Boston is bracing for a potentially record-breaking snowfall this weekend, with forecasts predicting up to 20+ inches of snow. But here's where it gets controversial: the National Weather Service's predictions are causing some debate. While they anticipate a significant snowstorm, some meteorologists argue that the forecast is too optimistic, and the area could see even more snow. This is the part most people miss: the impact of the extreme cold and snow on travel and daily life. The bitter blast of Arctic air, combined with the heavy snowfall, could lead to hazardous conditions on the roads and potentially shut down entire cities. The extreme cold watch is a serious concern, with temperatures dropping to between -10 and 10 degrees in southern New England, and wind chills reaching -25 to -15 degrees. Frostbite can occur on exposed skin in less than 30 minutes. The snow timeline in Massachusetts is also a cause for concern, with light snow breaking out across the area mid to late Sunday morning, and the peak of the storm occurring from 5 p.m. Sunday through 5 a.m. Monday. The roads are expected to deteriorate Sunday late afternoon and become snow-covered shortly after dark. The most hazardous travel will be between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. on Monday. How much snow will Boston get? The forecast predicts a widespread 10-20 inches of snow for all of southern New England, but the 'fluff factor' could impact snow totals. The lower end totals could be 6-12 inches, while the upper end totals could be 18-24+ inches. There is also the chance of a heavy snow band setting up over a small area, dumping 1 inch per hour snowfall for several hours. Blizzard conditions are unlikely, but the winds could be a minor issue, with northeasterly gusts between 20-40 mph at the immediate coastline late Sunday night through early Monday. Stay tuned to WBZ-TV, WBZ.com, and CBS News Boston for frequent updates before and during the storm. The WBZ NEXT Weather team has you covered.
