Massachusetts Weather Forecast: Up To Half-Foot Of Snow Throughout Tuesday

January will leave February a little mess to clean up, according to recent forecasts. And it's something we might have to get used to this next month.

Nearly the entire state of Massachusetts will be under a winter weather advisory — the Cape was included this morning — from late Tuesday morning to early Wednesday morning as up to 6 inches of snow falls.

The snow will begin Tuesday afternoon and intensify during the evening commute, the National Weather Service says. It will begin tapering off early Wednesday morning before the morning commute.

The NWS says to expect about 3-4 inches of snow throughout Tuesday, but their map shows 4-6 inches from Central Massachusetts out to the coast. Check the map below for the latest predictions.

It's been an unseasonably warm January for Massachusetts, but forecasters have pointed to a potentially snowy February.

• ALSO: Warm January Gives Way To Wintry February

The HOV lane on I-93 between Boston and Quincy will open early at 2 p.m., the Massachusetts Department of Transportation announced. The speed limit on the Mass Pike has been reduced to 40 miles per hour from New York to Ludlow.

The Highway Division has responded to 17 snow and ice events across the state, and there are 13 incidents of vehicles hitting MassDOT snowplows, Highway Administrator Thomas J. Tinlin said.

"These types of incidents can be dangerous for all travelers on the roadways as a full-loaded plow weighs about 20 times more than the average passenger vehicle," Tinlin said.

MassDOT offers the following tips to motorists:

• Clear snow and ice from all windows and lights - even the hood and roof- before driving.
• Leave plenty of room for stopping.
• Remember the posted speed limits are for dry pavement.
• Use brakes carefully. Brake early. Brake correctly. It takes more time and distance to stop in adverse conditions.
• Bridge decks freeze first. Due to the difference in the exposure to air, the surface condition can be worse on a bridge than on the approach road.
• Exit ramps are an even greater challenge during the winter since they may have received less anti-icing material than the main line.
• Leave room for maintenance vehicles and plows - stay back at least 200 feet and don't pass on the right.
• Most importantly please remember to slow down. Also, seat belts should be worn at all times - it's the law.

Images courtesy of NWS Boston