Boston, Massachusetts — The new year is wasting no time bringing active weather to Southern New England, as several storm systems are set to impact Massachusetts this week, delivering a mix of freezing rain, rain, gusty winds, and fluctuating temperatures through the weekend.
Forecasters say there are no major nor’easters or blockbuster winter storms on the horizon — for now — but the steady parade of systems will keep conditions unsettled and potentially hazardous, especially for commuters and weekend travelers.
First system brings freezing rain risk Tuesday night
The first storm arrives Tuesday night, with precipitation developing mainly after 7 p.m. and continuing into Wednesday morning.
This initial system is expected to bring freezing rain transitioning to rain, creating a concern for slick roads and sidewalks.
“It only takes a small amount of freezing rain to create dangerous travel conditions,” forecasters warned.
While overall precipitation totals will be light, ice accumulation remains the primary concern, particularly during the overnight and early morning hours.
Icing threat varies by location
Impacts will differ depending on where you are in the state.
- Inside Route 495 and near the coastline, ice accretion is expected to remain light — under one-tenth of an inch — before changing over to plain rain as temperatures rise Wednesday morning.
- North and west of Route 495, colder air will linger longer, allowing for more significant ice buildup, potentially ranging from 0.1 to 0.2 inches on untreated surfaces.
Drivers and pedestrians are urged to use extreme caution late Tuesday night and early Wednesday, especially in inland communities.
Quiet window before rain returns Friday
Following Wednesday morning’s precipitation, conditions improve temporarily before another system arrives later in the week.
By Friday midday, temperatures will be noticeably milder, setting the stage for all rain across Massachusetts and Southern New England.
“Because temperatures will be well above freezing, no wintry precipitation is expected with this system,” meteorologists said.
Friday storm brings soaking rain
The Friday system is expected to last from midday through midnight, with the heaviest rain falling during the afternoon and evening hours.
Rain totals from this storm are projected to range between 0.25 and 0.50 inches, enough to create wet roadways but not widespread flooding concerns.
Rain will gradually taper off late Friday night as the system moves south.
Another round of rain Saturday into Sunday
The unsettled pattern continues into the weekend, as a stalled frontal boundary from Friday’s storm lifts back northward.
This will trigger yet another round of rain, beginning Saturday midday and lasting through early Sunday morning.
- Steadiest rain is expected Saturday evening and overnight
- Rainfall amounts may again reach 0.25 to 0.50 inches
While this rain is beneficial in some areas, it adds to an already soggy forecast stretch.
Blustery finish to the weekend
As the final storm exits, strong winds are expected to develop on Sunday, ushering in colder air and making it feel much more like winter again.
While conditions will be dry, wind chills will drop significantly, especially during the evening hours.
Patriots playoff weather outlook
For fans heading to Gillette Stadium Sunday night, the forecast includes cold and windy — but dry — conditions.
- Temperatures: Lower 30s
- Wind chills: Teens to low 20s
- Precipitation: None expected during kickoff
“Dress for the cold and the wind,” forecasters advised, adding that winds should ease slightly by game time.
What to expect overall
This week’s forecast can be summed up simply:
Ice early, rain often, wind late, and constant changes in between.
Drivers should stay alert for overnight icing, especially Tuesday night into Wednesday, while weekend plans may need flexibility due to recurring rain and gusty winds.
How is the weather shaping up in your part of Massachusetts? Are you more concerned about ice or rain this week? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
