *NEW-ENG3* Node: 9123/IRLP 9123 would be helpful as well. Please see the link below for the latest SKYWARN Frequency information for the region:
https://wx1box.org/southern-new-england-skywarn-frequency-list/

During setup and takedown of Amateur Radio Field Day sites and even while operating, be sure to drink plenty of fluids and eat accordingly. Also having a jacket or sweatshirt during evenings as conditions cool and rain gear for any showers and thunderstorms etc. may also be useful while operating this year’s Field Day. The link below features information on Heat Safety:
https://www.weather.gov/safety/heat

Given the threat for thunderstorms in isolated to scattered locations over the course of Friday and the weekend, lightning is a threat to any and all Amateur Radio Field Day sites. Remember your lightning safety tips and details on lightning safety can be seen at the following link:
https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning

Also, NWS Boston/Norton have put out Public Information Statements for Lightning Safety Awareness Week which occurred from Monday 6/22 through Friday 6/26. The statements with lightning safety tips can be seen here:
https://wx1box.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/lightning_safety_2020.pdf

This will be the last Amateur Radio Field Day weekend message as we shift into operations mode to monitor the Sunday severe weather potential.

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
http://beta.wx1box.org
Like us on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/wx1box
Follow us on Twitter – http://twitter.com/wx1box

Hello to all..

..The following is the fourth in a series of messages on Amateur Radio Field Day Weekend and providing information on the weather during this period. This is a tradition spanning over 17 years for Amateur Radio Operators involved with Field Day and the NWS Boston/Norton SKYWARN Program..
..After the afternoon and early evening beneficial rain of around 0.10″-0.90″ around the area with lesser amounts in parts of Northeast Massachusetts, clearing will occur and result in a hazy, warm, humid day on Sunday with the risk of isolated to scattered strong to severe thunderstorms for Sunday Afternoon and Evening. The most likely timeframe is from 3-9 PM but some activity could start as early as 12-1 PM Sunday..
..The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has placed much of New England in a marginal risk for severe weather for Sunday afternoon and evening. Strong to damaging winds, hail, and torrential rainfall leading to urban and poor drainage flooding are the main threats. Model trends indicate a greater potential for severe weather on Sunday than today with strong instability, forcing from a cold front and marginally sufficient wind fields..
..Amateur Radio Field Day Weekend is an annual event where Ham Operators across the United States setup at Emergency Operations Centers, field locations, home locations etc. to operate and test their equipment and skills and make as many radio contacts as possible during the weekend. Due to COVID-19, Amateur Radio Field Day across Southern New England will be quite different with far less Field Day sites than normal in the region and those that are up and running in the field adhering to social distancing guidelines with limited to no public access. There will be many more Amateur Radio Field Day operations operating at home and not at field locations. Amateur Radio Field Day resource information is listed below..
..SKYWARN Self-Activation will monitor conditions throughout Field Day weekend with Amateur Radio Call Up Nets brought up as required..

Here are some links to information on these Amateur Radio Field Day Sites from across the region understanding limited to no public access in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions and far less field day sites than normal years:

Amateur Radio Field Day Information: http://www.arrl.org/field-day
Amateur Radio Field Day National Locator: http://www.arrl.org/field-day-locator
Eastern Massachusetts Field Day Home Page: https://ema.arrl.org/field-day/
Eastern Massachusetts Field Day Directory: http://ema.arrl.org/field_day/
ARRL President K5UR-Rick Roderick’s Field Day 2020 Statement: http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-president-rick-roderick-k5ur-issues-field-day-2020-statement

Severe weather for Saturday was squelched by the warm front remaining along the south coast of New England today resulting in an area of light to moderate rain occurring across much of southern New England during the mid-afternoon to early evening hours bringing a beneficial 0.10″-0.90″ to much of Southern New England with lesser amounts in parts of Northeast Massachusetts. This activity is moving out of Southern New England and will setup clearing but humid conditions as the warm front will push through Southern New England overnight.

For Sunday, there will definitely be sufficient heating and destabilization through the day for severe weather potential and the headlines depict the current thinking. Key factors for Sunday’s severe weather potential will be as follows:

1.) The position of the cold front/impulse in the atmosphere and the timing as it sweeps through the area. This is expected to be between 3-9 PM Sunday Afternoon and evening which should take advantage of the highest instability timeframe.
2.) Wind fields will be marginal but given the level of instability and some other parameters pertaining to downdraft instability, the wind fields should be sufficient for isolated to scattered strong to severe thunderstorms.
3.) While the likely timeframe for severe weather is between 3-9 PM with the actual cold front and impulse that will swing through the area, the setup of a seabreeze front and differential heating in terrain may allow activity in some areas to start a bit early between 12-3 PM in isolated locations.

SKYWARN Self-Activation will monitor conditions throughout Field Day weekend with Amateur Radio Call Up Nets brought up as required. Below are links to the NWS Boston/Norton Hazardous Weather Outlook, NWS Boston/Norton Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook, and SPC Day-2 Convective Outlook for Sunday 6/28/20:

NWS Boston/Norton Hazardous Weather Outlook:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.flus41.KBOX.html

NWS Boston/Norton Experimental Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook:
https://www.weather.gov/box/ehwo

SPC Day-2 Convective Outlook for Sunday 6/28/20:
https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/archive/2020/day2otlk_20200627_1730.html

Amateur Radio Field Day sites are encouraged to bring a NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio, monitor various cell phone weather apps where Amateur Operators may have those available and have a dedicated Ham Radio that can monitor their local SKYWARN Frequency for their area as a best safety and preparedness practice. Also sites that have mobile Internet capability can utilize that capability as a way to monitor for weather information. With Mobile Internet capability, utilizing Echolink to monitor the New England Reflector system on Echolink Conference *NEW-ENG3* Node: 9123/IRLP 9123 would be helpful as well. Please see the link below for the latest SKYWARN Frequency information for the region:
https://wx1box.org/southern-new-england-skywarn-frequency-list/

During setup and takedown of Amateur Radio Field Day sites and even while operating, be sure to drink plenty of fluids and eat accordingly. Also having a jacket or sweatshirt during evenings as conditions cool and rain gear for any showers and thunderstorms etc. may also be useful while operating this year’s Field Day. The link below features information on Heat Safety:
https://www.weather.gov/safety/heat

Given the threat for thunderstorms in isolated to scattered locations over the course of Friday and the weekend, lightning is a threat to any and all Amateur Radio Field Day sites. Remember your lightning safety tips and details on lightning safety can be seen at the following link:
https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning

Also, NWS Boston/Norton have put out Public Information Statements for Lightning Safety Awareness Week which occurred from Monday 6/22 through Friday 6/26. The statements with lightning safety tips can be seen here:
https://wx1box.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/lightning_safety_2020.pdf

The next Amateur Radio Field Day coordination message will be posted by 1130 AM Sunday Morning.

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
http://beta.wx1box.org
Like us on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/wx1box
Follow us on Twitter – http://twitter.com/wx1box

Hello to all..

..The following is the third in a series of messages on Amateur Radio Field Day Weekend and providing information on the weather during this period. This is a tradition spanning over 17 years for Amateur Radio Operators involved with Field Day and the NWS Boston/Norton SKYWARN Program..
..2020 Field Day weekend will mostly be dry but has potential shower and thunderstorm risks in isolated to scattered locations each day including the threat for isolated to scattered strong to severe thunderstorms and becoming hot and humid Saturday and Sunday..
..The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has continued much of Southern New England in a Marginal Risk for Severe Weather. The Slight risk area has been shifted southwest of the NWS Norton coverage area. Doppler Radar at 1115 AM shows an area of rain and possible embedded thunderstorms that poses little severe risk. It will then become warmer and more humid late Saturday Afternoon and evening. Clearing behind this area of rain will determine the risk for any severe weather Saturday. If clearing and heating can develop and the warm front pass far enough north, there would be the potential for strong to severe thunderstorms with strong to damaging winds, hail and torrential rainfall leading to urban and poor drainage flooding as the main threats but a secondary threat for an isolated tornado as well. That said, the risk for today seems a bit lower than yesterday based on model trends and the timing of the current area of rain but still be monitored..
..SPC has also placed all of New England in a marginal risk for severe weather for Sunday in the afternoon and evening timeframe. Strong to damaging winds, hail, and torrential rainfall leading to urban and poor drainage flooding are the main threats. The potential for Sunday is a bit higher given the expectation for strong heating and destabilization but marginal wind shear and the timing of the cold front are key questions..
..Amateur Radio Field Day Weekend is an annual event where Ham Operators across the United States setup at Emergency Operations Centers, field locations, home locations etc. to operate and test their equipment and skills and make as many radio contacts as possible during the weekend. Due to COVID-19, Amateur Radio Field Day across Southern New England will be quite different with far less Field Day sites than normal in the region and those that are up and running in the field adhering to social distancing guidelines with limited to no public access. There will be many more Amateur Radio Field Day operations operating at home and not at field locations. Amateur Radio Field Day resource information is listed below..
..SKYWARN Self-Activation will monitor conditions throughout Field Day weekend with Amateur Radio Call Up Nets brought up as required..

Here are some links to information on these Amateur Radio Field Day Sites from across the region understanding limited to no public access in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions and far less field day sites than normal years:

Amateur Radio Field Day Information: http://www.arrl.org/field-day
Amateur Radio Field Day National Locator: http://www.arrl.org/field-day-locator
Eastern Massachusetts Field Day Home Page: https://ema.arrl.org/field-day/
Eastern Massachusetts Field Day Directory: http://ema.arrl.org/field_day/
ARRL President K5UR-Rick Roderick’s Field Day 2020 Statement: http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-president-rick-roderick-k5ur-issues-field-day-2020-statement

For Saturday, the headlines depict the potential for severe weather with the potential a bit less than yesterday as the rain area with embedded thunderstorms is expected to move through late this morning to mid-afternoon and questions around clearing for the later afternoon and evening and the position of the warm front in the region. The key factors in that potential are as follows:
1.) Late Morning to mid-afternoon showers and embedded thunderstorms and the amount of clearing that develops later in the afternoon to allow for heating and destabilization. Given the later timing and passage of showers and embedded thunderstorms and questions around cloud cover, this may make the threat more to the southwest of our coverage area but a marginal risk still exists especially along and south of the Mass Pike.
2.) The position of the warm front which is expected to be along the South Coast of New England and should get as far north as the Mass Pike by late Saturday Afternoon/early evening. This will determine if portions of the region can get into the warm sector allowing for severe thunderstorm development presuming sufficient heating and destabilization. This positioning would allow for severe weather potential particularly from the Mass Pike south but all areas should monitor. If it remains along the south coast of New England until later tonight, it would keep the severe weather potential to the southwest of our region. At this time, conditions look more favorable southwest of the NWS Boston/Norton coverage area but a marginal risk has been maintained particularly in areas from the Mass Pike southward.
3.) There will be sufficient wind shear in the atmosphere for severe weather development as well as turning in the atmosphere provided the warm front pushes through at least a portion of Southern New England. This will bear watching for the secondary threat of an isolated tornado in the region.

For Sunday, there will definitely be sufficient heating and destabilization through the day for severe weather potential. Key factors will be position of the cold front and the timing as it sweeps through the area as well as if there will be sufficient wind shear profiles. There could be isolated strong to severe thunderstorms in the early to mid afternoon with a greater threat for severe thunderstorms and somewhat wider coverage possible late Sunday Afternoon and Sunday Evening. Further details will be posted in future coordination messages but a marginal risk for severe weather has been maintained by SPC for Sunday.

SKYWARN Self-Activation will monitor conditions throughout Field Day weekend with Amateur Radio Call Up Nets brought up as required. Below are links to the NWS Boston/Norton Hazardous Weather Outlook, NWS Boston/Norton Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook, SPC Day-1 Convective Outlook and SPC Day-2 Convective Outlook for Sunday 6/28/20:

NWS Boston/Norton Hazardous Weather Outlook:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.flus41.KBOX.html

NWS Boston/Norton Experimental Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook:
https://www.weather.gov/box/ehwo

SPC Day-1 Convective Outlook for Saturday 6/27/20:
https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/day1otlk.html

SPC Day-2 Convective Outlook for Sunday 6/28/20:
https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/day2otlk.html

Amateur Radio Field Day sites are encouraged to bring a NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio, monitor various cell phone weather apps where Amateur Operators may have those available and have a dedicated Ham Radio that can monitor their local SKYWARN Frequency for their area as a best safety and preparedness practice. Also sites that have mobile Internet capability can utilize that capability as a way to monitor for weather information. With Mobile Internet capability, utilizing Echolink to monitor the New England Reflector system on Echolink Conference *NEW-ENG3* Node: 9123/IRLP 9123 would be helpful as well. Please see the link below for the latest SKYWARN Frequency information for the region:
https://wx1box.org/southern-new-england-skywarn-frequency-list/

During setup and takedown of Amateur Radio Field Day sites and even while operating, be sure to drink plenty of fluids and eat accordingly. Also having a jacket or sweatshirt during evenings as conditions cool and rain gear for any showers and thunderstorms etc. may also be useful while operating this year’s Field Day. The link below features information on Heat Safety:
https://www.weather.gov/safety/heat

Given the threat for thunderstorms in isolated to scattered locations over the course of Friday and the weekend, lightning is a threat to any and all Amateur Radio Field Day sites. Remember your lightning safety tips and details on lightning safety can be seen at the following link:
https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning

Also, NWS Boston/Norton have put out Public Information Statements for Lightning Safety Awareness Week which occurred from Monday 6/22 through Friday 6/26. The statements with lightning safety tips can be seen here:
https://wx1box.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/lightning_safety_2020.pdf

The next Amateur Radio Field Day coordination message will be posted by 1100 PM Saturday Evening.

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
http://beta.wx1box.org
Like us on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/wx1box
Follow us on Twitter – http://twitter.com/wx1box

Hello to all..

..The following is the second in a series of messages on Amateur Radio Field Day Weekend and providing information on the weather during this period. This is a tradition spanning over 17 years for Amateur Radio Operators involved with Field Day and the NWS Boston/Norton SKYWARN Program..
..2020 Field Day weekend will mostly be dry but has potential shower and thunderstorm risks in isolated to scattered locations each day including the threat for isolated to scattered strong to severe thunderstorms and becoming hot and humid Saturday and Sunday..
..The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has placed much of Southern New England in a Marginal Risk for Severe Weather with areas of Western and Southwest Connecticut from Hartford southwest in a slight risk for severe weather. Morning rain showers and embedded thunderstorms Saturday is expected to give way to hazy, hot and humid conditions and the potential for strong to severe thunderstorms with strong to damaging winds, hail and torrential rainfall leading to urban and poor drainage flooding as the main threats but a secondary threat for an isolated tornado as well..
..SPC has also placed all of New England in a marginal risk for severe weather for Sunday in the afternoon and evening timeframe. Strong to damaging winds, hail, and torrential rainfall leading to urban and poor drainage flooding are the main threats..
..Amateur Radio Field Day Weekend is an annual event where Ham Operators across the United States setup at Emergency Operations Centers, field locations, home locations etc. to operate and test their equipment and skills and make as many radio contacts as possible during the weekend. Due to COVID-19, Amateur Radio Field Day across Southern New England will be quite different with far less Field Day sites than normal in the region and those that are up and running in the field adhering to social distancing guidelines with limited to no public access. There will be many more Amateur Radio Field Day operations operating at home and not at field locations. Amateur Radio Field Day resource information is listed below..
..SKYWARN Self-Activation will monitor conditions throughout Field Day weekend with Amateur Radio Call Up Nets brought up as required..

Here are some links to information on these Amateur Radio Field Day Sites from across the region understanding limited to no public access in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions and far less field day sites than normal years:

Amateur Radio Field Day Information: http://www.arrl.org/field-day
Amateur Radio Field Day National Locator: http://www.arrl.org/field-day-locator
Eastern Massachusetts Field Day Home Page: https://ema.arrl.org/field-day/
Eastern Massachusetts Field Day Directory: http://ema.arrl.org/field_day/
ARRL President K5UR-Rick Roderick’s Field Day 2020 Statement: http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-president-rick-roderick-k5ur-issues-field-day-2020-statement

For Friday, a few strong thunderstorms developed in parts of Central Rhode Island and into Southeast Massachusetts. Pea Sized Hail and heavy rainfall were associated with these storms across East Greenwich, Coventry, West Warwick, Warwick Rhode Island and Norton, Mass. Some strong thunderstorms also developed just offshore of the North Shore as well.

For Saturday, the headlines depict the potential for severe weather. The key factors in that potential are as follows:
1.) Morning showers and embedded thunderstorms and the amount of clearing that develops later in the morning and afternoon to allow for heating and destabilization
2.) The position of the warm front which is expected to be along the South Coast of New England and should get as far north as the Mass Pike by Saturday Afternoon. This will determine if portions of the region can get into the warm sector allowing for severe thunderstorm development presuming sufficient heating and destabilization. This positioning would allow for severe weather potential particularly from the Mass Pike north but all areas should monitor. If it remains along the south coast of New England, it would keep the severe weather potential to the southwest of our region.
3.) There will be sufficient wind shear in the atmosphere for severe weather development as well as turning in the atmosphere provided the warm front pushes through at least a portion of Southern New England. This will bear watching for the secondary threat of an isolated tornado in the region.

For Sunday, there will definitely be sufficient heating and destabilization through the day for severe weather potential. Key factors will be position of the cold front and the timing as it sweeps through the area. There could be isolated strong to severe thunderstorms in the early to mid afternoon with a greater threat for severe thunderstorms and somewhat wider coverage possible late Sunday Afternoon and Sunday Evening. Further details will be posted in future coordination messages.

SKYWARN Self-Activation will monitor conditions throughout Field Day weekend with Amateur Radio Call Up Nets brought up as required. Below are links to the NWS Boston/Norton Hazardous Weather Outlook, NWS Boston/Norton Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook, SPC Day-2 Convective Outlook and SPC Day-3 Convective Outlook for Sunday 6/28/20:

NWS Boston/Norton Hazardous Weather Outlook:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.flus41.KBOX.html

NWS Boston/Norton Experimental Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook:
https://www.weather.gov/box/ehwo

SPC Day-2 Convective Outlook for Saturday 6/27/20:
https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/archive/2020/day2otlk_20200626_1730.html

SPC Day-3 Convective Outlook for Sunday 6/28/20:
https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/archive/2020/day3otlk_20200626_0730.html

Amateur Radio Field Day sites are encouraged to bring a NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio, monitor various cell phone weather apps where Amateur Operators may have those available and have a dedicated Ham Radio that can monitor their local SKYWARN Frequency for their area as a best safety and preparedness practice. Also sites that have mobile Internet capability can utilize that capability as a way to monitor for weather information. With Mobile Internet capability, utilizing Echolink to monitor the New England Reflector system on Echolink Conference *NEW-ENG3* Node: 9123/IRLP 9123 would be helpful as well. Please see the link below for the latest SKYWARN Frequency information for the region:
https://wx1box.org/southern-new-england-skywarn-frequency-list/

During setup and takedown of Amateur Radio Field Day sites and even while operating, be sure to drink plenty of fluids and eat accordingly. Also having a jacket or sweatshirt during evenings as conditions cool and rain gear for any showers and thunderstorms etc. may also be useful while operating this year’s Field Day. The link below features information on Heat Safety:
https://www.weather.gov/safety/heat

Given the threat for thunderstorms in isolated to scattered locations over the course of Friday and the weekend, lightning is a threat to any and all Amateur Radio Field Day sites. Remember your lightning safety tips and details on lightning safety can be seen at the following link:
https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning

The next Amateur Radio Field Day coordination message will be posted by 1130 AM Saturday Morning.

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
http://beta.wx1box.org
Like us on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/wx1box
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Hello to all..

..The following is the first in a series of messages on Amateur Radio Field Day Weekend and providing information on the weather during this period. This is a tradition spanning over 17 years for Amateur Radio Operators involved with Field Day and the NWS Boston/Norton SKYWARN Program..
..2020 Field Day weekend will mostly be dry but has potential shower and thunderstorm risks in isolated to scattered locations each day including the threat for isolated to scattered strong to severe thunderstorms with conditions being warm on Friday and becoming hot and humid Saturday and Sunday..
..There will be chance for isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms on Friday with the potential for an isolated strong to severe thunderstorm on Friday in Southeast Massachusetts and Rhode Island. After some morning showers and possibly embedded thunderstorms Saturday Morning, conditions will clear and become hot and humid Saturday Afternoon into the evening with the threat of a bit more coverage of isolated to scattered to strong to severe thunderstorms dependent on the timing of the morning activity where the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has placed all of Southern New England in a marginal risk for severe weather Saturday. Another round of isolated to scattered strong to severe thunderstorms is possible on Sunday Afternoon and evening well…
..Amateur Radio Field Day Weekend is an annual event where Ham Operators across the United States setup at Emergency Operations Centers, field locations, home locations etc. to operate and test their equipment and skills and make as many radio contacts as possible during the weekend. Due to COVID-19, Amateur Radio Field Day across Southern New England will be quite different with far less Field Day sites than normal in the region and those that are up and running in the field adhering to social distancing guidelines with limited to no public access. There will be many more Amateur Radio Field Day operations operating at home and not at field locations. Amateur Radio Field Day resource information is listed below..
..SKYWARN Self-Activation will monitor conditions throughout Field Day weekend Friday through Sunday with Amateur Radio Call Up Nets brought up

Here are some links to information on these Amateur Radio Field Day Sites from across the region understanding limited to no public access in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions and far less field day sites than normal years:

Amateur Radio Field Day Information: http://www.arrl.org/field-day
Amateur Radio Field Day National Locator: http://www.arrl.org/field-day-locator
Eastern Massachusetts Field Day Home Page: https://ema.arrl.org/field-day/
Eastern Massachusetts Field Day Directory: http://ema.arrl.org/field_day/
ARRL President K5UR-Rick Roderick’s Field Day 2020 Statement: http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-president-rick-roderick-k5ur-issues-field-day-2020-statement

While most of Friday and the weekend will be dry, there will be scattered showers and thunderstorm chances each day and the potential for isolated to scattered strong to severe thunderstorms particularly on Saturday Afternoon and Evening and Sunday Afternoon and Evening with a more isolated chance for strong to severe thunderstorms in Southeast Massachusetts and Rhode Island on Friday. There will also be the risk for an area of showers and embedded thunderstorms Saturday Morning in portions of Southern New England and it will be the timing of that activity that determines the risk for severe thunderstorms later Saturday Afternoon and Evening. Coordination messages will be sent throughout the weekend to monitor the severe weather potential throughout Friday and the weekend.

Below are links to the NWS Boston/Norton Hazardous Weather Outlook, NWS Boston/Norton Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook and SPC Day-3 Convective Outlook for Saturday 6/27/20:

NWS Boston/Norton Hazardous Weather Outlook:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.flus41.KBOX.html

NWS Boston/Norton Experimental Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook:
https://www.weather.gov/box/ehwo

SPC Day-3 Convective Outlook for Saturday 6/27/20:
https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/archive/2020/day3otlk_20200625_0730.html

Amateur Radio Field Day sites are encouraged to bring a NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio, monitor various cell phone weather apps where Amateur Operators may have those available and have a dedicated Ham Radio that can monitor their local SKYWARN Frequency for their area as a best safety and preparedness practice. Also sites that have mobile Internet capability can utilize that capability as a way to monitor for weather information. With Mobile Internet capability, utilizing Echolink to monitor the New England Reflector system on Echolink Conference *NEW-ENG3* Node: 9123/IRLP 9123 would be helpful as well. Please see the link below for the latest SKYWARN Frequency information for the region:
https://wx1box.org/southern-new-england-skywarn-frequency-list/

During setup and takedown of Amateur Radio Field Day sites and even while operating, be sure to drink plenty of fluids and eat accordingly. Also having a jacket or sweatshirt during evenings as conditions cool and rain gear for any showers and thunderstorms etc. may also be useful while operating this year’s Field Day. The link below features information on Heat Safety:
https://www.weather.gov/safety/heat

Given the threat for thunderstorms in isolated to scattered locations over the course of Friday and the weekend, lightning is a threat to any and all Amateur Radio Field Day sites. Remember your lightning safety tips and details on lightning safety can be seen at the following link:
https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning

The next Amateur Radio Field Day coordination message will be posted by 300 PM Friday Afternoon.

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
http://beta.wx1box.org
Like us on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/wx1box
Follow us on Twitter – http://twitter.com/wx1box

Hello to all…

..Isolated to scattered strong to possibly severe thunderstorms are possible Wednesday Afternoon and Evening particularly in central and eastern parts of Southern New England except for Cape Cod and the Islands. Strong to damaging winds, hail, and torrential rainfall with the potential for urban and poor drainage flooding are the main threats. Severe weather potential timeframe is between 12-7 PM Wednesday..
..SKYWARN Self-Activation will monitor the severe weather potential for Wednesday Afternoon into early evening..

A cold front will sweep across the region this Wednesday Afternoon and early evening. This will set the stage for isolated to scattered strong to possibly a severe thunderstorm or two across the area. Key factors on this severe weather potential include:

1.) As of 1130 AM, cloud cover appear to be thinning across the area allowing for some heating and destabilization in parts of the area. If clouds can continue to thin and allow for enough instability, this would air in some strong to isolated severe thunderstorm development.
2.) Wind fields are marginal but if enough instability can develop that will allow for the development of isolated to scattered strong to severe thunderstorms.
3.) The timing of the cold front to allow for heating and destabilization for strong to severe thunderstorm development. The cold front is currently just getting into and through Berkshire County Massachusetts as of 1130 AM this morning.

SKYWARN Self-Activation will monitor the severe weather potential for Wednesday Afternoon into early evening. This will be the last coordination message as we shift to monitoring mode. Below is the NWS Boston/Norton Area Forecast Discussion and SPC Day-1 Convective Outlook:

NWS Boston/Norton Area Forecast Discussion:
https://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.fxus61.KBOX.html

SPC Day-1 Convective Outlook:
https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/day1otlk.html

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
http://beta.wx1box.org
Like us on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/wx1box
Follow us on Twitter – http://twitter.com/wx1box

Hello to all…

..Isolated to scattered strong to severe thunderstorms are possible Wednesday Afternoon and Evening across much of Southern New England except for Cape Cod and the Islands. Strong to damaging winds, hail, and torrential rainfall with the potential for urban and poor drainage flooding are the main threats. Severe weather potential timeframe is between 12-7 PM Wednesday..
..SKYWARN Self-Activation will monitor the severe weather potential for Wednesday Afternoon into early evening..

A pre-frontal trough will swing through the area Wednesday Morning bringing with it heavy showers and a few isolated thunderstorms across Western New England. A second and possibly more potent round of thunderstorms with an isolated to scattered strong to severe thunderstorm risk is possible Wednesday Afternoon into early evening. Key factors on this severe weather potential include:

1.) Any clouds and showers and thunderstorms in the morning clearing the region allowing more heating and destabilization during the mid to late morning and early afternoon hours.
2.) Wind fields are marginal but if enough instability can develop that will allow for the development of isolated to scattered strong to severe thunderstorms.
3.) The timing of the cold front to allow for heating and destabilization for strong to severe thunderstorm development.

SKYWARN Self-Activation will monitor the severe weather potential for Wednesday Afternoon into early evening. Another coordination message will be posted by 1130 AM Wednesday Morning. Below is the NWS Boston/Norton Area Forecast Discussion:

NWS Boston/Norton Area Forecast Discussion:
https://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.fxus61.KBOX.html

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
http://beta.wx1box.org
Like us on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/wx1box
Follow us on Twitter – http://twitter.com/wx1box