Boston, Massachusetts – Massachusetts is waking up to gray skies, brisk air, and damp pavement reflecting streetlights across the Boston metro area. While conditions remain relatively calm through Christmas Day, forecasters warn that a colder, more wintry pattern is setting up quickly behind the holiday, with snow chances increasing by Saturday.
Meteorologists say several small systems moving through New England could create slippery travel conditions, especially as colder air locks in late this week. Even light snow could impact post-Christmas plans for drivers across eastern Massachusetts.
Current Conditions Across Eastern Massachusetts
Today begins mostly cloudy from Boston through the North Shore and MetroWest. Afternoon temperatures hover near 40 degrees, but a strengthening northwest breeze will make it feel colder as the day goes on.
A brief rain or snow shower is possible, though any precipitation should be light and short-lived. No significant impacts are expected during daytime hours.
Christmas Day Forecast: Cold Air Builds In
Christmas Day stays mostly quiet but noticeably colder. A slight chance of snow showers develops late morning into early afternoon as colder air deepens across the region.
While accumulations look minimal, even light snowflakes could briefly reduce visibility on city streets and highways, particularly during midday travel. Most roads should remain passable, but drivers should stay alert for changing conditions.
Thursday Night: Coldest Air of the Season So Far
The most significant shift arrives Thursday night as the coldest air so far this season settles into Massachusetts.
Overnight lows drop into the teens across much of the Boston metro area, raising concerns about black ice. Any leftover moisture on untreated roads, sidewalks, and bridges may freeze quickly, creating hazardous early-morning conditions.
Friday Outlook: Dry but Very Cold
Friday remains dry, but the cold intensifies. Daytime highs struggle to reach the mid-20s, keeping shaded and untreated surfaces icy throughout the day.
Travel conditions should remain manageable, but early morning and evening commuters are advised to use caution, especially in residential areas and on secondary roads.
Saturday Snow Chance Raises Travel Concerns
Attention turns to Saturday, when the potential for snow increases. Current forecast models show roughly a 50% chance of snow, mainly during the daytime hours.
Light accumulations are possible, particularly north and west of Boston, though totals remain uncertain. Even minor snowfall could slow traffic during heavier bursts, especially on major routes such as I-93, Route 128, and the Massachusetts Turnpike.
Drivers planning post-Christmas shopping, travel, or return trips should allow extra time and monitor updates as the forecast becomes clearer.
Bigger Picture: A Persistent Winter Pattern
This setup reflects a broader Northeast trend, with cold air dominating while storm tracks pass just offshore. Small shifts in these systems could lead to more snow chances as December winds down, even if major storms remain unlikely for now.
Forecasters emphasize that late-December patterns can change quickly, making daily updates important for anyone traveling or spending extended time outdoors.
Five-Day Outlook for Boston
- Today: Mostly cloudy, high near 40
- Christmas Day: Slight chance of snow showers, high near 39
- Thursday: Mostly clear, colder, high near 24
- Friday: Mostly sunny, very cold, high near 24
- Saturday: Chance of snow, high near 29
Final Takeaway
While Massachusetts avoids major weather disruptions through Christmas Day, the arrival of colder air increases the risk of icy roads and light snow by the weekend. Saturday’s snow potential, even if minor, could impact travel across the Boston area.
Stay weather-aware, check road conditions before heading out, and share your experiences in the comments below.
