Chilly Weekend Ahead: Snow and Rain Forecast for New England

BOSTON, Mass. — Massachusetts residents are bracing for an unseasonably cold and wet weekend as a coastal low is expected to deliver rain and possibly snow throughout the area. Forecasters warn of chilly temperatures in the 40s and gusty winds reaching up to 30 mph, making outdoor conditions harsh starting Friday evening.

According to the National Weather Service, some areas in Western Massachusetts experienced light snow accumulation by Friday morning, with grassy surfaces becoming blanketed while roads remained generally wet. Temperatures were reported in the upper 30s, preventing snow from sticking on roads but contributing to low visibility for Friday morning commuters.

A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for Berkshire County from midnight until 2 p.m. Saturday, with predictions of up to four inches of wet snow and a potential sleet mix. Snowfall rates might peak at one inch per hour on Saturday morning. While the “wintry mess” is confined mainly to higher elevations, forecasters note that Northern Worcester County could face similar wet weather conditions, although no formal advisory has been issued there yet.

Friday night into Saturday morning is expected to bring continuous rain, accumulating from half an inch to one and a quarter inches across most of the area, just as spine-chilling temperatures hover in the mid-30s and low 40s. Travel could be affected by downpours, prompting forecasters to advise caution on the road.

The northeast wind promises to create a raw atmosphere, with a gloomy weekend forecast continuing into Saturday. Scattered showers and some drizzle will linger throughout the day, while those in Eastern Massachusetts might glimpse some sunshine.

Looking ahead to Sunday, rain is likely to persist for much of Eastern Massachusetts as another system moves in. However, drier conditions are anticipated for the start of next week, where highs might reach the 60s by Monday and Tuesday under clear skies.

“While the wintry weather could persist into Saturday, impacts should be limited,” a local meteorologist noted. “We may see glimmers of hope with some sun breaking through in the Champlain Valley, where temperatures could reach the mid-50s.”

This week’s weather pattern stands in stark contrast to recent warm spells many residents might expect for April, reminiscent of late winter rather than spring.

In Hudson Valley, meteorologist Ben Noll has indicated similar cold fronts moving into the area. The remnants of a severe storm, which has already caused flooding and tornadoes in the Mid-South, are expected to sweep across the Hudson Valley. Noll predicts that a cold Canadian air mass will push the storm out to sea by Tuesday.

“Rain is needed to ease long-term precipitation deficits,” Noll stated on social media. “But the late-week weather could get pretty ugly as remnants of this storm approach our region.”

Travelers across New England are advised to keep a close eye on weather updates, especially those planning to venture out during the wintry weekend.