Weekend nor’easter forecast for Massachusetts: Snowfall map shows 6–12 inches near Boston, higher on Cape

A strengthening coastal storm is expected to bring two rounds of wintry weather

A developing nor’easter is forecast to affect Massachusetts from Sunday night into Monday, Feb. 22–23, with a period of heavy snow and strong winds most likely along the South Coast, Cape Cod and the Islands. Forecasters also expect a separate, earlier bout of mixed precipitation Friday into early Saturday, creating an extended window of travel and safety concerns across the region.

What the latest snowfall map indicates

Forecast maps issued early Saturday show the heaviest accumulations concentrated in southeastern Massachusetts. Near and above 12 inches of snow is possible on Cape Cod, the Islands and portions of the South Coast. The same forecast places the Boston area in a 6–12 inch zone for the Sunday night-to-Monday period, while totals are expected to drop off quickly farther inland depending on the storm’s exact track.

The timing in current projections calls for snow to develop Sunday night, with the most intense snowfall and strongest winds Monday morning, before tapering Monday evening. While accumulating snow is possible across a broader swath of the state, the northern and western edge of heavier snow remains sensitive to small shifts in the storm’s path.

Wind and coastal flooding risks add to the snow threat

In addition to snowfall, the storm is expected to bring strong northeast winds, with gusts potentially reaching 50–60 mph along exposed coastal areas in southeastern Massachusetts. Those winds could lead to blowing snow and rapid reductions in visibility, especially during heavier bursts Monday morning.

Coastal impacts are also a central concern. The storm is forecast to coincide with a period of high astronomical tides, increasing the likelihood of minor to moderate coastal flooding along parts of eastern Massachusetts, particularly around the Monday morning high tide and again around the Tuesday morning high tide. Beach erosion is also possible if seas build and persistent onshore winds develop.

Earlier Friday–Saturday wintry mix could create slick roads first

Before the nor’easter arrives, a separate system is expected to bring a messy mix across southern New England from Friday into early Saturday. Forecasts call for periods of snow, sleet and pockets of freezing rain, with minor ice accretion possible in some communities. Snow and sleet totals of roughly 1–3 inches are projected for Boston and nearby suburbs, with higher totals north of the city and along and north of Interstate 90.

What residents should monitor through the weekend

• Storm track changes that could shift the 6–12 inch zone north or south, especially around Greater Boston.

• Coastal flood potential during peak tides Monday morning and Tuesday morning.

• Wind-driven visibility reductions during heavier snow Monday morning.

• Localized icing risk Friday night into early Saturday, which can worsen road conditions even where snow totals are modest.

Key takeaway: the highest confidence for a foot or more of snow remains focused on the South Coast, Cape Cod and the Islands, while Boston’s outcome hinges on the storm’s exact track.

Forecast updates are expected through the weekend as newer data clarifies the storm’s path, intensity, and the northern edge of significant snowfall.