Alert archive / Massachusetts / Small Craft Advisories in 2026
Small Craft Advisory 13, NWS Boston/Norton, MA
NWS Boston/Norton, MA issued this small craft advisory at Jan 22, 2026, 12:57 AM EST. It took effect at Jan 23, 2026, 7:00 PM EST. It was in force for .
The area
The counties it named.
The facts
- Issued
- Jan 22, 2026, 12:57 AM EST (05:57 UTC)
- In effect from
- Jan 23, 2026, 7:00 PM EST
- Expired
- Jan 22, 2026, 11:50 AM EST
- In force
- Issued by
- NWS Boston/Norton, MA
The text
As transmitted.
826 WHUS71 KBOX 220557 MWWBOX URGENT - MARINE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Boston/Norton MA 1257 AM EST Thu Jan 22 2026 ANZ230-236-221900- /O.NEW.KBOX.SC.Y.0013.260124T0000Z-260124T1200Z/ Boston Harbor-Narragansett Bay- 1257 AM EST Thu Jan 22 2026 ...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM FRIDAY TO 7 AM EST SATURDAY... * WHAT...Northwest winds 15 to 25 kt with gusts up to 30 kt and waves 2 to 3 feet expected. * WHERE...In Massachusetts coastal waters, Boston Harbor. In Rhode Island coastal waters, Narragansett Bay. * WHEN...From 7 PM Friday to 7 AM EST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid navigating in hazardous conditions. && $$ ANZ250-254>256-221900- /O.EXT.KBOX.SC.Y.0011.000000T0000Z-260123T1800Z/ /O.NEW.KBOX.GL.A.0004.260123T1800Z-260124T1200Z/ Coastal waters east of Ipswich Bay and the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary- Coastal waters from Provincetown MA to Chatham MA to Nantucket MA out 20 nm- Coastal Waters extending out to 25 nm South of Marthas Vineyard and Nantucket- Coastal Waters from Montauk NY to Marthas Vineyard extending out to 20 nm South of Block Island- 1257 AM EST Thu Jan 22 2026 ...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM EST FRIDAY... ...GALE WATCH IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH SATURDAY MORNING... * WHAT...For the Small Craft Advisory, west winds 15 to 25 kt with gusts up to 30 kt and seas 5 to 8 feet. For the Gale Watch, west winds 25 to 35 kt with gusts up to 40 kt and seas 5 to 8 feet possible. * WHERE...In Massachusetts coastal waters, Coastal waters east of Ipswich Bay and the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, Coastal waters from Provincetown MA to Chatham MA to Nantucket MA out 20 nm and Coastal Waters extending out to 25 nm South of Marthas Vineyard and Nantucket. In Rhode Island coastal waters, Coastal Waters from Montauk NY to Marthas Vineyard extending out to 20 nm South of Block Island. * WHEN...For the Small Craft Advisory, until 1 PM EST Friday. For the Gale Watch, from Friday afternoon through Saturday morning. * IMPACTS...Strong winds can cause hazardous seas which could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Mariners should consider altering plans to avoid possible hazardous conditions. Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the vessel for severe wind and waves. && $$ ANZ232-233-235-237-221900- /O.EXT.KBOX.SC.Y.0012.000000T0000Z-260123T1800Z/ /O.NEW.KBOX.GL.A.0004.260123T1800Z-260124T1200Z/ Nantucket Sound-Vineyard Sound-Rhode Island Sound- Block Island Sound- 1257 AM EST Thu Jan 22 2026 ...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM EST FRIDAY... ...GALE WATCH IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH SATURDAY MORNING... * WHAT...For the Small Craft Advisory, west winds 15 to 25 kt with gusts up to 30 kt and seas 4 to 6 feet. For the Gale Watch, west winds 20 to 30 kt and seas 3 to 5 feet possible. * WHERE...In Massachusetts coastal waters, Nantucket Sound and Vineyard Sound. In Rhode Island coastal waters, Rhode Island Sound and Block Island Sound. * WHEN...For the Small Craft Advisory, until 1 PM EST Friday. For the Gale Watch, from Friday afternoon through Saturday morning. * IMPACTS...Strong winds can cause hazardous seas which could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Mariners should consider altering plans to avoid possible hazardous conditions. Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the vessel for severe wind and seas. && $$ ANZ231-234-251-221900- /O.NEW.KBOX.GL.A.0004.260123T1800Z-260124T1200Z/ Cape Cod Bay-Buzzards Bay-Massachusetts Bay and Ipswich Bay- 1257 AM EST Thu Jan 22 2026 ...GALE WATCH IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH SATURDAY MORNING... * WHAT...West winds 20 to 30 kt with gusts up to 35 kt and seas 3 to 5 feet possible. * WHERE...Cape Cod Bay, Buzzards Bay and Massachusetts Bay and Ipswich Bay. * WHEN...From Friday afternoon through Saturday morning. * IMPACTS...Strong winds can cause hazardous seas which could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Mariners should consider altering plans to avoid possible hazardous conditions. Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the vessel for severe wind and seas. && $$
1 follow-up statement
288 WHUS71 KBOX 221650 MWWBOX URGENT - MARINE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Boston/Norton MA 1150 AM EST Thu Jan 22 2026 ANZ232-230800- /O.CAN.KBOX.SC.Y.0012.000000T0000Z-260123T1800Z/ /O.UPG.KBOX.GL.A.0004.260123T1800Z-260124T1200Z/ /O.NEW.KBOX.GL.W.0004.260123T1800Z-260124T1200Z/ /O.NEW.KBOX.UP.W.0001.260124T0300Z-260124T1800Z/ Nantucket Sound- 1150 AM EST Thu Jan 22 2026 ...GALE WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM FRIDAY TO 7 AM EST SATURDAY... ...HEAVY FREEZING SPRAY WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM FRIDAY TO 1 PM EST SATURDAY... * WHAT...For the Gale Warning, west winds 20 to 30 kt with gusts up to 35 kt and seas 3 to 5 feet expected. For the Heavy Freezing Spray Warning, heavy freezing spray at a rate of 2 cm per hour or greater expected, and may rapidly accumulate on vessels. * WHERE...Nantucket Sound. * WHEN...For the Gale Warning, from 1 PM Friday to 7 AM EST Saturday. For the Heavy Freezing Spray Warning, from 10 PM Friday to 1 PM EST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Operating a vessel in heavy freezing spray is hazardous. Freezing spray may render mechanical and electronic components inoperative. Rapid ice accretion on decks and superstructures may result in a catastrophic loss of stability. Strong winds will cause hazardous seas which could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Mariners should prepare for dangerous accumulation of ice on their vessel. If possible, remain in port, avoid the warning area or conduct mitigation. During freezing spray conditions, the U.S. Coast Guard advises mariners to check and ensure all life-saving devices remain free of ice. Mariners should alter plans to avoid these hazardous conditions. Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the vessel for hazardous conditions. && $$ ANZ250-254-255-230800- /O.CAN.KBOX.SC.Y.0011.000000T0000Z-260123T1800Z/ /O.UPG.KBOX.GL.A.0004.260123T1800Z-260124T1200Z/ /O.NEW.KBOX.GL.W.0004.260123T1800Z-260124T1200Z/ /O.NEW.KBOX.UP.W.0001.260124T0300Z-260124T1800Z/ Coastal waters east of Ipswich Bay and the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary- Coastal waters from Provincetown MA to Chatham MA to Nantucket MA out 20 nm- Coastal Waters extending out to 25 nm South of Marthas Vineyard and Nantucket- 1150 AM EST Thu Jan 22 2026 ...GALE WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM FRIDAY TO 7 AM EST SATURDAY... ...HEAVY FREEZING SPRAY WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM FRIDAY TO 1 PM EST SATURDAY... * WHAT...For the Gale Warning, west winds 25 to 35 kt with gusts up to 40 kt and seas 5 to 8 feet expected. For the Heavy Freezing Spray Warning, heavy freezing spray at a rate of 2 cm per hour or greater expected, and may rapidly accumulate on vessels. * WHERE...Coastal waters east of Ipswich Bay and the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, Coastal waters from Provincetown MA to Chatham MA to Nantucket MA out 20 nm and Coastal Waters extending out to 25 nm South of Marthas Vineyard and Nantucket. * WHEN...For the Gale Warning, from 1 PM Friday to 7 AM EST Saturday. For the Heavy Freezing Spray Warning, from 10 PM Friday to 1 PM EST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Operating a vessel in heavy freezing spray is hazardous. Freezing spray may render mechanical and electronic components inoperative. Rapid ice accretion on decks and superstructures may result in a catastrophic loss of stability. Strong winds will cause hazardous seas which could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Mariners should prepare for dangerous accumulation of ice on their vessel. If possible, remain in port, avoid the warning area or conduct mitigation. During freezing spray conditions, the U.S. Coast Guard advises mariners to check and ensure all life-saving devices remain free of ice. Mariners should alter plans to avoid these hazardous conditions. Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the vessel for hazardous conditions. && $$ ANZ233-230800- /O.CAN.KBOX.SC.Y.0012.000000T0000Z-260123T1800Z/ /O.UPG.KBOX.GL.A.0004.260123T1800Z-260124T1200Z/ /O.NEW.KBOX.GL.W.0004.260123T1800Z-260124T1200Z/ /O.NEW.KBOX.UP.Y.0001.260124T0300Z-260124T2100Z/ Vineyard Sound- 1150 AM EST Thu Jan 22 2026 ...GALE WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM FRIDAY TO 7 AM EST SATURDAY... ...FREEZING SPRAY ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM FRIDAY TO 4 PM EST SATURDAY... * WHAT...For the Gale Warning, west winds 20 to 30 kt and seas 3 to 5 feet expected. For the Freezing Spray Advisory, moderate accumulation of freezing spray expected. * WHERE...Vineyard Sound. * WHEN...For the Gale Warning, from 1 PM Friday to 7 AM EST Saturday. For the Freezing Spray Advisory, from 10 PM Friday to 4 PM EST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Operating a vessel in freezing spray is hazardous. Freezing spray may render mechanical and electronic components inoperative. Ice accretion on decks and superstructures may result in some loss of stability. Strong winds will cause hazardous seas which could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Mariners should prepare for ice accumulation on their vessel and consider altering plans to avoid or mitigate these hazardous conditions. During freezing spray conditions, the U.S. Coast Guard advises mariners to check and ensure all life-saving devices remain free of ice. Mariners should alter plans to avoid these hazardous conditions. Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the vessel for hazardous conditions. && $$ ANZ235-237-230800- /O.CAN.KBOX.SC.Y.0012.000000T0000Z-260123T1800Z/ /O.UPG.KBOX.GL.A.0004.260123T1800Z-260124T1200Z/ /O.NEW.KBOX.GL.W.0004.260123T1800Z-260124T1200Z/ /O.NEW.KBOX.UP.Y.0001.260124T0300Z-260124T2100Z/ Rhode Island Sound-Block Island Sound- 1150 AM EST Thu Jan 22 2026 ...GALE WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM FRIDAY TO 7 AM EST SATURDAY... ...FREEZING SPRAY ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM FRIDAY TO 4 PM EST SATURDAY... * WHAT...For the Gale Warning, west winds 20 to 30 kt and seas 3 to 5 feet expected. For the Freezing Spray Advisory, moderate accumulation of freezing spray expected. * WHERE...Rhode Island Sound and Block Island Sound. * WHEN...For the Gale Warning, from 1 PM Friday to 7 AM EST Saturday. For the Freezing Spray Advisory, from 10 PM Friday to 4 PM EST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Operating a vessel in freezing spray is hazardous. Freezing spray may render mechanical and electronic components inoperative. Ice accretion on decks and superstructures may result in some loss of stability. Strong winds will cause hazardous seas which could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Mariners should prepare for ice accumulation on their vessel and consider altering plans to avoid or mitigate these hazardous conditions. During freezing spray conditions, the U.S. Coast Guard advises mariners to check and ensure all life-saving devices remain free of ice. Mariners should alter plans to avoid these hazardous conditions. Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the vessel for hazardous conditions. && $$ ANZ256-230800- /O.CAN.KBOX.SC.Y.0011.000000T0000Z-260123T1800Z/ /O.UPG.KBOX.GL.A.0004.260123T1800Z-260124T1200Z/ /O.NEW.KBOX.GL.W.0004.260123T1800Z-260124T1200Z/ /O.NEW.KBOX.UP.Y.0001.260124T0300Z-260124T2100Z/ Coastal Waters from Montauk NY to Marthas Vineyard extending out to 20 nm South of Block Island- 1150 AM EST Thu Jan 22 2026 ...GALE WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM FRIDAY TO 7 AM EST SATURDAY... ...FREEZING SPRAY ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM FRIDAY TO 4 PM EST SATURDAY... * WHAT...For the Gale Warning, northwest winds 25 to 35 kt with gusts up to 40 kt and seas 5 to 8 feet expected. For the Freezing Spray Advisory, moderate accumulation of freezing spray expected. * WHERE...Coastal Waters from Montauk NY to Marthas Vineyard extending out to 20 nm South of Block Island. * WHEN...For the Gale Warning, from 1 PM Friday to 7 AM EST Saturday. For the Freezing Spray Advisory, from 10 PM Friday to 4 PM EST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Operating a vessel in freezing spray is hazardous. Freezing spray may render mechanical and electronic components inoperative. Ice accretion on decks and superstructures may result in some loss of stability. Strong winds will cause hazardous seas which could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Mariners should prepare for ice accumulation on their vessel and consider altering plans to avoid or mitigate these hazardous conditions. During freezing spray conditions, the U.S. Coast Guard advises mariners to check and ensure all life-saving devices remain free of ice. Mariners should alter plans to avoid these hazardous conditions. Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the vessel for hazardous conditions. && $$ ANZ231-230800- /O.UPG.KBOX.GL.A.0004.260123T1800Z-260124T1200Z/ /O.NEW.KBOX.GL.W.0004.260123T1800Z-260124T1200Z/ /O.NEW.KBOX.UP.W.0001.260124T0300Z-260124T1800Z/ Cape Cod Bay- 1150 AM EST Thu Jan 22 2026 ...GALE WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM FRIDAY TO 7 AM EST SATURDAY... ...HEAVY FREEZING SPRAY WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM FRIDAY TO 1 PM EST SATURDAY... * WHAT...For the Gale Warning, west winds 20 to 30 kt with gusts up to 35 kt and seas 3 to 5 feet expected. For the Heavy Freezing Spray Warning, heavy freezing spray at a rate of 2 cm per hour or greater expected, and may rapidly accumulate on vessels. * WHERE...Cape Cod Bay. * WHEN...For the Gale Warning, from 1 PM Friday to 7 AM EST Saturday. For the Heavy Freezing Spray Warning, from 10 PM Friday to 1 PM EST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Operating a vessel in heavy freezing spray is hazardous. Freezing spray may render mechanical and electronic components inoperative. Rapid ice accretion on decks and superstructures may result in a catastrophic loss of stability. Strong winds will cause hazardous seas which could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Mariners should prepare for dangerous accumulation of ice on their vessel. If possible, remain in port, avoid the warning area or conduct mitigation. During freezing spray conditions, the U.S. Coast Guard advises mariners to check and ensure all life-saving devices remain free of ice. Mariners should alter plans to avoid these hazardous conditions. Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the vessel for hazardous conditions. && $$ ANZ251-230800- /O.UPG.KBOX.GL.A.0004.260123T1800Z-260124T1200Z/ /O.NEW.KBOX.GL.W.0004.260123T1800Z-260124T1200Z/ /O.NEW.KBOX.UP.W.0001.260124T0300Z-260124T1800Z/ Massachusetts Bay and Ipswich Bay- 1150 AM EST Thu Jan 22 2026 ...GALE WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM FRIDAY TO 7 AM EST SATURDAY... ...HEAVY FREEZING SPRAY WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM FRIDAY TO 1 PM EST SATURDAY... * WHAT...For the Gale Warning, west winds 20 to 30 kt with gusts up to 35 kt and seas 3 to 5 feet expected. For the Heavy Freezing Spray Warning, heavy freezing spray at a rate of 2 cm per hour or greater expected, and may rapidly accumulate on vessels. * WHERE...Massachusetts Bay and Ipswich Bay. * WHEN...For the Gale Warning, from 1 PM Friday to 7 AM EST Saturday. For the Heavy Freezing Spray Warning, from 10 PM Friday to 1 PM EST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Operating a vessel in heavy freezing spray is hazardous. Freezing spray may render mechanical and electronic components inoperative. Rapid ice accretion on decks and superstructures may result in a catastrophic loss of stability. Strong winds will cause hazardous seas which could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Mariners should prepare for dangerous accumulation of ice on their vessel. If possible, remain in port, avoid the warning area or conduct mitigation. During freezing spray conditions, the U.S. Coast Guard advises mariners to check and ensure all life-saving devices remain free of ice. Mariners should alter plans to avoid these hazardous conditions. Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the vessel for hazardous conditions. && $$ ANZ230-230800- /O.UPG.KBOX.SC.Y.0013.260124T0000Z-260124T1200Z/ /O.NEW.KBOX.GL.W.0004.260123T1800Z-260124T1200Z/ /O.NEW.KBOX.UP.Y.0001.260124T0300Z-260124T2100Z/ Boston Harbor- 1150 AM EST Thu Jan 22 2026 ...GALE WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM FRIDAY TO 7 AM EST SATURDAY... ...FREEZING SPRAY ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM FRIDAY TO 4 PM EST SATURDAY... * WHAT...For the Gale Warning, west winds 20 to 30 kt and waves around 2 feet expected. For the Freezing Spray Advisory, moderate accumulation of freezing spray expected. * WHERE...Boston Harbor. * WHEN...For the Gale Warning, from 1 PM Friday to 7 AM EST Saturday. For the Freezing Spray Advisory, from 10 PM Friday to 4 PM EST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Operating a vessel in freezing spray is hazardous. Freezing spray may render mechanical and electronic components inoperative. Ice accretion on decks and superstructures may result in some loss of stability. Strong winds will cause hazardous waves which could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Mariners should prepare for ice accumulation on their vessel and consider altering plans to avoid or mitigate these hazardous conditions. During freezing spray conditions, the U.S. Coast Guard advises mariners to check and ensure all life-saving devices remain free of ice. Mariners should alter plans to avoid these hazardous conditions. Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the vessel for hazardous conditions. && $$ ANZ234-230800- /O.UPG.KBOX.GL.A.0004.260123T1800Z-260124T1200Z/ /O.NEW.KBOX.GL.W.0004.260123T1800Z-260124T1200Z/ /O.NEW.KBOX.UP.Y.0001.260124T0300Z-260124T2100Z/ Buzzards Bay- 1150 AM EST Thu Jan 22 2026 ...GALE WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM FRIDAY TO 7 AM EST SATURDAY... ...FREEZING SPRAY ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM FRIDAY TO 4 PM EST SATURDAY... * WHAT...For the Gale Warning, west winds 20 to 30 kt and seas 3 to 5 feet expected. For the Freezing Spray Advisory, moderate accumulation of freezing spray expected. * WHERE...Buzzards Bay. * WHEN...For the Gale Warning, from 1 PM Friday to 7 AM EST Saturday. For the Freezing Spray Advisory, from 10 PM Friday to 4 PM EST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Operating a vessel in freezing spray is hazardous. Freezing spray may render mechanical and electronic components inoperative. Ice accretion on decks and superstructures may result in some loss of stability. Strong winds will cause hazardous seas which could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Mariners should prepare for ice accumulation on their vessel and consider altering plans to avoid or mitigate these hazardous conditions. During freezing spray conditions, the U.S. Coast Guard advises mariners to check and ensure all life-saving devices remain free of ice. Mariners should alter plans to avoid these hazardous conditions. Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the vessel for hazardous conditions. && $$ ANZ236-230800- /O.UPG.KBOX.SC.Y.0013.260124T0000Z-260124T1200Z/ /O.NEW.KBOX.GL.W.0004.260123T1800Z-260124T1200Z/ Narragansett Bay- 1150 AM EST Thu Jan 22 2026 ...GALE WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM FRIDAY TO 7 AM EST SATURDAY... * WHAT...West winds 15 to 20 kt with gusts up to 30 kt and waves around 3 feet expected. * WHERE...Narragansett Bay. * WHEN...From 1 PM Friday to 7 AM EST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Strong winds will cause hazardous waves which could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Mariners should alter plans to avoid these hazardous conditions. Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the vessel for hazardous conditions. && $$
What forecasters said that day
The local office's own words before this small craft advisory went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS Boston/Norton, MA wrote its last area forecast discussion before this small craft advisory went out at Jan 22, 12:44 AM EST, 13 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
- A weak clipper system brings some light snow to the higher terrain areas and light rain for the coastal plain tonight.
- Temperatures surge above normal Thursday with gusty winds 25-35 mph.
- Arctic front moves through late Fri into Fri evening, bringing dangerously cold wind chills Fri night into Sat night. Low risk for a few snow showers or squalls with the passage of the front.
- A significant winter storm may bring heavy snow to southern New England Sunday into Monday, but specific details are uncertain.
Area forecast discussion, Jan 22, 12:44 AM EST, 13 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Boston/Norton MA
1244 AM EST Thu Jan 22 2026
.WHAT HAS CHANGED...
Increased confidence for a dusting to an inch of snow across
interior MA overnight. Confidence is increasing in a
significant winter storm Sunday into Monday but specific
details remain uncertain.
&&
.KEY MESSAGES...
- A weak clipper system brings some light snow to the higher terrain
areas and light rain for the coastal plain tonight.
- Temperatures surge above normal Thursday with gusty winds
25-35 mph.
- Arctic front moves through late Fri into Fri evening,
bringing dangerously cold wind chills Fri night into Sat
night. Low risk for a few snow showers or squalls with the
passage of the front.
- A significant winter storm may bring heavy snow to southern
New England Sunday into Monday, but specific details are
uncertain.
&&
.DISCUSSION...
KEY MESSAGE 1...A weak clipper system brings some light snow to the
higher terrain areas and light rain for the coastal plain tonight.
Latest suite of model guidance has come into better agreement with
respect to precipitation amounts associated with a weak Clipper
system moving over The Northeast this evening. QPF amounts currently
consistently coming in between 0.05 to 0.15 " of liquid across most
of southern New England. Interior MA, RI, and CT will be cold enough
to support snow. Accumulations will be minimal with only a coating
to an inch forecast. Some locations over the higher terrain of The
Worcester Hills may see as much as 2 inches. Further south and east
across the coastal plain, temperatures will be more marginal, so
expect rain mixing in after midnight. This will result in little to
no accumulations for these areas. South coast, southern RI, and
Cape/Islands should only expect rainfall given overnight
temperatures in the mid to upper 30s.
KEY MESSAGE 2...Temperatures surge above normal Thursday with gusty
winds 25-35 mph.
Moderate south/southwest winds develop Thursday morning and persist
through Thursday evening. This will support low-level WAA which will
allow 925 hPa temps to warm to between -3 and 1 degree C. This will
be an increase of 5 to 10 degrees C from Wednesday afternoon. Thus,
expect warmer afternoon temps on Thursday in the upper 30s to low
40s under partly cloudy skies. Sunshine should support enough
surface heating for efficient diurnal mixing. As a result we could
see gusty winds at times with gusts between 20 and 30 mph
possible.
KEY MESSAGE 3... Arctic front moves through late Fri into Fri
evening, bringing dangerously cold wind chills Fri night into
Sat night. Low risk for a few snow showers or squalls with the
passage of the front.
Arctic front will be dropping south into SNE Fri afternoon and
reaching the south coast by evening. While mod els are not
showing much if any QPF, the signals in the guidance suggest
there could be a few snow showers or squalls with the arctic
front passage. There is an area of enhanced moisture and lift
along the boundary as well as steep low level lapse rates. This
suggests a few snow showers or squalls will be possible
although areal coverage will be limited. Something to watch as
we approach Friday.
The bigger issue will be the arctic air that pours into the region
Fri night into Sat on gusty NW winds. 850 mb temps bottom out
around -25C late Fri night and early Sat before slowly moderating
during Sat. Lows Fri night will drop to zero to -5F over the
higher terrain and single numbers elsewhere. Highs Sat will only
reach the single numbers higher terrain and low to mid teens in
the coastal plain. The strong cold advection will be accompanied
by strong wind gusts Fri night as soundings show potential for
a few gusts to 35-45 mph. The gusty winds and arctic cold will
result in wind chills of -10 to -20F across much of SNE late
Fri night and early Sat, recovering to only -10 to +5F during
Sat afternoon. Another very cold night Sat night with lows zero
to 10 above but winds will be less of a factor.
Additionally, the combination of gusty winds and very cold air
will produce widespread moderate freezing spray on the waters
FrI night into Sat night with low risk for heavy freezing
spray.
KEY MESSAGE 4... A significant winter storm may bring heavy
snow to southern New England Sunday into Monday, but specific
details are uncertain.
The northward trend in the guidance continues resulting in
increasing confidence for a significant winter storm. Despite
the northward trend, there is still a fair amount of track
spread in the ensemble guidance with the EC members furthest
north and GFS members on the southern edge of the guidance
envelope. In fact, there are almost as many EC members north of
the benchmark as there are to the south while most GFS members
are south of the benchmark. As a result it is best that we
remain probabilistic as this is still a day 4-5 event and it
will likely change going forward.
Using the 25th percentile snowfall as a low end suggests at
least advisory snowfall near the south coast, while the 75-90th
percentile would indicate potential for a major snowstorm for
SNE. These snowfall accums are based on 10:1 ratio. Given deep
cold air in place, higher ratios are certainly likely but we
can't just assume it'll be a 15-20:1 ratio as this depends on
deep saturation and strong omega through the snow growth region
for getting dendrites and achieving these higher ratios. And
these are details that can't be determined in a day 4-5
forecast. I do think it is fair to assume a 12-15:1 ratio as a
preliminary estimate. So based on all this we have high
confidence of at least an advisory event in SNE, especially
near the coast, with a risk of a major snowstorm for SNE if
this northward trend locks in. Interesting that the ProbWSSI is
showing high probs (90%) of moderate impacts which aligns
closely to winter storm watch/warning criteria, and moderate
probs (50-60%) of major impacts. This is based on a WPC 60
member ensemble from the latest model cycle so this will change
with updated guidance.
So what can go wrong? This is a day 4-5 event and snowfall in
SNE is very track dependent which can't be determined with high
confidence at this time range. I would expect wobbles in track
going forward and these wobbles can result in significant
changes in impacts. Also, there is a lot cold dry air to the
north which makes us susceptible to snowfall gradients on the
northern edge if storm wobbles southward aND it does appear we
could be near that gradient. So probably won't be able to lock
in to a forecast with confidence until Friday.
So bottom line, while there is certainly a risk of a major
snowstorm for SNE this is a day 4-5 forecast and a subtle shift
back to the south would keep the significant impacts to the
south.
Timing wise, it appears snow could develop by Sun morning with
heaviest snow expected in the afternoon and Sunday night.
Heaviest snow should be over by Monday, however strong upper
trough and shortwave approaches from the west with inverted
trough at the surface and deep moisture in place so expect light
snow to continue for much of Monday with additional minor
accums.
Beyond Monday, well below normal temps will continue with
arctic air remaining in place.
&&
.AVIATION /06Z THURSDAY THROUGH MONDAY/...
Forecaster Confidence Levels...
Low - less than 30 percent.
Moderate - 30 to 60 percent.
High - greater than 60 percent.
Today: High Confidence.
-RA/SN clears out between 06-09Z from west to east. Conditions
improve to VFR with SW winds gusting up to 25 kts.
Thursday Night: High Confidence.
VFR. Light west winds, 5-10 knots. Except the Cape and Islands
remain gusty through the night.
Friday: High Confidence.
VFR. WSW winds around 10 knots steadily increase through the
morning. Gusts 25-30 knots by the afternoon.
KBOS Terminal...High Confidence.
Lingering -RASN and MVFR cigs through 08-09z with conditions
improving to VFR 09-10z. Gusts up to 25 knots likely through the
afternoon before calming tonight.
KBDL Terminal...High Confidence.
Lingering -SN through 08-09z with improving conditions 09-10z.
Gusts up to 25 knots likely through the afternoon before calming
tonight.
Outlook /Friday Night through Monday/...
Friday Night: VFR. Windy with gusts up to 30 kt.
Saturday: VFR. Windy with local gusts up to 30 kt.
Saturday Night: VFR. Breezy. Slight chance SN.
Sunday: Mainly VFR, with areas IFR possible. Breezy. Chance SN.
Sunday Night: Mainly IFR, with areas MVFR possible. Windy with
local gusts up to 30 kt. SN likely.
Monday: MVFR/IFR conditions possible. Breezy. SN likely.
&&
.MARINE...
Forecaster Confidence Levels...
Low - less than 30 percent.
Moderate - 30 to 60 percent.
High - greater than 60 percent.
Tonight through Thursday Night
Winds increase out of the west/southwest tonight with sustained
wind between 10 and 20 knots over the coastal waters with gusts
between 20 and 30 knots. These winds will support SCY criteria
through Friday morning. Seas tonight into tomorrow will be 6-8
feet over the outer marine zones and 3-5 feet for the near-shore
zones. Expect seas to gradually subside to 2-5 feet over all
the marine zones between Thursday night and Friday morning.
Outlook /Friday Night through Monday/...
Friday Night: Strong winds with gusts up to 35 kt. Areas of
rough seas. Freezing spray, slight chance of snow.
Saturday: Moderate risk for Small Craft Advisory winds with
gusts up to 30 kt. Areas of rough seas. Freezing spray.
Saturday Night: Winds less than 25 kt. Areas of seas
approaching 5 ft. Chance of snow.
Sunday: Low risk for Small Craft Advisory winds with gusts up
to 30 kt. Seas locally approaching 5 ft. Snow likely, freezing
spray. Visibility 1 nm or less.
Sunday Night: Strong winds with gusts up to 35 kt. Seas up to
5 ft. Snow likely, freezing spray. Visibility 1 nm or less.
Monday: Moderate risk for Small Craft Advisory winds with gusts
up to 30 kt. Seas up to 5 ft. Chance of snow, freezing spray.
Local visibility 1 nm or less.
&&
.BOX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
CT...None.
MA...Extreme Cold Watch from Friday evening through Saturday
afternoon for MAZ002-008-009.
RI...None.
MARINE...Gale Watch from Friday evening through Saturday morning for
ANZ231>235-237-250-251-254>256.
Small Craft Advisory until 7 PM EST this evening for ANZ232-
233-235-237-250-254>256.
&&
DISCUSSION...BW/McMinn
AVIATION...McMinn
MARINE...McMinnIn the hours before
Local storm report, Jan 21, 10:35 PM EST, 2 hours 22 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Boston/Norton MA
1035 PM EST Wed Jan 21 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0914 PM Snow 2 E Berlin 41.62N 72.72W
01/21/2026 M1.0 Inch Hartford CT Trained Spotter
0930 PM Snow Staffordville 41.99N 72.26W
01/21/2026 M1.0 Inch Tolland CT Trained Spotter
0942 PM Snow Rocky Hill 41.67N 72.64W
01/21/2026 M1.0 Inch Hartford CT Trained Spotter
0943 PM Snow Southington 41.60N 72.88W
01/21/2026 M1.0 Inch Hartford CT Trained Spotter
1000 PM Snow 3 SW West Hartford 41.73N 72.78W
01/21/2026 M0.8 Inch Hartford CT Trained Spotter
1020 PM Snow 1 NE Wethersfield 41.71N 72.66W
01/21/2026 M1.0 Inch Hartford CT Amateur Radio
&&Local storm report, Jan 22, 12:38 AM EST, 19 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Boston/Norton MA
1238 AM EST Thu Jan 22 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
1050 PM Snow 1 NW Sterling 42.44N 71.76W
01/21/2026 M1.5 Inch Worcester MA Trained Spotter
1052 PM Snow Windsor 41.85N 72.64W
01/21/2026 M1.5 Inch Hartford CT Amateur Radio
1058 PM Snow Warren 42.22N 72.19W
01/21/2026 M1.0 Inch Worcester MA Emergency Mngr
1059 PM Snow 1 NE Lunenburg 42.60N 71.72W
01/21/2026 M2.0 Inch Worcester MA Amateur Radio
1100 PM Snow 1 SE Marlborough 41.62N 72.44W
01/21/2026 M1.5 Inch Hartford CT Trained Spotter
1101 PM Snow 2 E Fitchburg 42.60N 71.78W
01/21/2026 M2.0 Inch Worcester MA Amateur Radio
1107 PM Snow Shrewsbury 42.30N 71.71W
01/21/2026 M1.3 Inch Worcester MA Trained Spotter
1111 PM Snow 1 SW Lexington 42.44N 71.24W
01/21/2026 M0.6 Inch Middlesex MA Trained Spotter
1123 PM Snow Southington 41.60N 72.88W
01/21/2026 M1.3 Inch Hartford CT Trained Spotter
1145 PM Snow 1 SE Simsbury 41.88N 72.80W
01/21/2026 M1.0 Inch Hartford CT Trained Spotter
1200 AM Snow Worcester AP 42.27N 71.88W
01/22/2026 M1.3 Inch Worcester MA Official NWS Obs
1200 AM Rain 1 SW Coventry 41.77N 72.31W
01/22/2026 M1.50 Inch Tolland CT Trained Spotter
1202 AM Snow 3 E Ludlow 42.18N 72.42W
01/22/2026 M1.5 Inch Hampden MA Public
1225 AM Snow 1 W Medford 42.43N 71.13W
01/22/2026 M0.6 Inch Middlesex MA Public
1237 AM Snow Stow 42.43N 71.50W
01/22/2026 M2.5 Inch Middlesex MA Broadcast Media
&&Local storm report, Jan 22, 12:39 AM EST, 18 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report...Summary
National Weather Service Boston/Norton MA
1239 AM EST Thu Jan 22 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0914 PM Snow 2 E Berlin 41.62N 72.72W
01/21/2026 M1.0 Inch Hartford CT Trained Spotter
0930 PM Snow Staffordville 41.99N 72.26W
01/21/2026 M1.0 Inch Tolland CT Trained Spotter
0942 PM Snow Rocky Hill 41.67N 72.64W
01/21/2026 M1.0 Inch Hartford CT Trained Spotter
0943 PM Snow Southington 41.60N 72.88W
01/21/2026 M1.0 Inch Hartford CT Trained Spotter
1000 PM Snow 3 SW West Hartford 41.73N 72.78W
01/21/2026 M0.8 Inch Hartford CT Trained Spotter
1020 PM Snow 1 NE Wethersfield 41.71N 72.66W
01/21/2026 M1.0 Inch Hartford CT Amateur Radio
1050 PM Snow 1 NW Sterling 42.44N 71.76W
01/21/2026 M1.5 Inch Worcester MA Trained Spotter
1052 PM Snow Windsor 41.85N 72.64W
01/21/2026 M1.5 Inch Hartford CT Amateur Radio
1058 PM Snow Warren 42.22N 72.19W
01/21/2026 M1.0 Inch Worcester MA Emergency Mngr
1059 PM Snow 1 NE Lunenburg 42.60N 71.72W
01/21/2026 M2.0 Inch Worcester MA Amateur Radio
1100 PM Snow 1 SE Marlborough 41.62N 72.44W
01/21/2026 M1.5 Inch Hartford CT Trained Spotter
1101 PM Snow 2 E Fitchburg 42.60N 71.78W
01/21/2026 M2.0 Inch Worcester MA Amateur Radio
1107 PM Snow Shrewsbury 42.30N 71.71W
01/21/2026 M1.3 Inch Worcester MA Trained Spotter
1111 PM Snow 1 SW Lexington 42.44N 71.24W
01/21/2026 M0.6 Inch Middlesex MA Trained Spotter
1123 PM Snow Southington 41.60N 72.88W
01/21/2026 M1.3 Inch Hartford CT Trained Spotter
1145 PM Snow 1 SE Simsbury 41.88N 72.80W
01/21/2026 M1.0 Inch Hartford CT Trained Spotter
1200 AM Rain 1 SW Coventry 41.77N 72.31W
01/22/2026 M1.50 Inch Tolland CT Trained Spotter
1200 AM Snow Worcester AP 42.27N 71.88W
01/22/2026 M1.3 Inch Worcester MA Official NWS Obs
1202 AM Snow 3 E Ludlow 42.18N 72.42W
01/22/2026 M1.5 Inch Hampden MA Public
1225 AM Snow 1 W Medford 42.43N 71.13W
01/22/2026 M0.6 Inch Middlesex MA Public
1237 AM Snow Stow 42.43N 71.50W
01/22/2026 M2.5 Inch Middlesex MA Broadcast Media
&&The office that day
Everything else NWS Boston/Norton, MA issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 22, 12:17 AM EST | Extreme Cold Watch | BOX | Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire | 12 hr |
| Jan 22, 12:57 AM EST | Gale Watch | BOX | 11 hr | |
| Jan 22, 11:44 AM EST | Winter Storm Watch | BOX | Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Franklin, Hampden and 7 more | 25 hr |
| Jan 22, 11:48 AM EST | Cold Weather Advisory | BOX | Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Franklin, Hampden and 7 more | 46 hr |
| Jan 22, 11:48 AM EST | Extreme Cold Warning | BOX | Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire | 49 hr |
| Jan 22, 11:50 AM EST | Gale Warning | BOX | 43 hr | |
| Jan 22, 11:50 AM EST | Heavy Freezing Spray Warning | BOX | 48 hr | |
| Jan 22, 11:50 AM EST | Heavy Freezing Spray Advisory | BOX | 48 hr |
Nearby
Small Craft Advisories in Massachusetts, 2026Every small craft advisory in 2026
Sources
The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text.