Boston weather is a mood. Honestly, if you've lived here long enough, you know the drill: the forecast says one thing on Thursday, and by Sunday morning, you’re digging out a car you swore was parked in a "safe" spot. This weekend, January 17–18, 2026, is proving to be one of those tricky stretches where the timing of the transition from rain to snow is basically everything.
It started off messy. Saturday gave us that classic New England mix—a bit of snow, a bit of rain, and a lot of grey. But Sunday is where things get interesting for anyone living between the North End and the Back Bay.
Weather Boston MA Weekend: The Sunday Snow Shift
Right now, Sunday, January 18, 2026, is looking like a tale of two halves. If you woke up and saw clouds, don't let that fool you into thinking the day is a wash. According to the latest data from the National Weather Service in Norton, we’re sitting at around 31°F this morning with a wind chill making it feel more like 27°F. It's cold, but not "frozen tundra" cold. Yet.
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The real shift happens later. We’ve got a coastal storm tracking farther west than initial models suggested. What does that mean for your Sunday plans? Basically, the snowfall totals for Massachusetts are being bumped up as we speak.
While the morning might just see some spotty, light flakes, the heavy hitters arrive in the late afternoon and evening. We’re looking at a widespread 3 to 6 inches of snow for most of the area by the time this wraps up. If you're heading to the Patriots game or just trying to grab groceries at Wegmans, keep an eye on that 3:00 PM kickoff window. Meteorologists like Tucker Antico are noting that while the game itself might just see a slushy inch, the ride home is going to be the real headache.
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The Hourly Breakdown You Actually Need
- Morning: Cloudy, 31°F. High humidity (around 95%). It feels damp.
- Afternoon: The "Snow Likely" window. Temperatures will peak near 36°F. That's warm enough to keep the snow wet and heavy.
- Evening/Night: This is the crunch time. Snowfall rates will pick up. Temperatures drop toward a low of 29°F.
- Monday Morning: The snow should clear out by 7:00 AM or 8:00 AM, but the cleanup will be in full swing.
Why This Storm is Tricky for Travelers
Coastal storms are notoriously hard to pin down because a few miles in track makes the difference between a "Winter Wonderland" and a "Sloppy Puddle." For this weather boston ma weekend, the "Boston Hills" and areas further south are seeing higher accumulation warnings, but the city proper is right on the line.
One thing people often overlook is the wind. We aren't seeing 50 mph gusts today (those are saved for the bigger systems hitting New York right now), but a steady 5 mph west wind is enough to keep that 36°F high from feeling even remotely pleasant.
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Driving and Safety Reality Check
Roads will get slick. It’s a fact. With a 70% chance of precipitation throughout the day and the transition to snow showers at night (45% chance), the bridges and overpasses—especially on I-95 and the Pike—are going to be the first to glaze over.
- Check your tires: If you’re still running on summer tires in January, stay home.
- Timing: If you can get your errands done before 2:00 PM, do it. The "widespread snow" starts picking up pace as the sun goes down.
- Visibility: High humidity and falling snow mean visibility will drop significantly after sunset.
Looking Ahead: The Post-Weekend Chill
If you think Monday (Martin Luther King Jr. Day) will be a reprieve, sort of. It’ll be partly sunny with a high in the low 30s, but the wind is going to be the story then. It’s going to feel much colder than the thermometer says.
And don't get too comfortable. We’re already tracking another potential round of snow for Wednesday evening into Thursday. January in Boston is rarely a one-and-done situation.
When you're looking at weather boston ma weekend, remember that the "feels like" temperature is usually your best guide for how many layers you actually need. Today, that 27°F feels-like is the number to dress for.
Actionable Next Steps
- Clear your car tonight: Don't wait until Monday morning when that wet snow has a chance to freeze into an ice block.
- Check the T: If you’re relying on the MBTA, check for service alerts before heading out Sunday evening; heavy, wet snow can sometimes mess with the overhead lines.
- Salt your walk: Since the low tonight is 29°F, any slush left on your sidewalk will turn into a skating rink by dawn.