Winter has officially tightened its grip on Boston, as a powerful Arctic air mass pushes deep into New England, bringing dangerously cold temperatures and strong winds.
This morning, Bostonians woke up to a bitter 24°F (-4°C), but it feels even colder due to gusty winds that make temperatures seem like they’re in the teens. The National Weather Service has issued advisories as wind chills continue to dip, with the coldest temperatures expected overnight.
And if you were hoping for relief this weekend—think again. The Arctic blast is here to stay for several days, bringing chilly days, freezing nights, and the possibility of snow in some areas.
How Cold Will It Get in Boston?
- Friday, February 21: A mix of sun and clouds, but don’t let the sunshine fool you—it will stay frigid, with highs only reaching 33°F (0°C). Overnight lows will plummet to 14°F (-10°C), with wind chills making it feel even worse.
- Saturday, February 22: Slightly milder but still cold, with a high of 36°F (2°C) and a low of 24°F (-4°C). Expect a mix of clouds and sunshine.
- Sunday, February 23: The best day of the weekend! Expect partial sunshine and a high of 40°F (4°C), with overnight lows near 25°F (-4°C).
- Monday, February 24: A slow warm-up begins, with a high of 43°F (6°C) and a low of 35°F (2°C) under partly cloudy skies.
- Tuesday, February 25: A cloudy and slightly warmer day, with highs reaching 46°F (8°C) and lows at 37°F (3°C).
- Wednesday, February 26: A mix of clouds and sun, with temperatures reaching 44°F (6°C) before dipping to 31°F (0°C) overnight.
- Thursday, February 27: Times of clouds and sun, with a high of 42°F (6°C) and a low of 35°F (2°C).
What’s Causing This Arctic Freeze?
This brutal cold snap is part of a larger Arctic blast affecting much of the U.S., bringing record-breaking cold to the Midwest and Northeast. The deep freeze is the result of a powerful mass of Arctic air that originated in Canada and has pushed down across the country.
In the Midwest, wind chills have dropped as low as -30°F (-34°C) in some areas. Cities like Minneapolis, Chicago, and Buffalo are dealing with icy winds, subzero temperatures, and snowfall. The cold front has even intensified the jet stream, sending wet and windy conditions across the Atlantic into the UK.
Despite this deep freeze, experts say that global warming is still a factor—while extreme cold events happen, unusually warm winter temperatures are occurring more frequently worldwide, with places like South America and Australia experiencing record-breaking heatwaves.
How to Stay Safe in Boston’s Bitter Cold
- Layer up! This is not the time for light jackets. Wear thick layers, gloves, scarves, and hats to protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia.
- Limit time outdoors. Even short periods outside in this cold can be dangerous, especially when wind chills dip below 15°F (-9°C).
- Watch out for icy roads and sidewalks. Black ice could develop overnight, making morning commutes treacherous.
- Check on elderly neighbors and pets. Cold temperatures can be deadly for vulnerable people and animals. Make sure everyone has heat and warm shelter.
- Prepare for power outages. The combination of cold weather and strong winds could lead to power disruptions in some areas. Have blankets and extra layers ready just in case.
When Will Boston Warm Up Again?
Boston will remain in the grip of this Arctic chill through the weekend, but by Monday, temperatures will start creeping up into the low 40s. By midweek, highs could approach the mid-40s, bringing some much-needed relief.
However, cold snaps like this can be unpredictable, and meteorologists are closely watching the potential for another storm system later next week.
