Snow

Chance for some snow this holiday weekend in New England

There is the chance for a coastal storm to develop and if the track is just right, we could see accumulating snowfall late Sunday night and at least part of Monday.

Mark Latter plays hockey with his sons Bennett, 13, and Harrison, 10, after clearing snow from Buckmaster Pond in Westwood on Jan. 11, 2025. Craig F. Walker/Globe Staff

By David Epstein

January 17, 2025

3 minutes to read

Boston weather:

What Boston meteorologists are saying about ‘plowable snow’ Sunday night into Monday

As mid-January arrives, we’re staring at a long holiday weekend ahead for many. This weekend marks the beginning of the second half of meteorological winter, which runs to the end of February, and often coincides with the coldest temperatures of the year. It’s also a time when storm tracks can become more active. This year I think both elements are true.

Before we get to the chance for some snow and definite cold for the Boston area, we’re going to have a little bit of a mild break to start the weekend.

Probability of plowing snow Monday morning is growing. Lets see how the models do Fri/Sat and then start putting some numbers out. Light to moderate kind of event is what I am initially thinking. pic.twitter.com/AjhYiAdgT7

— Dave Epstein (@growingwisdom) January 16, 2025

Friday

If you’re traveling out of town, Friday features lots of sunshine and temperatures in the mid-30s with insignificant wind. It’s looking like a classic winter day, with cold but not Arctic air in place, with variable clouds. A few flurries may pop up on the Outer Cape, but that’ll be marginal at best.

Saturday

When you get up Saturday morning, temperatures will be in the 20s but clouds will have increased overnight. During the day, temperatures are going to reach between 40 and 45 for an above-average January day. In the afternoon, a line of rain showers will be moving east. Wet snowflakes are likely in the higher elevations of Northern New England.

This model doesn’t get as much play as the Euro and GFS in media, but the UKMET model is still worth checking out and if verified would bring light to moderate snowstorm early Monday. Stay tuned. pic.twitter.com/IdB1MirUeG

— Dave Epstein (@growingwisdom) January 17, 2025

Sunday-Monday storm?

Once this frontal system bringing the showers passes offshore, skies will clear for Sunday. Afternoon readings will be in the upper 30s to around 40 with a blend of clouds and sunshine.

Another, perhaps more important storm approaches Sunday night into the Monday holiday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Since this storm is five days away, a lot can change in terms of the forecast specifics. However, there is the chance for a coastal storm to develop and if the track is just right, we could see accumulating snowfall late Sunday night and at least part of Monday.

This does not appear to be a blockbuster storm and could actually end up being a bit of a dud. This is where we just need more time to evaluate the models and the unfolding atmosphere to provide a more definitive forecast.

However, if you do have travel plans for Monday, especially on the roads, stay tuned to our latest forecasts. This does not appear to be a storm that is going to have a large impact on air travel.

One thing I am confident about is whatever happens on Monday, it’s going to get very cold on Tuesday with true Arctic air moving in. This means temperatures will struggle to get out of the teens Tuesday afternoon and many areas are going to experience single digits and even near-zero temperatures by next Wednesday morning.

Weekend breakdown

Southern New England: Dry weather on Friday is followed by a few showers on Saturday with clearing for Sunday. Temperatures will be in the 30s on Friday and into the 40s over the weekend. Monday brings a chance of snow or perhaps rain.

Western Mass.: Temperatures will approach 30 with sunshine on Friday. For Saturday, a few snow showers will cross the region with a light accumulation possible. Sunday is dry and seasonable. Monday is colder and a bit blustery in the afternoon.

Cape and Islands: Look for sunshine with temperatures in the mid- to upper 30s on Friday. Rain showers are likely for Saturday afternoon with highs in the 40s. Sunday brings temperatures in the lower 40s with a blend of clouds and sun. There could be some rain or snow for the MLK holiday Monday.

Northern New England: Look for cold conditions on Friday with sunny skies and light wind. Saturday brings some snow showers to the area with highs in the 30s. Things clear for Sunday. Coastal areas could see some snow on Monday.

Chance for some snow this holiday weekend in New England