New England Forecast: Cold Start and Sunny Skies Expected Wednesday A cold air mass from Canada will clash with the rising sun angle during mid-March, creating a chilly start to the day. Temperatures are projected to be 5 to 10 degrees below average in the early morning, with wind chills dropping into the single digits and low teens across Boston and northern regions. This will make for a particularly brisk commute, especially for those traveling to work. As the day progresses, mostly sunny skies will dominate, allowing the sun’s warmth to gradually raise temperatures to the mid and upper 30s in Boston and Southern New England. Winds are expected to ease throughout the afternoon, though the cold air will persist. While the sun will provide some relief, the overall conditions will remain cool, with high pressure systems maintaining calm and clear skies. Wednesday night will bring partly to mostly clear skies, offering a potential opportunity to spot the Northern Lights in Northern New England. However, temperatures will drop again to the teens and low 20s north of Massachusetts, so those planning to observe the auroras should prepare for chilly conditions. In Greater Boston, temperatures are expected to fall below freezing after 8 p.m., though the likelihood of the Northern Lights appearing southward remains uncertain. Looking ahead, a storm system is set to move into the region late Friday night through Saturday morning, bringing a mix of snow and rain. The storm is expected to deliver light snowfall to Northern New England, with 2 to 4 inches of accumulation possible, while southern areas and coastal regions may see a coating of snow or light rain. Greater Boston is likely to experience a brief wintry mix before transitioning to rain.#boston #vermont #new_england #northern_new_england #cape_and_islands

UMBC Holds Off Vermont for First America East Championship Since 2018 UMBC’s men’s basketball team secured its first America East Championship since 2018 with a decisive 74-59 victory over Vermont. The Retrievers, led by standout performer D.J. Armstrong Jr., overcame a resilient Vermont squad to claim the title in a tightly contested game. The win marked a significant milestone for UMBC, which had not won the conference tournament since its historic upset of a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament in 2018. The game was a battle of wills, with Vermont initially holding a lead but ultimately faltering under UMBC’s relentless pressure. Armstrong, who finished with 33 points and 17 rebounds, was instrumental in the Retrievers’ late-game surge. His clutch shooting, including a pivotal four-point play after a three-pointer while being fouled, shifted the momentum in UMBC’s favor. The crowd at the Kai Arena, which saw a record crowd of over 4,700, erupted as the Retrievers closed the game on a 13-3 run. Vermont, a five-time tournament champion, struggled to find its rhythm, particularly from beyond the arc. The Catamounts shot just 5-27 from three-point range and 4-10 from the free throw line, failing to capitalize on key opportunities. Vermont’s leading scorer, T.J. Hurley, was held in check with 11 points, shooting 1-8 from three-point range. UMBC, in contrast, thrived from long range, hitting 10 three-pointers and converting 22-26 free throws. The victory solidified UMBC’s position as the top team in the America East during the regular season. The Retrievers are now set to make their third NCAA tournament appearance, with hopes of securing a higher seed than in 2018. Their historic 2018 upset of a No.#america_east #umbc #dj_armstrong_jr #vermont #kai_arena
