Boston, Massachusetts – A prolonged stretch of unsettled winter weather is expected to impact Massachusetts beginning Thursday, bringing an increased risk for rain, pockets of freezing rain, and slick travel conditions that could persist into early next week.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, Massachusetts is expected to see above-normal precipitation through Monday, while temperatures hover near seasonal levels. That combination creates a favorable setup for mixed precipitation, especially during overnight hours when surface temperatures dip closer to freezing.
Eastern Massachusetts, including Boston, Cambridge, Quincy, and the North Shore, is most likely to experience periods of cold rain. However, brief freezing rain cannot be ruled out late at night or early in the morning, particularly in inland suburbs. Central Massachusetts, including Worcester and Fitchburg, faces a higher risk of sleet and freezing rain, while the Berkshires could see periods of snow mixed with ice during heavier precipitation.
Travel conditions may deteriorate quickly at times along major roadways such as Interstate 90, Interstate 93, Route 2, and Route 128. Bridges, overpasses, and untreated secondary roads are especially vulnerable to icing, even if precipitation amounts remain light.
The broader weather pattern is being driven by a cold front influencing much of the eastern United States, allowing cold air to remain locked near the surface while moisture streams into New England. While widespread power outages are not anticipated, isolated issues are possible if ice accumulates on trees or power lines in higher elevations.
Residents are encouraged to monitor local weather alerts, plan for slower commutes, and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of freezing rain. This active pattern is expected to continue into early next week, with additional advisories or warnings possible as conditions evolve.
