A wintry mix is forecast to move across New England Friday afternoon, transitioning to snow overnight and potentially creating hazardous travel conditions. Although not expected to be a major storm, the system will bring a period of difficult conditions, particularly for those traveling during the evening commute and overnight.
The National Weather Service has issued Winter Weather Advisories for areas west of Interstate 95, effective Friday afternoon through early Saturday, citing the possibility of light snow accumulation, icy conditions, and slick roadways. Further north, Winter Storm Warnings are in effect for Vermont and southwestern New Hampshire, where higher snow accumulations are anticipated.
The precipitation will initiate as a mix of rain, sleet, and freezing rain across southern New England during the afternoon, becoming spotty and unorganized initially. Surface temperatures are expected to remain largely above freezing during daylight hours, limiting immediate accumulation. However, as colder air filters in Friday evening, the precipitation will change over to snow, with the best chance for accumulation and snow-covered roads occurring after 8 p.m.
Snowfall totals are expected to vary significantly across the region. Boston and Worcester, along with areas from Plymouth to Providence, are forecast to receive a coating to 1 inch of snow, accumulating primarily late Friday night. Areas north of the Massachusetts Turnpike, up to Route 2, and near the Massachusetts-New Hampshire border, could see 1 to 3 inches. Central Vermont and New Hampshire, including Concord, Plymouth, Rutland, and parts of Western Maine, are predicted to receive 6 to 8 inches, with scattered totals reaching 6 to 8 inches in parts of New Hampshire, Vermont, and Western Maine.
Further north, in areas like Portland, Manchester, Keene, and Bennington, Vermont, accumulations of 3 to 6 inches are possible. Bangor, Maine, could see 1 to 3 inches. The southern coast of New England, including Cape Cod and the islands, is expected to receive rain or a wintry mix, with the potential for freezing rain leading to slick spots, especially late Friday into Saturday morning.
Rainfall totals across Southern New England are expected to reach a quarter to a half inch. Highs on Friday will likely be in the mid- and upper 30s. Lingering snow showers are possible across the region Saturday morning.
Airlines have already canceled 1,500 US flights on Friday due to severe winter storm warnings and heavy snow across parts of the Midwest and Northeast, according to FOX Weather. A potential nor’easter is also being monitored for the weekend, with major cities along the I-95 corridor, including Boston, potentially facing plowable snow totals.
