BOSTON--After last week's "non-easter," meteorologists predict that much of Massachusetts will be shoveling snow Tuesday.

The National Weather Service issued a winter storm watch that is in effect from Tuesday morning through the day on Tuesday.

"The key to this forecast is how close the storm moves to New England," said Storm Team 5 meteorologist J.C. Monahan.

The potential exists for a 4 to 8 inch snowfall north and west of Boston.

"I expect snow to change to or mix with rain from Boston southward during the morning," said Monahan. "North and west of Boston, especially north of the Massachusetts Turnpike, it looks to be all snow."

Close to the coast, it is possible that the snow will mix with rain Tuesday afternoon, which would limit accumulations.

The immediate coastline and northern Plymouth and Bristol counties could see about 2 to 4 inches of snow.

Far southeastern Massachusetts, including Cape Cod and the Islands, may have more mix and rain. One to three inches is possible in that area.