New England's weekend plans defy the freezing cold

The weather forecast indicates that the Boston area in Massachusetts will experience light snow this weekend. This snow is attributed to a winter storm moving through the southern regions of the United States. Specifically, light snow is expected Saturday morning and early afternoon, leading to a total accumulation of about a coating to an inch of snow for southern New England. While this marks a brief but notable winter weather occurrence, it comes amidst an otherwise cold winter season that has seen lower than average snowfall in the past three years. Despite frigid temperatures, Boston is currently experiencing its coldest meteorological winter to date over the past seven years. However, snowfall has not kept pace with the cold, as Boston remains 8 inches below its average snowfall for this time of year, while Worcester's deficit exceeds a foot. This year's winter has been characterized by an absence of major snowstorms, with the last significant snowfall event being nearly three years ago when Boston recorded more than 6 inches. The current circumstances reflect a broader pattern of lower snowfall across New England, contrasting sharply with the winter storm activity seen in southern states where winter storm warnings are in effect, impacting areas from Texas up to the Carolinas. In addition to the light snow forecast, Massachusetts is preparing for another surge of cold air descending from Canada mid- to late next week. While it is clear that temperatures in the region are cold, the expected snowfall will provide some light winter scenes for residents and visitors. This weekend offers opportunities for outdoor activities as people take advantage of the snow, albeit in modest amounts. Events like winter festivals, farmers markets, and outdoor tours will still attract residents, demonstrating a resilience against the chill while enjoying seasonal festivities. Overall, the expected light snow serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of winter weather in New England and the thin line between cold and snow. As Boston braces for this light snowfall, attention will also focus on tracking the presence of cold air descending from Canada, adding to the overall wintry theme for the upcoming days. This weather system serves as a pivotal moment to check on local conditions and prepare for what winter might still hold for the region as the season progresses.