Christmas night concluded with a gusty wind as colder modified Arctic air moved into the region. Temperatures were already below freezing before 6 p.m. after reaching near 40 earlier on Christmas Day.The active weather pattern continues and there are winter storm warnings posted for New York City, southern Connecticut, and parts of northern New Jersey, were a significant winter storm is expected Friday afternoon into the overnight.It looks like generally 4 to 8 inches of snow is going to fall in the heaviest hit areas, with temperatures in the 20s. It’ll be a light, fluffy snow for that region and if New York City receives more than 4 inches, it will be the city’s largest storm as January of 2022.

The upper-level winds are going to take most of that snowfall south of Boston, although late Friday night and into the first few hours of Saturday, the northern shield of that could produce a coating to a couple of inches, mostly south of the Mass Pike and southwest of Boston. A little bit of a wobble north would bring some snow north of the Mass Pike, while a little wobble south would keep all the snow out of Boston. It goes without saying, when you get up Saturday morning, you might have to shovel a little bit or just brush off the car.

A winter storm warning is in effect

Winter Storm to Bring Snow, Ice, and Hazardous Conditions to Southern New England

A potent winter storm is poised to impact Southern New England Friday night into Saturday, bringing a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain, and creating hazardous travel conditions.

A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for western Massachusetts and western Connecticut, where the heaviest snowfall is expected – potentially exceeding 8 inches in some areas. Winter Weather Advisories have been issued for the Berkshires and central Connecticut, as well as portions of Rhode Island.

The storm will begin as snow Friday night, transitioning to a mix of sleet and freezing rain Saturday morning, particularly closer to the coast. This icy mix could lead to treacherous conditions on roads and sidewalks.

Here’s a breakdown of expected conditions:

* Snowfall: 4-8+ inches across western Massachusetts and connecticut. Lower amounts, generally 2-4 inches, are expected further east.
* Ice: A significant icing event is absolutely possible across central and eastern Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and coastal Connecticut, with ice accumulations of up to a tenth of an inch.
* timing: Snow will begin Friday night, becoming heaviest overnight.The changeover to sleet and freezing rain will occur Saturday morning. Conditions will gradually improve Saturday afternoon.
* Travel Impacts: expect significant travel delays and hazardous road conditions throughout the storm. Avoid needless travel if possible.

residents are urged to prepare for power outages and take necessary precautions, including having a supply of food, water, and medications on hand. Check on elderly neighbors and ensure pets are brought indoors.

Stay tuned to local forecasts for the latest updates as the storm approaches.

New England Weather Forecast

Weekend: Possible Freezing Rain Sunday

Saturday will feature clearing skies with temperatures in the 20s for a cold afternoon. Then it’s back to the teens Saturday night.

Sunday brings sunshine to start the day, but clouds will increase as somewhat milder air flows north.

Late Sunday evening, precipitation will overspread the area from the south. temperatures will be cold enough at the surface that even though snowflakes will be melting above us, that rain could freeze upon contact with the ground for a few hours. The highest likelihood of freezing rain is west of Route 128, but if you are planning on traveling later Sunday evening, stay tuned to the latest forecast as the roads could be quiet hazardous.

This weather system requires close monitoring. We’ll continue to provide updates as the forecast becomes clearer.