Waking up to a white world in Massachusetts isn't exactly a shocker in mid-January, but the way this weekend is playing out is a bit of a mess. Basically, we are dealing with a "double-feature" situation. If you’re looking at snow totals in MA today, you’ve probably noticed that what started as a quiet Saturday morning turned into a slushy, snowy grind pretty fast.
Honestly, the numbers are all over the place because we’re currently in the "lull" between two distinct waves of energy.
The Saturday Morning Slog: Current Numbers
So, what happened while you were sleeping? A quick-moving shortwave cruised through the region overnight and into the early morning. It wasn't a blockbuster, but it was enough to make the driveway a pain.
As of this afternoon, Western Massachusetts and the higher elevations have definitely "won" the first round.
- Jiminy Peak and the Berkshires: 5 inches (and counting).
- Ashburnham: 1.6 inches.
- Westminster: 1.5 inches.
- Worcester: About a half-inch to an inch depending on which side of the city you're on.
- Sterling & Hardwick: 1.0 inch.
Boston and the 128 belt? Kinda pathetic so far. Most areas inside the I-95 loop saw a coating to maybe an inch before things turned over to a weird, misty drizzle. It’s that classic New England problem where the "warm" air (and by warm, I mean 34 degrees) keeps the accumulation low but the misery high.
📖 Related: What Really Happened With Trump Revoking Mayorkas Secret Service Protection
Why the Totals are "Stuck" Right Now
You might be looking out the window and thinking, "Is this it?"
Not exactly.
The National Weather Service in Norton and local spotters are tracking a second wave of moisture moving in from the west. This afternoon, we’re seeing a reinvigoration of snow in the Berkshires and the western hilltowns. If you’re in Springfield or Hartford, you’re likely seeing rain or a gross mix. That’s because temperatures have crept up into the mid-30s.
For northern Worcester County and the Franklin/Hampshire area, expect another 1 to 3 inches to tack onto what’s already there by the time you go to bed tonight.
👉 See also: Franklin D Roosevelt Civil Rights Record: Why It Is Way More Complicated Than You Think
Looking Ahead: The Sunday Surprise
If today felt like a letdown, Sunday is looking a bit more serious for the eastern half of the state. There is a coastal storm spinning up that wants to play hero.
A Winter Weather Advisory has already been hoisted for tomorrow. We’re looking at a widespread 3 to 5 inches for Southeast Massachusetts, Cape Cod, and Rhode Island. If the storm tracks just a little bit closer to the coast, those localized spots could hit 6 inches.
The weirdest part? The Patriots game.
Gillette Stadium is likely going to see the steadiest snow right in the middle of the game tomorrow afternoon. Driving home from Foxboro is going to be a nightmare. We’re talking about that heavy, wet, pasty snow that sticks to everything and makes the roads feel like a skating rink.
✨ Don't miss: 39 Carl St and Kevin Lau: What Actually Happened at the Cole Valley Property
Real Talk on Shoveling
Don't let the low totals in the eastern part of the state fool you today. Because the temperatures are hoverboarding right around the freezing mark, the snow that is falling is incredibly dense. It's "heart attack snow."
If you’re in a spot like Westford or Lowell, you might only see 2 or 3 inches total by the end of the weekend, but it’ll feel like 10 inches on the shovel.
What to do Next
- Check the Radar: Before you head out for dinner tonight, check the local radar for that second wave of snow moving through Central MA.
- Salt Early: Since temperatures are going to crater into the low 20s and teens tonight, anything that melted into slush today is going to turn into a solid sheet of ice by Sunday morning.
- Prep for Sunday: If you’re in Bristol, Plymouth, or Barnstable counties, get the bread and milk now. Your "real" snow event doesn't even start until Sunday morning around 10 AM.
- Watch the Cold: Monday and Tuesday are going to be brutal. We're looking at highs in the teens. Any snow that's on the ground by then isn't going anywhere for a while.
Stay safe out there and keep an eye on the transition zones—those few degrees between 32 and 35 are making all the difference between a winter wonderland and a muddy driveway today.