Massachusetts snowstorm: Which areas could see more than 6 inches of snow?

If you’re dreaming of a white early December in the city, keep dreaming.

It looks like the most significant snow accumulations from Tuesday’s winter storm will be north of the Mass Pike and west of I-495.

The heaviest snow, with the potential for 6-plus inches, is predicted from the Worcester Hills to the Berkshires, according to the National Weather Service’s Boston office.

A Winter Storm Warning will be in effect from Tuesday morning through Wednesday morning for parts of central and western Massachusetts.

“Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 6 and 9 inches,” NWS Boston wrote in the alert.

“Travel could be very difficult,” the agency added. “The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday morning and evening commutes. Significant accumulation of wet, dense snow weighing on trees and powerlines could cause them to be downed… If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.”

The areas for the Winter Storm Warning include: northwest Middlesex County, eastern Franklin County, northern Worcester County and the eastern slopes of the Berkshires in western Massachusetts.

While heavy snow is possible in the higher elevations, rain is most likely in the lower elevations.

Temperatures will be too high for any significant snow accumulation near the coast.

“Even if precip starts as snow initially, accumulation is unlikely, or, worst case would likely be some coatings on grassy surfaces,” NWS Boston wrote.

“The timing of this system (largely during the day) doesn’t bode well for snow chances in the low elevations,” the agency added.

Meteorologists expect rainfall totals of more than an inch in southeast Massachusetts by the time precipitation comes to an end early Wednesday morning.

“While colder temps pulled in on the backside may produce a flip to snow briefly on the tail end, QPF (Quantitative Precipitation Forecast) will be tapering off and not expecting appreciable accumulations,” NWS Boston wrote.

Following Tuesday’s storm, Wednesday through Sunday should be quiet and cold.

Temperatures are trending well below average Wednesday through the upcoming weekend, as an Arctic cold front Thursday night likely brings the coldest air of the season with temps in the single digits to low teens.

“But, a gusty northwest wind makes it feel much colder, wind chills are below 0F across the higher terrain and well into the single digits for the coastal plain,” NWS Boston wrote.

High temperatures will be struggling to get above freezing by Friday afternoon.