Brace yourselves! A medley of rain and snow is poised to sweep through parts of Massachusetts, starting as early as Wednesday night.
As we traverse this Wednesday, an infusion of clouds is set to envelop New England, heralded by an incoming clipper system. After the clock strikes 8 p.m., expect the first tendrils of snow to unfurl across sections of western and central Massachusetts.
Advisories and Warnings: A Chill in the Air
A winter weather advisory unfurls its cautionary banner for western and central Massachusetts from 8 p.m. on Wednesday until 10 a.m. on Thursday. Some communities caught in this advisory net might witness accumulations exceeding 5 inches of snow. Not to be overlooked, a winter storm warning has also been issued for portions of southwestern Vermont.
Local Preparations: Gearing Up for the Storm
By 8 p.m., salt trucks rolled out in Fitchburg, Leominster, and Worcester, geared towards ensuring roads remain navigable throughout the impending storm.
“Our mission is to salt the streets and pre-treat them, so when the snowfall accelerates overnight, navigating becomes less of a challenge,” noted Fitchburg dispatcher Michael East.
In Fitchburg, the aisles of Rocky’s Ace Hardware buzzed with activity as residents hurried in search of salt bags and winter accessories to counter the anticipated icy conditions.
“It’s definitely livelier than last year at this same moment,” remarked Adam Cote, the store manager.
The rain/snow line from the winter tempest sweeping through Massachusetts and New Hampshire on Wednesday slices through the heart of Boston. While many bustle to ready themselves for the saga of snowflakes, the pivotal question lingers: where and for how long will the snowfall be most pronounced?
Snowfall Predictions: What to Expect?
As for Boston’s forecast? The likelihood of snow remains minimal! It seems the evening may transform mostly into a cold rainfall, extending into Thursday morning. The greatest snow accumulations are projected northwest and west of the city, notably beyond Interstate 495.
School Delays and Closures: Keeping Track
Several delays have already been announced for Thursday morning across Massachusetts, with a handful of schools opting for closure. Stay tuned to the school closing and delay list for the latest updates.
Potential Snow Squalls on the Horizon
As we approach lunchtime on Thursday, keep your eyes peeled! There’s a chance a snow squall could sweep into Boston, bombarding the city with a fleeting flurry of wet snowflakes as the weather system begins to recede. Accumulations are not expected to be significant, given that temperatures will hover well above freezing following a spell of rain.
Highs in Boston are anticipated to linger in the lower 40s on Thursday.
As the moments slip away, we stand on the brink of the season’s inaugural major snowfall for the Greater Boston area. We’re checking in on local preparations and offering the latest insights from the forecast—what locales will witness the embrace of snow versus the tranquil kiss of rain?
Wind Advisory: Brace for the Gusts
Additionally, let’s not dismiss the winds; they are set to escalate Thursday into Friday, with gusts potentially reaching up to 45-50 mph in certain areas. A wind advisory will be in place from 7 p.m. Wednesday until 10 p.m. Thursday for the Cape and the Islands, extending from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. for much of western and central Massachusetts.
As we transition into Friday, the winds will persist, producing gusts hovering around 30-35 mph. Highs are projected around freezing, yet the wind chill will render it feel like the teens and 20s.
Worry not; drier weather beckons for the weekend with temperatures climbing into the 30s and 40s—breathable air awaits!
