A winter weather advisory is in effect for most of Massachusetts beginning Sunday afternoon and lasting until 7 a.m. Monday, as the state prepares for a widespread snowfall event. The National Weather Service reports that for once, Eastern Massachusetts is expected to receive more snow than Western portions of the state.
Snowfall Forecast Across the State
Much of Eastern and Central Massachusetts is forecast to receive 3 to 5 inches of snow Sunday evening and night, with some areas potentially seeing up to 6 inches. Western Massachusetts and portions of Central Massachusetts are predicted to receive 2 to 4 inches, though localized higher amounts of up to 5 inches are possible.
Snowfall is expected to begin spreading across Massachusetts around 6 p.m. Sunday, peaking between 6 p.m. and 2 a.m. Monday. During the peak, snowfall rates could reach half an inch per hour, with a 50% chance of even more intense snowfall around 11 p.m. Sunday in communities like Boston, Gloucester, and Lowell.
The snow is predicted to taper off from west to east overnight, with temperatures falling to the mid to upper 20s. Communities west of I-91, including Springfield, could see the snow end by 3 a.m. Monday, while most other areas should see conditions improve by 6 a.m. The Cape and easternmost parts of the state may not see the snow cease until 9 a.m., with isolated showers possible until noon.
Regional Snowfall Totals
The highest snowfall totals, between 4 and 6 inches, are anticipated in southwestern Worcester County, Middlesex and Norfolk Counties, most of Suffolk and Essex Counties, and much of Plymouth and Bristol Counties. Coastal communities are expected to receive less, with 1 to 3 inches along the South Coast, South Shore, inner Cape, and Martha’s Vineyard. The outer Cape and Nantucket could see between half an inch and an inch of snow.
Hampden County and the southeastern half of Hampshire County are expected to receive 3 to 4 inches, while northwestern Hampshire County, Franklin County, and Berkshire County are predicted to see 2 to 3 inches. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is expected to be mild, with highs in the low to mid 30s, and partly cloudy skies following the end of the snowfall.
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas will see the most snow?
The highest snowfall totals – 4 to 6 inches – are expected in southwestern Worcester County, all of Middlesex and Norfolk Counties, most of Suffolk and Essex Counties and much of Plymouth and Bristol Counties, according to the National Weather Service.
When will the snow stop falling?
The snow is expected to taper off from west to east overnight. Springfield and communities west of I-91 are predicted to see the snowfall cease by 3 a.m. Monday, while most of the rest of the state can expect to see the snow stop by 6 a.m.
Is travel advised during the storm?
A winter weather advisory is in effect, and travel is expected to be hazardous amid the snowfall, including during the morning commute.
Given the potential for hazardous travel conditions, how will you prepare for the changing weather in your community?
