Residents across Massachusetts should brace for a sharp drop in temperatures Thursday as an arctic front sweeps through, bringing the risk of snow squalls to parts of the state.
Snow squalls capable of producing “up to a few inches” of accumulation are possible during the Thursday evening commute in Western Massachusetts, especially in The Berkshires, according to the National Weather Service.
Additionally, flurries could hit some parts of Eastern Massachusetts between 11 a.m. and noon, including the Greater Boston area. Forecasters are still monitoring the exact timing of the snow bands and had not issued any winter weather advisories as of Thursday morning.
While snowfall totals will be minimal, visibility could deteriorate quickly in any squall that develops. Drivers are warned to prepare for rapidly changing conditions, especially in Western Massachusetts during the afternoon and evening commute when the front is expected to move through.
Winds between 25-40 mph — with gusts over to 45 mph in The Berkshires — will develop throughout the day, forecasters say, intensifying the cold air moving in to the state.
Temperatures will hover in the 20s and 30s during the day, with highs near 29 degrees in Pittsfield and around 35 degrees in Worcester and Springfield. Boston will see slightly milder conditions at about 38 degrees.
But the real chill arrives overnight, when readings plunge into the negatives in northwestern areas and into the single digits and teens elsewhere, forecasters say.
As skies clear — and if winds diminish enough, as expected — temperatures could dip as low as -10 degrees in parts of Western Massachusetts and The Berkshires, especially those in highest elevations. In other areas, the projected wind chill could make temperatures feel like 10 degrees.
Forecasters are eyeing another frigid day on Friday as temperatures struggle to rise out of the 20s and low 30s statewide. Additionally, more precipitation could be on the way Friday night, with a snow and rain mix on the radar over Cape Cod & the Islands.
The weekend also brings chances of snow showers on Sunday night, as temperatures fluctuate between the 20s and 30s across the state on Saturday and yet another arctic front moves in before Monday.
