Boston area faces mild weekend thaw before Arctic air; next midweek storm may bring snow or ice
A brief warmup, then a sharp turn colder
Boston and much of southern New England are expected to see a short-lived stretch of milder weather this weekend, promoting snowmelt in places where snow cover and slush remain. Forecasters expect the thaw to be followed by a renewed push of Arctic air late in the weekend and into early next week, returning temperatures to below-freezing levels and raising the risk of icy spots where meltwater refreezes overnight.
The temperature swing is being driven by a shifting weather pattern: a milder air mass temporarily builds in, then gives way as colder air presses south from Canada. The timing and strength of the cold surge will determine whether Sunday stays near freezing or turns markedly colder, but confidence is higher that colder air will be established by Sunday night and Monday.
What the thaw means on the ground
Even without a major storm over the weekend, the milder interval can create practical hazards. Daytime melting can lead to standing water on streets, parking lots, and sidewalks, particularly where storm drains are blocked by snowbanks or ice. When temperatures fall back below freezing, that water can refreeze into a thin, hard-to-see glaze.
Pedestrians should expect slick patches developing after sunset and during early morning hours.
Drivers should watch for refreezing on untreated roads, bridges, and ramps, where surfaces cool faster.
Property owners may see dripping and runoff from roofs and snow piles, followed by renewed icing.
Arctic air arrives: colder days and colder nights
As the Arctic air settles in, forecasters expect a return to winterlike conditions, with colder daytime highs and sharply colder nighttime lows. Wind will be an added factor at times, creating lower wind chill values and increasing the risk of frostbite for anyone outdoors for extended periods.
Temperatures and wind chill are expected to be cold enough to refreeze slush and runoff quickly, making road treatment and timing important for municipal crews and travelers.
Midweek storm chance: track will determine rain, snow, or ice
Looking ahead, forecasters are monitoring the potential for another system around Tuesday or Wednesday. At this range, the most important uncertainty is the storm track relative to the coastline and the placement of the cold air.
If the cold air remains firmly in place, the region would be more likely to see primarily snow, with the potential for travel disruptions. If warmer air pushes in aloft or at the surface—more plausible closer to the coast—the risk shifts toward mixed precipitation, including sleet or freezing rain, which can produce hazardous road conditions even with lighter totals.
Key variable for midweek: how quickly the Arctic air arrives, and how firmly it holds as the next system approaches.
What to monitor through the weekend
Nighttime temperatures: refreeze risk rises quickly once readings drop below 32°F.
Wind and wind chill: colder-feeling conditions can arrive even if air temperatures change gradually.
Midweek forecast updates: precipitation type will hinge on storm track and temperature profiles.
Forecast confidence is highest on the weekend warmup followed by colder air. Details on any midweek storm—including timing, precipitation type, and potential accumulations—are expected to come into better focus as the system develops and draws closer.