If you had a chance to look outside this afternoon you noticed something that we haven't seen this year: accumulation of snow. It was a wimpy snow dusting the Boston area lightly, a reported half inch or less in Boston and up to 2 inches in the outer suburbs, especially in the North Shore. The dusting today would have likely been welcomed with open arms if it had occurred on Christmas Day. Coming a few days late it was frowned upon by shoppers out taking advantage of the after Christmas sales.

Reports on radio and television stations have had an excited tone. The storm trackers, storm teams, and weather centers have been a buzz with reports of how the falling flakes would accumulate. The accumulation of the current weather pattern isn't, of course, the only news. The forecasters are hoping to rope viewers back into their weather reports in coming days. They're looking at 40 degree temperatures for much of tomorrow (making New Year's Eve festivities a comfortable outing) though New Year's Day will likely see some rain. Make sure to tune into your favorite forecaster for the update on Monday's weather. Likely it won't be difficult to find their report as any spotting of snow brings them to full attention this time of year, a heightened attention in a year when we haven't seen the white stuff yet.

ed. note: Driving along Rte. 2 west of the city on Christmas Day late in the evening some snow was spotted. Just as the first few flakes were noticed a large sanding truck was spotted traveling in the other direction. The car said it was still 33 degrees outside, but someone was surely making some good holiday overtime before the clock struck midnight.

Photo of snow courtesy of Ron's Log taken not today but on February 21, 2003