Key Takeaways
- A storm is expected to bring plowable snow to parts of Massachusetts this weekend
- The storm will arrive on Sunday, with the best chance of steady snowfall during the morning hours
- Accumulating snowfall is expected in Plymouth and Bristol counties, as well as on the Cape and Islands, with 1-3" or 2-4" possible
- Boston may see a dusting to 1" of snow, potentially ending the city’s 300-day streak without measurable snowfall
- The Patriots vs. Bills game on Sunday may see some snow, but it is expected to be gone by kickoff
Introduction to the Storm
A storm arriving this weekend could bring plowable snow to parts of Massachusetts, marking a significant change from the relatively snowless winter the state has experienced so far. This December has been the coldest start to the month in 17 years, but snow has been scarce, with many residents in the northwestern suburbs still having a crusty inch or two on the ground, while those living along the coast and in southeastern Massachusetts are still looking at bare ground. The City of Boston is closing in on 300 days since the last measurable snowfall, the third longest stretch on record.
Storm Track and Timing
The storm is expected to be a fast-moving, relatively weak system that will zip through the Ohio Valley on Saturday, dropping 3-6" of snow from parts of Iowa through Ohio. As it approaches the East Coast, it will transfer its energy to a secondary low-pressure area, a common occurrence for winter storms. This new storm will deliver a glancing blow to southern New England on Sunday before quickly racing out to sea. The best chance of any steady, moderate snowfall would be during the morning hours on Sunday, with drier air racing in and cutting off any precipitation by early afternoon in most areas.
Snowfall Accumulations
The biggest question surrounding the storm is how far north the accumulating snowfall will make it. A pretty sharp cutoff is expected between 1"+ on the ground and just dustings, as the system will be moving quickly and have a band lined up in a west to east fashion. The storm is not expected to be a major one, but there is a chance of plowable snow in Plymouth and Bristol counties, as well as on the Cape and Islands, with 1-3" or 2-4" possible in a worst-case scenario. North of the Mass Pike, there may be some periods of light snow or flurries, but more than some coatings are not expected.
Impact on Boston and the Patriots Game
As of Saturday, it will have been 300 days since the last measurable snowfall in Boston, occurring on February 16, which is the third longest streak on record. The current forecast is for a dusting to 1" of snow, which could potentially end the streak, as a tenth of an inch of snowfall is needed to officially be "measurable". The Patriots vs. Bills game on Sunday may see some snow, but it is expected to be gone by kickoff. However, tailgaters in the morning may see some snow flying, and it will certainly be a chilly game with temperatures dropping through the 20s and a NW breeze at 6-18 mph.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the storm expected to hit Massachusetts this weekend has the potential to bring plowable snow to parts of the state, particularly in Plymouth and Bristol counties, as well as on the Cape and Islands. While the storm is not expected to be a major one, it could still have a significant impact on the state, particularly in terms of ending Boston’s long streak without measurable snowfall. Residents should stay tuned to the latest forecast for updates on the storm’s track and potential snowfall accumulations.
