Watertown residents should prepare for an active weather pattern as we close out January and head into the first week of February. A frontal system moving through on Friday could bring a mix of precipitation, though details on how much and what type remain uncertain. After that, a colder but drier stretch is expected for the weekend, with another chance for light snow late Sunday into Monday. Here’s what to expect:
Friday, January 31:
We’re keeping a close eye on a storm system approaching from the west, which looks increasingly likely to bring some precipitation during the day. The biggest question remains what kind — rain, snow, sleet, or even freezing rain could all be in the mix depending on how much warmer air pushes in. Right now, it looks like Watertown will mostly see rain, but areas north of the Mass Pike could hold onto some wintry precipitation for a bit longer. Expect a high near 42°F with southwest winds at 7 to 9 mph.
By the evening, rain may mix with or transition to snow before tapering off overnight. With strong southwest winds aloft pulling in warmer air, precipitation type will depend on how quickly temperatures drop. Right now, substantial snow or ice accumulations don’t look likely, but slick spots could develop, especially if temperatures fall faster than expected. The overnight low will be around 24°F, with winds shifting northwest at 5 to 9 mph.
Saturday, February 1:
High pressure builds in behind the departing system, bringing back mostly sunny skies and colder temperatures. Highs will be near 32°F, but a northwest wind around 11 mph — with gusts up to 22 mph — will make it feel even chillier. Overnight, partly cloudy skies and a light northwest breeze will allow temperatures to drop to around 12°F.
Sunday, February 2:
Clouds increase during the day ahead of our next system. Highs will be near 33°F with light southerly winds. By Sunday night, another round of precipitation moves in, and this one could start as snow before mixing with or changing to rain overnight. With a low around 27°F and a south wind at 6 mph, expect a messy but not overly impactful night.
Monday, February 3:
A chance of lingering rain in the morning before skies turn partly sunny. It will be a noticeably milder day, with highs reaching near 45°F. Winds will be from the southwest at 7 to 11 mph, with occasional gusts making it feel brisk. The night will be mostly cloudy, with temperatures dropping to around 26°F as winds shift westward.
Tuesday, February 4:
Mostly sunny, with a high near 35°F. A northwest wind around 11 mph, with gusts up to 23 mph, will keep things feeling chilly. Overnight, clear skies and a dip to around 20°F will make for a classic winter night.
Wednesday, February 5:
Another quiet but cold day with mostly sunny skies and a high near 36°F. A steady west wind at 9 to 11 mph will add a slight chill. The night will be clear, with lows around 20°F.
Thursday, February 6:
Partly sunny, with a high near 30°F. Light west winds at 5 to 8 mph will keep things seasonably chilly. The evening will be partly cloudy, with temperatures dropping to around 20°F.
Friday, February 7:
Mostly sunny, with a high near 26°F. A cold but calm end to the week, with light southwest winds. Overnight, clear skies will allow temperatures to fall to around 15°F.
The daily weather forecast for Watertown, MA, was provided by Matthew Moll of New England Weather Consulting.