As Massachusetts residents enjoy a pleasant Easter weekend with mild temperatures and sunshine, a potentially impactful storm is set to bring a mix of rain, heavy snowfall, and strong winds to the Boston area and beyond this week. The WBZ NEXT Weather Team has provided the latest forecast, warning residents to prepare for possible disruptions.

According to the forecast, the storm is expected to arrive on Tuesday and extend into early Friday, bringing a considerable amount of precipitation. Initially, the system will bring rain, but as it strengthens and moves off the coast, colder air will be drawn in, leading to a changeover to a mix of rain and snow on Wednesday and Thursday.

Significant rainfall is anticipated, with a widespread 1-2 inches possible across eastern and southeast Massachusetts, where the storm is expected to remain as rain for the majority of the event. This poses a concern for those still recovering from previous storms, as yards and basements have yet to dry out. This new bout of precipitation may activate sump pumps once again.

While Boston is projected to remain just warm enough for rain, other areas to the west, including Worcester, Middlesex County, the Merrimack Valley, and southern New Hampshire, are likely to see heavier snowfall. This would be welcome news for northern New England resorts, as they extend their skiing and snowboarding season for a bit longer.

In addition to the precipitation, strong winds are expected to be a significant factor. Wednesday night and Thursday, the storm will intensify, bringing gusts of 40-60 mph along the coast. While coastal flooding is not expected to be a significant concern due to low tides, erosion along the beaches is a potential risk, affecting areas that have recently undergone beach replenishment projects.

Despite the potential impacts of this storm, there is a silver lining in the forecast. The weather pattern is expected to "get unstuck" within the next 10-15 days, offering hope for warmer temperatures reaching into the 60s or even 70s.

The WBZ NEXT Weather Team advises residents to stay tuned for the latest updates and to take necessary precautions as the storm approaches. As always, their team is dedicated to keeping the community informed and safe during severe weather events.