Boston woke up in a blur on Wednesday, February 18, as Logan Airport (KBOS) reported fog and mist with temperatures hovering right around freezing. Visibility is patchy, and a band of precipitation is expected to slide in around midday, bringing a chance of rain and snow after 10 a.m. The forecast calls for a high near 37°F and mostly cloudy skies, with just light accumulation in and around the city, but a wetter, heavier snow inland by this afternoon and evening.
Timing And Travel Impacts
According to the National Weather Service, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 1 p.m. Wednesday, February 18 to 4 a.m. Thursday, February 19 for much of central and western Massachusetts. Those areas could see 2–4 inches of wet snow, while the Boston and Providence corridors are more likely to pick up around 1–2 inches. With temperatures so close to freezing, precipitation may kick off as rain or a rain and sleet mix before flipping to snow, which means slick, slushy roads and spots of brief icing are possible this evening. Drivers should plan on slower travel and build in extra time for the afternoon and evening commute.
Late-Week Systems To Watch
Forecasters say the weather pattern stays busy. A complex system from Friday, February 20 into Saturday, February 21 could deliver a wintry mix of snow, freezing rain and plain rain, with the highest snow and ice totals most likely along and north of the Massachusetts Turnpike. For more context on this unsettled stretch, see Boston on thin ice. Looking ahead, there is also a possible coastal storm from Sunday, February 22 into Monday, February 23 that could bring coastal flooding concerns around higher tide cycles, though the exact track and timing remain uncertain several days out.
Marine And Fog Notes
Small Craft Advisories remain in place for the outer coastal waters into Thursday, February 19, with seas around 5 feet and choppy conditions that could make things uncomfortable for ferries and small boats. A lingering bank of fog is cutting visibility across parts of the metro area this morning, especially near Logan, but conditions should gradually improve as the atmosphere mixes out and the incoming precipitation settles in. Boaters and ferry passengers should check with operators for the latest advisories before heading out.
How To Prepare
Plan on extra travel time Wednesday afternoon and evening, and be ready for pockets of freezing rain or sleet after sunset as temperatures dip toward the upper 20s. If you have plans from Friday, February 20 into Saturday, February 21, keep schedules flexible and stay tuned for forecast updates. Before hitting the road or going offshore, check with local transportation operators and the National Weather Service for the newest advisories and any changes in timing or intensity.
