Snow Threat Returns With Weekend Storm: See Latest Forecast

MASSACHUSETTS — The relentless march of early winter will continue across New England this weekend with reinforced cold temperatures and a coastal storm that could bring plowable snow to parts of the state on Sunday.

Wednesday shapes up as the warmest day of the week with highs in the 40s and rain moving in this afternoon for Greater Boston and coastal areas, according to the National Weather Service. Rain could be mixed with snow in interior locations of the Merrimack Valley and Worcester Hills with up to an 1 inch of accumulation possible.

Thursday will see the return of sharply colder temperatures and a harsh wind with temperatures falling from the 30s in the morning into the 20s in the afternoon. A west wind of 16 to 23 mph — with gusts to 41 mph — will make it feel more like the teens across much of the state.

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Friday will be another cold and blustery day with highs in the 30s and a steady west wind with gusts to 34 mph.

Saturday should be more pleasant with highs in the 30s — but with calming winds.

The next storm system approaches on Sunday, with the track determining the chances of a significant snowfall in parts of the state. Early forecasts have the storm tracking farther south than would be needed for a direct hit.

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That would provide the greatest chance for some snow in southern New England and on the Cape and Islands with up to 3 inches of snow possible.

Should the storm track farther north, it would bring the chance for a moderate snowstorm into Greater Boston and interior New England, while allowing for the chance of mixing and rain on the Cape.

Next week is looking like another cold one with highs in the 20s on Monday and highs in the 30s on Tuesday.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)