Two Storms Bring Snow And Cold To New England

New England is bracing for a wintry double-header this Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend, as two separate storm systems promise to deliver snow, rain, and a swift return to frigid temperatures across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and beyond. For many, the weather will be more than just a backdrop—it could play a starring role in everything from travel plans to the much-anticipated Patriots playoff game at Gillette Stadium on Sunday.

According to WHDH, the first round of snow is set to move into central Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire late Saturday morning, January 17, 2026. But not everyone will see flakes. Farther east, including Boston, temperatures are expected to be just warm enough for the precipitation to fall mostly as rain. The rain and snow will exit Massachusetts by 6 to 7 p.m., leaving behind the highest accumulations in far northern Worcester County, near the New Hampshire state line.

The Boston Globe adds that clouds will increase Saturday, quickly erasing any morning sunshine. Higher elevations in the Berkshires and southern Vermont could see 2 to 4 inches of snow, while areas west of Fitchburg to Springfield and the Berkshires are likely to get 1 to 3 inches. A coating to 1 inch is forecast west of I-495 through Worcester to around Springfield. The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for Western Massachusetts until 5 p.m. Saturday, highlighting the risk of slippery roads and reduced visibility.

For those in Greater Boston, Saturday afternoon means clouds and a few showers, with highs around 40°F. Snow showers are expected farther west, and central/western Massachusetts could see up to a couple of inches, with highs near 40°F. Southeastern Massachusetts and the Cape will likely see a mix of rain and snow, while Rhode Island is in for a cloudy day with some rain showers. New Hampshire will see snow mixed with rain, but accumulations should be minimal.

Pamela Gardner of NBC Boston reports that the first round of snow will largely impact communities outside the 495 corridor, with central Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire expecting 1 to 3 inches, and the Berkshires possibly reaching up to 4 inches. Boston will likely see a rain/snow mix, with only a coating up to 1 inch expected due to temperatures in the low 40s. As the event wraps up Saturday evening, skies will gradually clear overnight.

But the weekend’s wintry story doesn’t end there. A second, potentially more impactful storm system is set to arrive Sunday, January 18, 2026. Forecast models, as cited by WCVB, have shown significant variability in the storm’s track and intensity. However, the consensus now points to a coastal low moving north from the Carolinas, bringing accumulating snow to southeastern Massachusetts and possibly extending as far north as Boston. "As expected, light snow and rain showers will be around today. But, we're seeing changes with the track of Sunday's storm, bringing the potential for snow farther northwest than initially expected," StormTeam 5 meteorologist Kelly Ann Cicalese explained to WCVB.

Sunday morning will start with light flurries, but the snow is expected to intensify in the late afternoon and evening. The highest totals—3 to 5 inches—are forecast for southeastern Massachusetts, the Cape, and Rhode Island, especially from Warwick to the south. Most other areas will see between 1 and 3 inches, with less farther north and west. Boston could see a coating up to 1 inch, but if the storm shifts westward, those numbers could increase.

All eyes will be on Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, where the Patriots are set to face the Houston Texans at 3 p.m. Sunday. The prospect of snow during the game is growing more likely as the coastal storm’s snow shield extends farther north. Light flakes are possible at kickoff, with heavier snow developing later in the game. According to WHDH, “Light flakes are possible for the start of the Pats game, but the snow won’t really start churning until later in the game.” Temperatures during the game should be above freezing for the first half before dropping to the freezing mark by evening, as noted by the Boston Globe.

By midnight Sunday, the snow will wind down, but the region won’t get much of a break before the next weather headline: the return of bitter cold. Monday, January 19—Martin Luther King Jr. Day—will dawn sunny but brisk, with temperatures starting near 20°F and highs in the low 30s. Tuesday promises even colder conditions, with highs only in the teens to low 20s and a biting wind. NBC Boston warns that by Tuesday and Wednesday, morning temperatures could drop into the teens and single digits. Highs on Tuesday may not climb out of the 20s, and the cold snap is expected to persist into midweek.

Looking ahead, there’s little relief in sight. By Wednesday evening into Thursday (January 21-22), forecasters are already eyeing another chance for snow, though details remain uncertain. “We’ve got more chances for snow,” WHDH cautions, urging viewers to stay tuned as the week unfolds.

For those traveling or planning outdoor activities, the region’s meteorologists offer a few key takeaways: expect rapidly changing conditions, particularly in areas where snow transitions to rain or vice versa. Accumulations could vary widely over short distances, especially if the coastal storm’s track shifts even slightly. “Could these snow accumulations change? Yes, all depending on the storm’s exact track. A westward track toward New England would bring more snow west and north toward Boston. A track farther to the east would diminish the threat for snow,” NBC Boston reports.

In summary, New Englanders should prepare for a dynamic weather weekend—one that delivers both the beauty and the hassle of winter in rapid succession. From slippery roads to snow-covered stadiums, the elements promise to be front and center. Whether you’re bundling up for a football game, shoveling the driveway, or simply enjoying the long holiday, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the latest forecasts and be ready for whatever Mother Nature has in store. As the snow settles and the temperatures drop, the region will be reminded yet again of winter’s unpredictable charm—and its power to disrupt even the best-laid plans.

By Monday night, the snow may be gone, but the cold will linger, a frosty exclamation point on a weekend that delivers the full New England winter experience.