Beware of Potential Icy Conditions in Massachusetts Early This Week
Residents of Massachusetts, brace yourselves for a potentially icy start to your week. Forecasters predict that a storm carrying freezing rain may hit parts of Massachusetts late Sunday night, extending into the early hours of Monday. This could lead to the creation of slippery surfaces and roads.
After a bone-chilling Sunday morning, the temperatures picked up a bit in the afternoon. The mercury rose to the lower and middle 30s, providing some respite from the cold. The day began brightly with the sun shining, but as the day progressed, clouds gathered, indicating the arrival of the next storm.
A Milder Storm, But Still a Threat
Compared to the storm that dumped snow on us on Friday night, this storm is expected to be a bit milder. That said, it still carries the risk of causing trouble. Thanks to the persistent cold air, freezing rain could lead to icy surfaces. This could make walking on sidewalks, driveways, and untreated roads a risky affair.
Parts of southern New Hampshire might experience significant ice accumulation, enough to potentially cause power outages. However, it seems Boston will be spared this particular threat.
Rain Freezing on Contact
While the chilly air continues to retreat, the precipitation expected Sunday evening will be cold enough to create conditions for freezing rain — rain that freezes upon touching the ground. The shoreline areas will likely see temperatures rise above freezing relatively quickly, but colder air will linger in regions north and west of Interstate 495 and into southern New Hampshire. These areas might continue to experience icy conditions into Monday morning, potentially affecting the commute.
Transition to Warmer Conditions
For those residing in greater Boston and areas further south, the temperatures during the morning commute should be comfortably above freezing. By the time mid-morning rolls around, any remaining freezing rain should have transitioned to regular rain everywhere.
As Monday progresses, expect a rainy and relatively warm day as warmer air breaks into southern New England. The day's high temperatures could reach the 40s or even approach 50, with periods of rain throughout.
Chills Returning Soon
A cold front is expected to sweep through late on Monday, bringing with it a much colder air mass. This is expected to set the tone for Tuesday, which will likely be dry and windy, with wind chills dropping to single digits.
The cold and wind will ease slightly for New Year's Eve, but be prepared for another cold, windy start to 2026.