A clipper storm will zip through Mass. ahead of the weekend. Here’s what to expect

DEDHAM, Mass. — A fast-moving clipper storm will zip through Massachusetts ahead of the weekend, bringing the chance for more snow and rain.

There will be a chance for a rain or snow shower Thursday night into Friday morning, according to Boston 25 Meteorologist Shiri Spear.

“This is a pretty weak storm system as it comes through. We have the chance for a little spot rain or snow shower,” Spear said in her latest forecast. “We may have a little bit of slippery travel out there. We’re talking about trace ice, or trace amounts of snow tonight.”

Types of winter storms: Clipper vs. nor'easter

Spear said there won’t be a Weather Alert on the Thursday and Friday forecast because the storm should be fairly low-impact.

“Overall, the rainfall and precipitation totals look quite limited and patchy with this one,” Spear explained. “There might be a little snow mixed in, especially at elevations, but even so it’s looking like a coating.”

Fast moving system will only stir up a few showers tonight & tomorrow. Impacts should be very minor. @boston25 #mawx #boston pic.twitter.com/Ecy2ZqI6tT
— Shiri Spear (@ShiriSpear) February 1, 2024

Spear added, “It’s not going to be a widespread thing. I just wanted everybody to be safe and prepared in case it happens in your town or city.”

The National Weather Service defines an “Alberta” clipper storm as a very fast-moving storm that drops down from the northwest across the Great Lakes from Central Canada, bringing a limited amount of moisture. A nor’easter brings an endless supply of moisture and tends to be longer lasting.

After the storm moves out, Saturday and Sunday look to be mostly sunny with temperatures in the upper 30s.

The next storm is a clipper with only a spot rain/snow shower Thursday night to Friday. No weather alert necessary @boston25 #mawx #newengland pic.twitter.com/0hCPn2CsWO
— Shiri Spear (@ShiriSpear) January 31, 2024