Whiteouts And Black Ice: MA Weather To Take An Arctic Turn

BOSTON — Plunging temperatures and squalling snow — bad enough in spots to cause virtual whiteouts — are predicted for Eastern Massachusetts Wednesday night.

"Scattered snow squalls are possible this afternoon and evening which could briefly drop visibility to near zero with heavy snow and gusty winds," the National Weather Service said Wednesday. Less than half an inch of accumulation is expected, however.

After rising to the mid-30s during the afternoon, temperatures were expected to fall sharply Wednesday night, to a low around 13 with wind-chill values as low as -5, the weather service said. Wind gusts as high as 33 mph are expected.

The subzero temperatures, which could cause refreezing of melted areas and make driving dangerous, are predicted to linger through Friday, the weather service said. Thursday's highs will be in the low 20s in much of the state and Friday's under 30.

The weather service also issued a gale warning for coastal waters of Massachusetts and Rhode Island from 6 p.m. Wednesday until 7 am. Thursday.