Image Source: The Boston Globe

Snow is finally showing up in parts of New England, but Greater Boston is expected to see mostly cold, windswept rain as a developing nor’easter moves through the region. The storm will arrive Thursday, strengthen near the Mid-Atlantic coast, and linger into Friday before tapering off Saturday morning.

Forecasters expect the biggest impacts across higher elevations in Massachusetts and northern New England. Lower elevations, coastal communities, and most of Southern New England will likely experience rain, with only a few snowflakes potentially mixing in overnight.

Snow Forecast: Where the Biggest Totals Are Expected

The rain-snow line will remain close to the higher terrain across interior New England. Areas along Route 2 and west of Interstate 495 could receive a coating to a couple of inches, while higher elevations may see more substantial accumulation.

Berkshires and northern Worcester County: A coating to 3 inches of wet snow is possible.
Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine: Many areas could see a coating to several inches.
Highest terrain: Isolated locations may receive between 3 and 6 inches.
Greater Boston and coastal Southern New England: Accumulating snow is unlikely, with about a half inch of rain expected in Boston.

Ground temperatures will also limit accumulation. Even where wet flakes fall, some of the snow may melt on contact, meaning final totals could finish slightly below forecast amounts.

Powerful Storm Timing Across New England

Light rain and snow will begin moving into western Massachusetts, Connecticut, and parts of western Vermont late Thursday morning. Precipitation will spread east during the afternoon, reaching Greater Boston, southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod, and Rhode Island around the evening commute.

Rain will continue into Thursday night. As temperatures drop, northern New England and the higher elevations of Massachusetts are expected to shift from rain to a wintry mix and eventually to all snow overnight and into Friday.

Scattered precipitation will remain possible throughout Friday. The storm should weaken Friday night, although a few lingering rain or snow showers could continue into early Saturday morning.

Thursday Forecast Highlights

Greater Boston: Mostly cloudy with afternoon showers changing to steady rain. Highs will reach the low 50s.
Central and western Massachusetts: Rain will develop during the morning, with wet flakes possible near the Berkshires and northern Worcester County. Highs will range from the low 40s in the Berkshires to the upper 40s farther east.
Southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod, and the Islands: Mostly cloudy with afternoon and evening showers. Highs will reach the mid-50s.
Rhode Island and Connecticut: Showers will arrive during the afternoon or earlier, with temperatures in the low to mid-50s.
New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine: Rain will change to wet snow during the evening and overnight, with highs generally in the mid-40s.

Blustery Winds and a Sharp Friday Chill

Windy conditions will begin Thursday afternoon and last through much of Friday. Coastal areas could see gusts between 20 and 30 miles per hour as the storm intensifies offshore.

Friday morning will feel noticeably colder. Temperatures are expected to fall into the 30s across much of Massachusetts, while wind chills in Boston could dip below freezing. The best chance for flakes mixing with rain as far south as the Massachusetts Turnpike and the Interstate 495-to-Interstate 95 corridor will come Friday morning.

A few flakes may also appear Saturday morning, but forecasters do not expect meaningful accumulation in the Boston area because the ground will remain relatively warm.

What the Nor’easter Means for Travel

The storm is expected to be more of an inconvenience than a major regional disaster. Unlike some recent systems, this nor’easter is not currently expected to produce significant coastal flooding.

Still, wet roads, reduced visibility, gusty winds, and changing precipitation could create difficult travel conditions, especially across northern New England and higher-elevation communities. Drivers heading through the Berkshires, Vermont, New Hampshire, or Maine should be prepared for slick roads Thursday night and Friday.

Boston typically records its first inch of snow around December 11, according to the forecast discussion. This storm may deliver the season’s first flakes in the region, but the city will probably continue waiting for its first measurable inch.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Snow Forecast

Will Boston get snow from this storm?

Boston is expected to receive mainly cold rain. A few flakes could mix in overnight Thursday into Friday, but accumulating snow is unlikely.

Which areas will see the most snow?

The highest elevations of the Berkshires, northern Worcester County, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine have the best chance of receiving accumulating snow.

How much snow could fall in northern New England?

Most affected areas may receive a coating to several inches, while isolated spots in the highest terrain could see between 3 and 6 inches.

When will the storm end?

The storm should gradually wind down Friday night, with lingering rain or snow showers tapering off by Saturday morning.

Will coastal flooding be a major concern?

Forecasters do not expect major coastal flooding from this system, although strong winds and rough conditions are still possible along the coast.