FIRST ALERT: Rain, then snow Friday could impact holiday travel. Here's what to expect

No forecasts are slam dunks in New England, but this one is particularly tricky.

Will we see rain, snow or both Friday?

We're seeing ocean-effect rain showers turn to snow showers later today, and timing is everything.

If the cold rushes in too quickly, it will shut down the precipitation and we'll barely see a coating. If it comes too late, we'll see mostly rain. Our forecast puts us somewhere in the middle, but it doesn't guarantee everyone sees an accumulation.

Sure, we long for the winters where the cold was deep and reliable. Where forecasts didn't bust over whether the temperature hovered at 32 or 34. Where snowstorms didn't produce 2 inches here and a foot several towns over, but those days are gone. "Sneak attack" snow events, rapidly developing nor'easters, freakish snow squalls, and just plain rain are much more common these days. And we must conform to the times.

How much snow today?

So, in this case, our coating to 2 inches sums up our thoughts on the event. Not everyone sees 2 inches and not everyone sees a coating. The potential is there, not the promise.

When will rain switch to snow?

We'll start things off with mostly rain or a rain/snow mix that doesn't accumulate right away.

Later this afternoon (give us some wiggle room, please), the cold from northern New England will get drawn in and gradually change us all to snow this evening.

The event ends close to midnight as successive waves of cold choke off the precipitation.

Winter weather advisory

A winter weather advisory is in place through 4 a.m. Saturday for portions of central, northeastern and southeastern Massachusetts, as well as northern Rhode Island, where 2-4 inches of snow are possible.

The snow could impact travel, and drivers are reminding to be cautious and aware of possible slick road conditions.

See more

[Winter Weather Advisory] We have increased snow accumulations into the 2-4" range across parts of eastern MA/RI. Snow will expand in coverage through the afternoon and may result in a slippery late day commute. A Winter Weather Advisory has been posted. pic.twitter.com/IgSs1HM974

— NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) December 20, 2024

What's the weather this weekend?

We're in the cold for the weekend, with wind chills in the single digits and teens by late Saturday. Winds settle down Sunday and Monday, but we'll be stuck in the low and mid-20s.

Will we have a white Christmas in Massachusetts?

There is a LITTLE hope for a white Christmas with some light snow expected on Christmas Eve. This is by no means a storm, but a potential coating of snow could capture the spirit of the season on Tuesday.

Have a good, safe weekend!