Parts of Massachusetts Brace for Up to 8 Inches of Snow Amid Arctic Blast

Extreme cold and dangerous wind chills expected to follow the snowfall.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Parts of Massachusetts, including northeast Massachusetts and the Cape and Islands, are bracing for several inches of snow this weekend, with some areas potentially seeing up to 8 inches. The snow is expected to arrive late Friday night through Saturday, leading to slippery road conditions and difficult travel. Following the snowfall, an arctic blast will bring dangerously cold temperatures and brutal wind chills, prompting Extreme Cold Warnings from the National Weather Service.

Why it matters

This winter storm comes at a critical time, with the big game scheduled for Sunday. State officials are urging residents and visitors to take extra precautions, as the extreme cold can lead to dangerous conditions like hypothermia and frostbite within a short period of exposure.

The details

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for much of Massachusetts, with widespread snowfall of 2 to 4 inches expected. However, localized bands of heavier snow in northeast Massachusetts, including Cape Ann, could deliver up to 8 inches. The Cape and Islands are also expected to see up to 6 inches of snow. The snow is expected to fall from late Saturday morning into the afternoon, making roads slippery and travel difficult.

  • Late Friday night through Saturday, periods of moderate to heavy snow are expected.
  • Saturday night into Sunday, dangerously cold temperatures and brutal wind chills are forecast, with wind chills ranging from around 10 below zero to 30 below zero.

The players

National Weather Service

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory and a Winter Storm Watch for parts of Massachusetts, warning of the impending snowfall and extreme cold.

Gov. Maura Healey

The governor of Massachusetts has urged residents and visitors to be prepared and plan accordingly for the extreme weather, advising them to use extra care on the roads and check on their neighbors to ensure everyone stays warm and safe.

Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll

The lieutenant governor of Massachusetts has advised residents to bundle up in layers, limit time outdoors, and stay active while inside to avoid the dangers of hypothermia and frostbite during the arctic blast.

MassDOT

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation has pretreated state roadways and is prepared to deploy snow removal crews and equipment to clear state roadways during the storm.

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What they’re saying

“As we continue to monitor the extreme cold weather, we want everyone to be prepared and plan accordingly, especially residents and visitors who may have plans to travel for the big game on Sunday.”

— Gov. Maura Healey (bostonherald.com)

“We're no strangers to the cold, but with this arctic blast, it's important to take caution to avoid conditions like hypothermia and frostbite, which can occur in just 30 minutes of exposure to these temperatures.”

— Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll (bostonherald.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This winter storm highlights the importance of being prepared for extreme weather conditions, especially with a major event like the big game scheduled for Sunday. Residents and visitors should heed the warnings from state officials, take necessary precautions, and be mindful of the risks posed by the combination of heavy snowfall and dangerously cold temperatures.