New England will ring in the new year under falling snow. I am tracking a quick hit of light snow that slips in late this evening and lingers into early New Year’s Day. Temperatures sit in the 20s. Winds add a bite. Roads can turn slick right when many people head home. Plan now, then enjoy the night. ❄️
What you need to know right now
Snow showers are set to bloom around sunset in parts of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. The most widespread snow arrives late evening and peaks near midnight. This is not a blockbuster storm. It is a fast mover, and totals stay light. A coating to one or two inches is a good bet for many towns. Higher hill towns can pick up a bit more.
Cold is locked in. Evening temperatures hold in the mid to upper 20s. Wind chills dip into the teens at times as a northwest breeze gusts 20 to 30 mph. Visibility will drop in bursts of snow, even if the radar looks modest. That can surprise drivers at intersections and on ramps.
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Coastal areas should stay all snow with these readings. A brief mix is possible on the Cape if a marine layer sneaks in, but the main story is light powder, quick accumulation on untreated surfaces, and patchy black ice.
Timing and local impacts
I expect three distinct windows tonight and early Monday.
- 6 to 9 pm, scattered flurries and the first slick spots on bridges and back roads
- 9 pm to 2 am, periods of light snow, quick drops in visibility, and steady coating on colder pavement
- 2 to 7 am, tapering to leftover flakes and freezing mist, with refreeze on sidewalks and stoops
Black ice risk rises after midnight. Side streets, hills, and overpasses will glaze fast. Slow down, leave room, and avoid sudden stops.
Wind will make it feel sharper than the thermometer shows. If you are outdoors for a countdown, cover ears, fingers, and face. Hypothermia can start quickly when sweat meets wind. For drivers, watch for plow and salt crews as they work short bursts. They will focus on main routes first, then side roads.
New Year’s morning travel improves after sunrise as crews gain ground and traffic helps melt thin snow. Shaded spots will stay slick longer. Allow extra time for the early airport push.
The science behind tonight’s quick hit
This is a classic clipper-type disturbance, small and fast. It rides the jet stream across the Great Lakes, then sweeps a narrow band of lift over New England. The air is cold enough for all snow. The flakes will be fairly fluffy, so light snow can add up on colder surfaces even with modest moisture.
Winters in New England are warming overall. That trend means we see more freeze and thaw swings, and more winter precipitation falling as rain in many years. Yet these quick, sharp snow bursts still form in a cold pocket. When they do, thin snow and refreeze become the bigger hazards, not deep drifts. Tonight fits that pattern, with short duration, light totals, and high impact timed with holiday travel.
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Short, energetic bursts like this also reflect a busy jet stream pattern. Temperature contrasts remain strong in late December. That contrast fuels fast-moving waves. Expect more short-notice events this season, some wet, some snowy, and all sensitive to a couple degrees of temperature.
Celebrate smart, travel safe, think green
You can still ring in the new year with style and care. Small choices tonight protect you, your neighbors, and our waterways.
- Use transit, carpool, or walk on cleared routes. Fewer cars mean fewer slide-offs and less idling.
- If you drive, clear all windows and lights. Clean snow off the roof so it does not blow onto others.
- Go easy on salt. A light hand works on a thin coating. Use sand for traction on steep walks.
- Pack layers, hand warmers, and a reusable bottle for hot tea or cocoa. Stay warm without waste.
Head out early, then park before the steadiest snow. Leave after the main burst passes, or take a rideshare to avoid slick return trips.
At home, drop the thermostat one or two degrees while you are out. Close curtains to hold heat. Avoid idling to keep warm in the driveway, it wastes fuel and adds local pollution. If you use a space heater, give it three feet of clearance and switch it off before you leave.
Bottom line
A quick band of light snow meets New Year’s Eve right on schedule. Expect a coating to a couple of inches, temperatures in the 20s, and wind chills in the teens. Roads can turn slick after midnight, with black ice into dawn. Travel with care, layer up, and celebrate with low-impact choices. By late morning Monday, most main roads improve, and 2026 starts on a crisp, bright note for many. Stay safe, and Happy New Year. 🎉
