Potential for Snow, Coastal Storm Looms for New England

Weather expert Dave Epstein breaks down the upcoming weather patterns for the Boston area.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Weather forecaster Dave Epstein discusses three upcoming precipitation events in the Boston area over the next several days. The first, on Wednesday, will bring light snow and rain that is more annoying than impactful. The second, on Friday, has the potential for 2-4 inches of snow, especially north of the Massachusetts Turnpike. The third, a potential coastal storm on Sunday night into Monday, has the greatest potential but also the least confidence in the forecast at this point.

Why it matters

New England residents are closely watching the weather patterns as the region heads into late winter, with the possibility of significant snowfall that could impact travel, infrastructure, and daily life. Epstein's analysis provides valuable insight into the timing and potential impacts of these upcoming weather systems.

The details

The first system on Wednesday will bring light snow and rain, while Friday's system has a bit more energy and could drop 2-4 inches of snow, especially north of the Massachusetts Turnpike. The potential coastal storm on Sunday night into Monday has the greatest potential to become a nor'easter, but the track of the storm is still highly uncertain. Tides will also be astronomically high early next week, raising the risk of minor coastal flooding and beach erosion depending on the storm's path.

  • The first system will move in later on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
  • The second system is expected on Friday, February 20, 2026.
  • The potential coastal storm is forecast for Sunday night, February 22, 2026 into Monday, February 23, 2026.

The players

Dave Epstein

A weather forecaster and meteorologist who provided the analysis and breakdown of the upcoming weather patterns for the Boston area.

Ken Mahan

A Globe meteorologist who contributed to the report.

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What they’re saying

“I was chatting with my AI friend this morning about the word 'storm.' I really don't like using that word to describe every single precipitation event that occurs; it just overdoes things.”

— Dave Epstein, Weather Forecaster (boston.com)

“If this system does come closer, it would definitely be quite a major storm or possibly develop into a nor'easter, depending on the track.”

— Dave Epstein, Weather Forecaster (boston.com)

What’s next

Forecasters will continue to monitor the track and development of the potential coastal storm on Sunday night into Monday. Residents should stay tuned for updates as the forecast becomes more certain in the coming days.

The takeaway

New Englanders should be prepared for the possibility of significant snowfall and coastal impacts over the next several days, though the timing and severity of the weather systems remain uncertain. Staying informed and vigilant about the latest forecasts will be key as the region navigates the late winter weather patterns.