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Forecast: Snow Wednesday, Then A Thaw This Weekend

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Snow is back in the forecast. This is especially true late tonight and into the first part half of the day Wednesday. It's also especially true west of the city.

This isn't a big storm. I tend to say that a lot because any time there is snow in the forecast it does create issues — but most snow events aren't big.

Snow amounts will be heaviest north and west of Boston. Rain will mix with the snow south of the city and much of the Cape will see rain. (Dave Epstein/WBUR)
Snow amounts will be heaviest north and west of Boston. Rain will mix with the snow south of the city and much of the Cape will see rain. (Dave Epstein/WBUR)

This storm is called a clipper, so called because they move quickly, like the clipper ships of the 1800s. These types of storms generally start in Alberta, Canada and then wind through the Ohio Valley and then off the Mid-Atlantic or New England coastline. Since all storms are different the results are different. Sometimes these storms get quite strong and can even bring us a major snowstorm; other times they move quietly out to sea leaving us with very little.

This particular system will bring a light to moderate snowfall. There's not a lot of cold air associated with it. The rain-snow line will move inland and southeastern Massachusetts and the Cape and Islands will experience very wet snow changing to rain, so look for much less accumulation.

The rain-snow line will likely get very close to Boston Wednesday. (Courtesy COD Weather)
The rain-snow line will likely get very close to Boston Wednesday. (Courtesy COD Weather)

As you move west of  Boston it will be mostly snow and will have a lighter texture as you get north and west of Route 128 and especially I-495.

Snow will begin during the late evening far north and west of Boston and then overspread the area during the predawn hours. Most of the accumulation will occur between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. Wednesday, with an inch or two after that before it ends. This timing is the sweet spot if you want school canceled.

The snow will end Wednesday prior to the evening commute and sunshine returns for the end of the week. I see a warming trend leading us to another thaw this weekend, which does have the possibility of lasting much of the rest of the month.

You can follow my updates here and on Twitter @growingwisdom.


Tuesday: Thickening clouds, not as cold. Evening light snow possible. Highs 27-33.

Tuesday Night: Snow overspreads the region before dawn.  Lows 17-22

Wednesday: Snow in the morning, changing to rain over Cape Cod/SE Mass quickly. Snow and rain end in the afternoon, clouds remain. Highs in the mid 30s.

Thursday: Sunshine and seasonable. Highs around 30.

Friday: More dry and sunny weather. Highs in the middle 30s.

Saturday: Partly sunny and mild. Highs in the lower 40s.

This article was originally published on January 16, 2018.

This segment aired on January 16, 2018.

Headshot of David Epstein

David Epstein Meteorologist
David Epstein was WBUR's meteorologist.

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