Boston, Mass. – Commuters across eastern Massachusetts have one more mild weekend day before a sharp blast of Arctic air sends temperatures plunging and raises the risk of black ice on I-93, I-90 and Route 128 by early Monday morning.
Temperatures will climb into the 40s Saturday, continuing a brief stretch of seasonable weather. That warmth will fade quickly Sunday night as a cold front sweeps offshore and much colder air spills into the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Boston, temperatures will fall into the teens across much of the interior late Sunday night, with single digits possible in colder suburbs west of I-495. Wind chills could dip below zero in parts of central and western Massachusetts through Monday night as light winds combine with the colder air mass.
The rapid drop from afternoon highs in the 40s to overnight lows in the teens increases the risk of refreezing on untreated pavement. Elevated roadways such as the Zakim Bridge, Storrow Drive ramps and stretches of I-95 near Route 1 are especially prone to icy patches during the Monday morning commute.
Drivers should use caution before 7 a.m. Monday, reduce speed on bridges and allow extra braking distance. Residents should also protect exposed pipes and ensure pets have adequate shelter as colder air settles in.
Frigid conditions will persist through Monday night before gradual moderation begins. Additional advisories may be issued if wind chill values trend lower across the Boston metro.
