Maps show more snow in the forecast for a potential white Christmas in Massachusetts

BOSTON – Dreaming of one white christmas? WBZ is issuing a NEXT Weather Alert as a clipper system is expected to bring scattered snow showers to Massachusetts on Tuesday Christmas Eve.

Arctic cold blast

First of all, a true arctic blast of cold air has created residence across the region with sub-zero chills now the opening act for the last full week of the year.

Morning lows in several areas were even colder than they were Sunday.

Monday was another cold day with chills ranging from the single digits to the mid- and upper-teens. Milder sea temperatures will allow for cool conditions still out on the Cape and islands. But as Monday ended, conditions turned even more wintry as a fast-moving Alberta rock will target southern New England near sunrise.

When does it start snowing in Massachusetts?

After another night of highs and low 20s, cloud cover will build and snowflakes should fall within an hour of sunrise Tuesday.

Are you going to work or travel on Tuesday? The greatest impact will probably be felt from 7 to

Most activity makes an exit around midday with a few showers lingering afterwards. Remember to bundle up for outdoor activities on Christmas Eve as wind chills will still be dangerously cold.

How much snow does Boston get?

A widespread coating to 1 inch of snow is in the forecast for Massachusetts over the next 24 hours.

Areas around the Cape will only see scattered coverage. Western Massachusetts and areas of north-central Massachusetts have the best chance of breaking a 1-inch snowfall. Isolated spots can see 2 inches to 3 inches total from this fast system.

Remember, the National Weather Service’s definition of a white Christmas is at least an inch of snow on the ground where you live by 7 a.m. on Christmas Eve.

Boston hasn’t had a white Christmas in 15 years. But the city picked up 5.2 inches snow on Friday and freezing temperatures mean there won’t be much melting before Christmas morning.

The highest Christmas Day will be 31 degrees. For the first night of Hanukkah, the temperature will drop to 25 degrees with mostly cloudy skies.