Boston, Massachusetts – A brief stretch of more tolerable temperatures during the workweek will give way to a sharp return of Arctic cold this weekend, bringing dangerously low wind chills to much of southern New England.
According to the National Weather Service in Boston, temperatures through most of the workweek will be less below normal than recently, offering a modest improvement in outdoor conditions. Despite the moderation, forecasters warn that a strong surge of Arctic air is increasingly likely to arrive this weekend.
The Arctic outbreak is expected to be accompanied by gusty winds, which will significantly lower wind chill values across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and northern Connecticut. The National Weather Service indicates that dangerously low wind chills are likely, especially during overnight and early morning hours.
Major travel corridors including Interstate 93 through Boston, I-95 across eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island, I-90 (the Mass Pike), and I-91 in western Massachusetts may experience hazardous cold exposure conditions for motorists dealing with breakdowns or extended travel delays.
While no snowfall or precipitation hazards were highlighted in the update, the combination of strong winds and Arctic air increases the risk of frostbite and hypothermia for anyone spending extended time outdoors. Wind chills can drop well below actual air temperatures, making conditions feel significantly colder.
Daytime temperatures late in the week may briefly approach more seasonable levels before the Arctic air arrives. Once the colder air settles in, wind chills could remain well below zero in some locations, particularly during nighttime hours.
Early-morning commuters, outdoor workers, students waiting for transportation, and anyone attending outdoor events this weekend may be most affected. The National Weather Service encourages residents to dress in layers, limit time outdoors, and prepare vehicles for cold weather travel.
Residents should continue to monitor forecast updates as confidence increases and more precise wind chill values are issued closer to the weekend.
