The Boston area is about to face its biggest snowstorm in years, accompanied by a bitterly cold snap. The forecast predicts brisk Arctic air moving in and a major winter storm rolling through.
The National Weather Service has issued warnings that stretch over 2,000 miles, from the Southwest to New England. Major cities from the Texas Panhandle to the Ohio Valley and into the Northeast could see more than a foot of snow, while areas to the south might experience a serious ice storm, likely disrupting air travel and causing widespread power outages.
Cold Snap Ahead
Starting Friday evening, temperatures will plummet. By Saturday morning, southern New England could see temperatures drop to between -10 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. With wind chill, it could feel as cold as -25 to -15 degrees. This severe cold can lead to frostbite on exposed skin in under 30 minutes.
The winds will decrease later on Saturday, but the frigid temperatures will linger throughout the weekend.
Snow Forecast for Massachusetts
Winter storm watches are in effect for southern New England from Sunday morning through Monday evening. Light snow is expected to begin Sunday morning, gradually intensifying by afternoon, peaking from 5 PM Sunday until 5 AM Monday. Snowfall will become lighter after dawn on Monday.
Road conditions will worsen Sunday evening, becoming snow-covered once it gets dark. The most hazardous travel will likely be between 7 PM Sunday and 7 AM Monday.
How Much Snow is Coming?
We expect 10 to 20 inches of snow for southern New England, though estimates may be refined as the storm approaches. The snow should be light and fluffy, making it easier to shovel—some people might even use a leaf blower to clear their cars.
The good news is that this type of snow usually won’t stick to power lines or trees, which may help prevent widespread power outages. Most accumulation will happen Sunday night into early Monday.
Factors Affecting Snow Totals
Several factors could influence the final snow total:
Mixing with Rain or Ice: If areas near Cape Cod get a mix of rain or ice, snow totals may drop.
Coastal Effects: A coastal front typical in bigger storms may create a significant temperature difference between areas along and just inland from the coast. This could lead to heavier snow in certain locations.
Frigid Temperatures Inland: Areas northwest of the coast may see fluffier snow leading to higher totals, as colder temperatures could contribute to quicker accumulation.
Moving Forward
Potential snow totals could range from 6 to 12 inches on the lower end to an impressive 18 to 24 inches on the higher end, depending on several factors at play during the storm.
Wind Conditions: Fortunately, this storm is not expected to produce blizzard conditions since wind speeds will remain moderate, with gusts reaching 20-40 mph along the coast. For a blizzard to occur, winds must sustain certain speeds along with low visibility—which seems unlikely here.
Stay tuned for updates on the evolving situation as Boston prepares for this significant winter storm. It’s essential to keep updated with forecasts from reliable sources like the National Weather Service and local news outlets.
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