"The energy for this is on the other side of the world almost," said Simpson, adding he still expect more than 6 inches.

Weather service meteorologist Bill Simpson said the area will see a major snowfall, although the exact timing and amount is uncertain. Five days out, he said, it is difficult to predict snowfall accumulation.

The National Weather Service is expecting a winter storm over the weekend, warning residents that a significant amount of show should hit the region.

He described the storm as "certainly a plowable event" and the most snow the region has seen so far this winter.


It's possible that the weekend's precipitation could turn to rain at times. Temperatures in Boston are expected to hover around freezing, but any rain should eventually turn back to snow, Simpson said.

"Whatever happens it should be mostly snow," he said.

Another snowstorm is on the horizon two weeks from now, Simpson added.

This month's anticipated snowfalls mark a sharp turn from the region's December weather, which featured significantly warmer than normal temperatures.

"It's going to be an interesting couple weeks coming up," he said.

J.D. Capelouto can be reached at jd.capelouto@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @jdcapelouto.