Fast-moving winter storm expected Tuesday night, bringing light snow and slick travel across Greater Boston

What’s expected and when

A quick-moving winter system is forecast to reach eastern Massachusetts late Tuesday, with snow developing during the afternoon and becoming steadier by late day. The steadiest snowfall is expected during the evening hours, creating the greatest risk for deteriorating road conditions during the Tuesday evening commute.

Current timing projections place the most consistent snow between roughly 4 p.m. Tuesday and the overnight hours, tapering off around 2 a.m. Wednesday in many communities. Lingering snow showers may persist into Wednesday in some areas, while plow and treatment operations continue through the morning.

Projected snowfall amounts across the region

Forecast guidance points to a low-accumulation event for much of the metro area, but with enough snow to create slippery travel, especially where temperatures remain below freezing.

• Connecticut, Rhode Island, and southeastern Massachusetts: a coating to 2 inches.
• North of Plymouth into Worcester County, Boston, and the Merrimack Valley (including Lowell): generally 2 to 4 inches.
• Coastal northern Massachusetts into coastal New Hampshire: totals on the higher end of the range, with some locations potentially reaching about 4 inches.

Small shifts in the storm track and snowfall intensity could still adjust local totals, particularly near the coast and along the New Hampshire border.

Travel impacts: evening commute most at risk

With snow expected to become steadier late Tuesday afternoon into Tuesday evening, drivers should anticipate periods of reduced visibility and slick pavement. Even modest totals can create difficult travel when snowfall coincides with peak traffic, and when road temperatures remain cold enough to support quick accumulation.

Steady snow is expected to arrive late Tuesday and taper after midnight, with cleanup continuing into Wednesday.

Cold pattern and what comes next

The approaching system follows a stretch of harsh winter conditions across New England. While the storm itself is expected to be relatively light and fast, it arrives as the region begins a modest temperature recovery compared with recent days. Highs are expected to rebound into the mid to upper 30s by Wednesday, which may help with melting on treated roads, though shaded and untreated surfaces can remain icy.

Forecasters are also monitoring the potential for another storm later in the week ahead, including indications of a system around Sunday. Specific details on that possible event remain uncertain at this range, and updates are expected as the forecast window narrows.