Massachusetts is expected to get a modest amount of snow overnight Thursday, but residents should also watch out for high winds Friday morning, according to the National Weather Service.
A fast-moving low pressure system known as an “Alberta clipper” is predicted to bring 1 to 3 inches of snow to most parts of the state, according to the weather service. More snow expected in the north, and no snow expected as far south as the Islands.
Prior to the system moving in, Massachusetts is predicted to see increasing cloud cover amid highs in the mid 30s on Thursday, according to the weather service. Overnight, temperatures are expected to dip into the mid to upper 20s.
Areas west of Worcester are predicted to see the snowfall begin between 6 and 8 p.m. on Thursday, according to weather service forecaster Rob Megnia. Areas east of Worcester should expect to see snow starting between 7 and 9 p.m., and most parts of the state should see the snow wrap up between 1 and 3 a.m.
The northern Berkshires are expected to see the most snow, up to 4 inches, while the upper half of Massachusetts should see between 2 and 3 inches, according to the weather service. The lower half of the state, plus some areas north of Boston, are predicted to get 1 to 2 inches of snow, minus the South Shore, South Coast and Cape, which are predicted to receive less than an inch.
Massachusetts is expected to get 1 to 3 inches Thursday evening, according to the National Weather Service.National Weather Service
But following the snow, wind may become a hazard. The weather service has issued a wind advisory for the Cape and Islands, as well as most of Massachusetts west of I-495, between 4 a.m. and 1 p.m. Friday. Northwest winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 55 mph are expected.
Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects, and tree limbs may be blown down, causing a few power outages, the weather service said. Bay Staters should secure outdoor objects and use caution when driving during these high winds, especially if they’re driving tall vehicles.
The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for most of the western half of Massachusetts, as well as the Cape and Islands, for Friday morning.National Weather Service
Highs on Friday are expected to reach the mid 30s, leading into lows in the mid 20s Friday night and highs in the mid 30s on Saturday, according to the weather service. Some snow is expected on Saturday between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., but even higher elevations in Massachusetts are predicted to get less than a half inch of snow, and lower elevations are predicted to experience little to no accumulation.
The skies are expected to clear on Sunday amid highs in the low 30s, according to the weather service. Lows overnight are predicted to dip into the mid to low 20s before reaching into the high 30s and lower 40s on President’s Day as the clear skies continue.
