Half foot of snow possible for parts of Mass. this weekend with complex storm

In the long-standing tradition of cold (or snowy) weekends this winter, this one won’t disappoint. Clouds are advancing today ahead of a complex storm system arriving late tonight.

When will it start snowing?

Light snow or flurries may break out as early as this evening, but for the most part today is quiet and cloudy. After midnight, ocean effect snow should start to pop up along the coast.

Meantime, an arctic cold front will be moving in from the west toward daybreak. These two will intertwine and create snow bands or streaks through the day tomorrow – some of which may be moderate to heavy at times.

Where these precisely set up is anyone’s guess, as our guidance plots them anywhere from the coast to Metrowest to Greater Worcester. It’s the difference between seeing 2-4 inches of snow versus 4-6 inches – not a lot of difference, but still one that’s tough to nail down.

Extreme cold warnings as Arctic air moves in

That aside, the wind will increase late into the evening as the arctic air moves in. Gusts through Saturday night into Sunday morning should top 40 mph at times – especially on Cape Cod.

Some drifting snow is possible, along with numbing wind chills into Sunday. Some may be dangerously cold – reaching -20 to -25 in Greater Worcester and parts of Western Massachusetts. It’s not much warmer elsewhere, with wind chills 10-15 below at times.

Winds will back off Monday as temperatures return to the low/mid 30s by Tuesday and Wednesday.

Weather alerts

There are extreme cold watches and warnings in place for parts of Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire and Vermont.

The extreme cold warnings are in effect from 6 p.m. Saturday to 1 p.m. Sunday with dangerously cold wind chills as low as 25 to 30 below expected for portions of northern Connecticut and central and western Massachusetts.

Click here for a list of active weather alerts

Another storm possible next week

We’re also watching another storm by the middle of week. This one appears to stay on the cold side, so we’re expecting mostly snow. More on this in the coming days.

Have a great weekend!