BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS — An updated snow forecast is calling for a more meaningful accumulation across eastern Massachusetts from February 6–7, 2026, with a likely corridor of 5–8 inches expected to set up near the coast and into parts of the Boston area. Confidence is highest on the North Shore, where forecasters say banding convergence could create a narrow zone of heavier snowfall rates and locally higher totals.
Meteorologist Nina Clarke noted that he is “upping the ante” for eastern Massachusetts, pointing to a setup where a precipitation maxima is favored if bands lock in. He also cautioned that a Norlun trough remains a key wildcard that could shift where the heaviest stripe ultimately lands.
What The Updated Snow Map Shows Across Massachusetts And Nearby States
The latest map guidance highlights a sharp gradient across New England, with the highest totals focused in Massachusetts closest to the coast:
- 5–8 inches is favored in parts of eastern Massachusetts, including the Boston to Plymouth corridor on the map.
- 3–5 inches is shown farther inland, including areas around Worcester, Massachusetts.
- 1–3 inches is indicated across portions of northern New England, including parts of Vermont and New Hampshire, where totals drop off quickly away from the best banding zone.
This kind of “tight totals” map is typical when mesoscale features like snow bands drive the outcome. In practical terms, two towns relatively close together can end up with very different totals depending on where the most persistent band sets up.
Why The North Shore Has The Highest Confidence For 5–8 Inches
The reasoning behind the higher confidence on the North Shore comes down to how banding can intensify snowfall. When banding convergence develops, it can focus lift into a narrow corridor and produce heavier rates for a longer stretch of time—especially when the atmosphere supports “better” snow production.
In this update, the forecast discussion highlights favorable snow growth, a signal that snowflakes can form efficiently and accumulate quickly when bands are active. That matters because even a short window of stronger rates can push a location from a general 3–5 inch outcome to the higher 5–8 inch range…