An arctic front that moved through southern New England on Friday night has brought temperatures plunging into the single digits, with wind chills dipping as low as -10 to -25 degrees. This cold snap is expected to persist throughout the weekend and into next week, with daytime highs ranging from 5 to 14 degrees.
As temperatures remain low, residents are bracing for significant snowfall beginning Sunday and extending into Monday. The snow is forecasted to start slowly from the south and west on Sunday morning, becoming heavier by midday, especially in Boston where snow rates could reach as high as 1 to 3 inches per hour from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. In areas along the south coast, snowfall rates of around 1 inch per hour are anticipated by late morning.
Forecast models indicate that the low pressure system is tracking slightly more north than previously expected, introducing the possibility of sleet mixing in with the snow due to incoming warmer air. This could create a coastal front around Boston, southeastern Massachusetts, and Cape Cod, which may cause snowfall totals to vary significantly between adjacent towns. The area between routes 128 and 495 is where the most intense snow is expected to fall, particularly on the colder side of the front, leading to the potential for some locations to receive more than 20 inches of snow.
Overnight into Monday, snowfall is expected to taper off between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., providing a window for essential travel and snow removal operations before another round of snowfall moves in. From the late morning to the evening on Monday, another influx of snow is expected, with rates potentially reaching up to 1 inch per hour, especially in eastern Massachusetts as the coastal front adjusts.
Overall, the region is anticipating widespread snowfall totals of 12-20 inches, with the heaviest snowfall occurring on Sunday evening. Meanwhile, there may be periods of sleet mixed with the snow, particularly in Boston, resulting in slightly lower totals ranging from 8 to 12 inches in some areas.
Winds are projected to gust from the east and northeast on Sunday night, raising concerns for power outages along the south shore and Cape Cod due to the added weight of the snow. Coastal areas may experience minor flooding during high tide on Monday morning, despite relatively low astronomical tides.
Looking ahead, the cold temperatures are set to remain below freezing for the week, which means that the snow is unlikely to melt quickly. Families looking to enjoy the snow will need to take precautions against the cold, with highs hovering in the 20s and lows in the single digits. There could be some flurries or light snow showers around Thursday, while another potential storm may be on the horizon for next weekend, though models are still uncertain.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed by tracking the storm using live radar and weather updates, as conditions can change rapidly.