Massachusetts – A mild, moisture-rich air mass is bringing steady rain across the state this morning, creating wet commutes and reduced visibility for many early-December travelers. Temperatures are holding in the mid-40s for now, but colder air just to the west is poised to shift the rain over to snow by early Thursday, raising concerns for slick roads along major routes.
Rain to Dominate Today’s Commute
Showers will continue through the day as gusts near 25 mph make travel challenging, especially for those heading along I-95, Route 1, and connector roads feeding into I-93. Wet pavement and lowered visibility remain the primary concerns for evening drivers.
By late tonight, temperatures will begin to drop sharply behind an advancing front. As the colder air wins out, a brief mix of flurries or sleet pellets may develop, signaling the start of the transition.
Colder, Windier Thursday Expected
Thursday brings a notable change in feel as colder air sweeps across the region. Afternoon highs may only reach 36°F, and west winds could gust up to 40 mph. These conditions set the stage for scattered snow showers, particularly during the mid-afternoon hours when commuters are likely to be on the road.
Forecasters caution that this quick temperature shift may create small but hazardous pockets of slick pavement.
“The rapid drop in temperatures Thursday evening could refreeze any leftover moisture, especially on untreated surfaces,” meteorologists noted in early guidance from the National Weather Service.
Shaded secondary roads, bridges, and elevated ramps tend to freeze first, making them higher-risk areas for morning drivers.
Improving Conditions by Friday
Once the front moves through, weather conditions stabilise quickly. Sunshine returns on Friday with highs near 33°F, though breezy conditions may persist during the morning. The calmer, colder air sets up a quiet end to the week.
Weekend Brings More Cold and a Small Snow Chance
The weekend stays chilly but mostly dry, with daytime temperatures in the mid-30s and overnight lows dipping into the 20s. A weak clipper system may brush southern New England late Sunday, bringing the chance for a dusting to an inch of snow, especially in higher terrain. While not a major event, it serves as another sign that winter is settling in for the long run.
Five-Day Outlook for Wakefield, MA
Thursday: Breezy with afternoon snow showers. High 36°F, low 21°F. Gusts approaching 43 mph.
Friday: Sunny and calmer later in the day. High 33°F, low 21°F.
Saturday: Partly sunny and dry. High 36°F, low 24°F.
Sunday: Chance of light snow after 2 p.m. High 33°F, low 27°F.
Monday: Mostly sunny and cold. High 27°F, low 18°F.
What Drivers Should Know
Expect a rapid temperature drop Thursday night. Any puddles from today’s steady rain may refreeze, creating slick patches on the morning commute. Slow down on shaded roads, overpasses, and bridges, which tend to ice up quickly.
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