Boston Braces for Major Snowstorm and Dangerous Arctic Cold, Forecasts Warn

The Boston area is preparing for its most significant snowstorm and coldest stretch of weather in several years, according to the latest forecasts. A surge of Arctic air will arrive first, followed by a powerful winter storm expected to impact much of southern New England.

The National Weather Service has issued winter storm watches and warnings stretching more than 2,000 miles from the desert Southwest through New England. Heavy snow—potentially exceeding a foot—is expected across a broad swath of the country, from the Texas Panhandle through the Ohio Valley and into the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. Just south of that zone, forecasters are warning of a crippling ice storm that could shut down airports, paralyze cities, and leave millions without power.

Dangerous Arctic Cold Arrives First

Temperatures will begin plunging Friday evening as an Arctic cold front sweeps through the region. By Saturday morning, air temperatures across southern New England are expected to range from -10 to 10 degrees.

Wind chills will be especially dangerous, falling between -25 and -15 degrees through Saturday morning. Under those conditions, frostbite can develop on exposed skin in less than 30 minutes.

While winds are expected to ease later Saturday, frigid temperatures will persist throughout the weekend.

Snow Timeline for Massachusetts

Attention then turns to snow. Winter storm watches are already in effect across all of southern New England from Sunday morning through Monday evening.

Light snow is expected to begin mid to late Sunday morning, gradually intensifying through the afternoon. By Sunday evening, snowfall will become steady and at times heavy. The storm’s peak is forecast between approximately 5 p.m. Sunday and 5 a.m. Monday.

After daybreak Monday, snow will continue but become lighter and more scattered, tapering off by late afternoon or early evening.

Road conditions are expected to deteriorate late Sunday afternoon, with snow-covered roads likely shortly after nightfall. The most hazardous travel window is expected between 7 p.m. Sunday and 7 a.m. Monday, with only gradual improvement throughout Monday.

How Much Snow Is Expected?

Forecasters are currently calling for widespread snowfall totals of 10 to 20 inches across southern New England. As the storm approaches, meteorologists expect to refine the forecast and identify potential “jackpot zones” where totals could be even higher.

Much of the snow is expected to be light and fluffy, making it easier to shovel and less likely to cling to trees and power lines. As a result, widespread power outages are not anticipated.

Most accumulation is expected Sunday night into early Monday morning.

Key Forecast Uncertainties

Several factors could influence final snowfall totals:

• South Coast, Cape Cod, and the Islands: A brief period of mixing with rain or ice could occur, potentially reducing snow totals in these areas.
• Coastal and southeastern Massachusetts: A coastal front may develop near the I-95 corridor, with milder ocean air pushing inland. This could create sharp temperature differences and briefly produce heavier, wetter snow closer to the coast.
• Areas northwest of I-495 and higher elevations in Worcester County: Colder, drier air could lead to very fluffy snow that accumulates rapidly, raising the potential for higher totals in these regions.

Snowfall Range Scenarios

• Lower-end totals (6–12 inches): Possible if mixing occurs in southern areas or if extremely dry Arctic air delays accumulation.
• Upper-end totals (18–24 inches or more): Possible if temperatures remain in the teens throughout the storm and the “fluff factor” maximizes accumulation. Localized snow bands could also produce brief snowfall rates of up to one inch per hour.

Blizzard Conditions Unlikely

Despite the storm’s intensity, blizzard conditions are not expected. While northeasterly wind gusts of 20 to 40 mph are possible along the immediate coastline late Sunday night into early Monday, winds are forecast to remain below typical nor’easter thresholds.

Although brief reductions in visibility may occur near the coast, sustained blizzard conditions—defined as at least three consecutive hours of strong winds and near-zero visibility—are unlikely.

Residents are urged to prepare for extreme cold, hazardous travel, and significant snowfall as the region braces for a powerful winter weekend.